Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to question all that makes Colorado’s landscape so magnificent. The high plains of the east. The adventurous canyons of the west. And the majestic Rocky Mountains right in between. Colorado has a knack for blending outdoor adventure with urban sophistication. Where else can you hike up a 14,000-foot mountain in the morning, and then catch a Broadway-style play later that evening?
Colorado Highlights
Don't leave without tasting...
Buffalo meat! Residents of Morrison will tell you the Fort Restaurant is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Serving up mouth-watering meals inspired by the Old West, the restaurant is an authentic replication of the historic Bent’s Fort.
Where locals go to relax
Nothing’s more soothing than the natural hot springs bubbling up from underground streams flowing throughout the Rockies. Try Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs or Ouray.
You might be surprised by...
Believe it or not, North America’s tallest sand dunes sit right up against steep mountains. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is truly unique. Besides, who wouldn’t want to build a sand castle that no ocean will wash away?
Must-see museum
Just south of Durango, the Southern Ute Cultural Center provides an interactive experience paying homage to the Ute Indians. And in Denver, the Colorado History Museum includes everything from stories of early settlers to modern-day tales of what makes Colorado so special.
Your child will always remember...
Riding on a historic steam engine railway, such as the Georgetown Loop or the Durango to Silverton Railway.
Classic road trip
In the autumn, Highway 550 between Durango and Ouray offers a stunning collection of aspen leaves exploding with bright golden colours. It’s no wonder this highway is nicknamed the ‘Million Dollar Highway’.
Shopping heaven
The high-end retailers and exquisite boutiques at Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North are the most popular shopping destinations for visitors. Also stroll along Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, a unique outdoor mall. And Antique Row on Broadway, just south of downtown Denver, is a must-visit. Trinkets and treasures are hidden within the dozens of shops.
Made in the state
Quarters (25-cent coins), dimes (ten-cent coins) and nickels (five-cent coins) are all struck at the Denver Mint, which gives great tours. Or visit the iconic Coors Brewery in Golden to get a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest single-site brewery. Speaking of beer, more than 100 craft breweries can be found throughout the state.
Just want to indulge?
Colorado has many luxury hotels. Four of the best are: the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, the Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, Beaver Creek’s Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and Denver’s Ritz-Carlton.
For your first visit...
Rocky Mountain National Park in Northern Colorado and Mesa Verde National Park in Southern Colorado both tell great stories. Rocky Mountain National Park is the setting of America’s most scenic ancient mountain ranges (and a fantastic way to get within feet of the incredible wildlife). Meanwhile, Mesa Verde gives a close-up look at how ancestral Native American tribes thrived in Colorado.
Trip Ideas in Colorado
