The 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Colorado

Growing up in Colorado, I’ve been lucky to explore some of the most stunning spots around. From towering mountains to peaceful lakes, every part of this state has its charm. Colorado has so many beautiful places it was hard to narrow it down to 15!

Check out my list of the 15 most beautiful places in Colorado, and see why I love it so much here.

15 Most Beautiful Places in Colorado

1. Rocky Mountain National Park & Trail Ridge Road

I think it’s safe to say that Trail Ridge Road is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Trail Ridge Road is part of Rocky Mountain National Park, and as you drive, you’ll climb to 12,183 feet above sea level. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. The road is 48 miles long and connects Estes Park and Grand Lake (two of my favorite Colorado towns). The drive offers amazing scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, and you will likely spot some awesome wildlife such as elk or bighorn sheep. This is by far one of the most scenic spots in Colorado.

2. Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are some of the most picturesque peaks in Colorado. Located near Aspen, the Maroon Bells stand over 14,000 feet tall. There are two peaks: Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. Visiting the Maroon Bells, you will be surrounded by beautiful alpine lakes, meadows, and aspen groves, and you may even spot a moose! The Maroon Bells are amazing in both summer and fall, with fall being especially spectacular as the area is filled with golden aspens. The Maroon Bells are popular, and to help with parking, there is a shuttle service during peak season to reduce traffic.

3. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. The hike to the falls is about 1.8 miles one way and is considered moderately difficult, but the views are worth the effort. At the top of the falls, you’ll find the historic Bridal Veil Powerhouse. In winter, the falls freeze, creating a popular destination for ice climbers. Whether hiking, driving, or just enjoying the view from town, Bridal Veil Falls is a must-see when visiting Telluride.

4. Dillon Reservoir

Lake Dillon is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Located in Summit County, this reservoir covers approximately 3,233 acres and has over 25 miles of shoreline. In the summer, Lake Dillon is a great place for boating and sailing opportunities. The Dillon Marina and Frisco Bay Marina offer boat rentals, sailing lessons, and other watercraft rentals, allowing visitors to explore the lake’s beautiful waters. Other activities around Lake Dillon include fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and biking. Lake Dillon is also near amazing ski resorts in Summit County, including Keystone and Breckenridge.

5. Rabbit Ears Pass

As you drive into Steamboat Springs from the east, you will cross over Rabbit Ears Pass. This pass is spectacular in both summer and winter. It is named for its distinctive rock formations that resemble a rabbit’s ears. The best part of this pass is the scenic and breathtaking views as you drive into the town of Steamboat Springs. There are many activities you can do on the pass from camping and hiking in the summer and fall, to epic snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter.

6. Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s beautiful 14ers. Located near Colorado Springs, it is a prominent mountain that even inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” If you want to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, you have options: there is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, you can drive, or take on the challenging Barr Trail to the top. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, often extending as far as Kansas on a clear day.

Pikes Peak is also known for the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as The Race to the Clouds, a famous automobile and motorcycle race that attracts competitors and spectators from around the world.

7. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a beautiful park known for its unique and dramatic red sandstone formations. It’s a geological wonder! The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, scenic drives, and even horseback riding. Garden of the Gods is great for families, as it has well-maintained trails and easy walks that offer breathtaking views of the rock formations. Key attractions include the towering Balanced Rock, the majestic Kissing Camels, and the impressive Cathedral Spires. The park is also free to enter, making it budget-friendly as well!

8. The Flatirons

The Flatirons in Boulder are a beautiful series of rock formations made of sandstone that are a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The area offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to more difficult, with the most popular being the Chautauqua Trailhead, which provides access to the First and Second Flatirons. The Flatirons are also perfect for taking pictures, viewing wildlife, and picnicking. Chautauqua Park also has a great restaurant and ice cream shop!

9. Mount Blue Sky (formerly named Mount Evans Scenic Byway)

Mount Blue Sky, once named Mount Evans, is one of Colorado’s great 14ers and is considered North America’s highest paved road. The drive to the summit is not for the faint of heart, as it’s high with no guardrails (scares me a little bit!). Despite that, the views are spectacular, and it’s well worth the drive. One of the most charming features of going up is you are likely to run into a herd of mountain goats or bighorn sheep. Up here, you can enjoy hiking on several trails, including the Summit Trail if you want to walk to the top instead of drive. The closest town is Idaho Springs, which is a charming town with lots of restaurants and a great stop before or after your adventure up the peak.

10. Red Rocks Amphitheater

Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful concert venues you’ll ever see. It’s an open-air concert venue located in Morrison, just about 10 miles west of Denver. The park is a geological wonder with massive red sandstone formations that provide awesome natural acoustics and breathtaking views. You don’t have to attend a concert to enjoy Red Rocks, you can spend the day on many hiking and biking trails to enjoy its natural beauty.

11. Grand Lake

Grand Lake is one of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado. It’s so beautiful and right at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. What I love about Grand Lake is, well, the lake! It’s beautiful and surrounded by the Rockies. The town is really cute, with shopping and restaurants, and it maintains a rustic atmosphere. In the summer, there are lots of water activities you can engage in, from boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding to fishing. In the winter, Grand Lake is a hub for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

12. Longs Peak

Longs Peak is one of Colorado’s most prominent 14ers, reaching 14,259 feet in elevation. On a clear day, you can see this peak from Denver, and living here, I never get tired of seeing it against the clear blue skies. Hiking to the summit of Longs Peak is a challenge. It’s a 15-mile round trip via the Keyhole Route, where you must navigate steep terrain and scramble over exposed rocks. The altitude can also be a big obstacle for some. Whether admiring Longs Peak from afar or daring to conquer its summit, it’s an iconic and prominent addition to the Colorado landscape.

13. Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of road between Silverton and Ouray in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The highway offers breathtaking views of rugged mountain terrain, deep gorges, and lush forests. The road is known for its cliffs, narrow lanes, and lack of guardrails, making it sometimes a daunting drive. It reaches elevations of over 11,000 feet at Red Mountain Pass.

Fall is a spectacular time to drive this stretch of road, as the foliage is vibrant. The road is maintained year-round, but closures can occur due to weather.

14. Glenwood Canyon and Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake is a beautiful and very popular outdoor attraction located in Glenwood Canyon, near the town of Glenwood Springs. This spot is one of Colorado’s top natural wonders, with a crystal-clear turquoise lake in a garden-like setting. To reach Hanging Lake, you have to hike about 1.2 miles each way. Parts of the trail can be steep and rocky; some say it’s moderately hard, but I didn’t find it too difficult. Due to its popularity and to preserve the fragile ecosystem of Hanging Lake, you must now make a reservation to hike here. Glenwood Canyon is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado and offers a beautiful stretch of highway as you approach Glenwood Springs.

15. Great San Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique natural wonder located near Alamosa, Colorado. The massive dunes are the tallest in North America, with some reaching up to 750 feet high. The towering dunes and the surrounding mountains create a breathtaking landscape. There are a variety of activities you can enjoy here, including hiking, sandboarding, and sledding. The nearby Medano Creek, which flows seasonally at the base of the dunes, offers a fun spot for splashing and cooling off in the warmer months. Camping is also a great activity here, where you can enjoy stargazing in the open sky.

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