The Million Dollar Highway connects the old mining town of Silverton to the town of Ouray and is a spectacular scenic drive. This is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that, in places, hugs the mountainside and looks out over jaw-dropping cliffs and across valleys to inspiring mountain peaks. It is one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain drives. If you have time, you can make this a longer trip by driving the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Skyway is a full-day excursion that is best done in good weather, but can also be done in winter or summer.

The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway begins in Durango and travels up to Silverton, along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, over to Placerville, south to Telluride, Dolores, Mancos, and back to Durango. If you have less time or only want to go one way, you can do the Silverton to Ouray section, which begins in Durango and continues up to Silverton, over the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, and beyond to Montrose or further north to Grand Junction. The towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride are among the highlights along the way.

Silverton, located at over 9,300 feet and surrounded by mountains, has one main street with a few shops and restaurants. In the summer, it can be extremely crowded, but in the winter, most of the businesses are closed, and the area can feel like a ghost town. Silverton Mountain, located on the outskirts of town, is an old-school ski "resort" with excellent backcountry downhill skiing for advanced skiers. Ouray, dubbed the "Switzerland of America" by a sign at the main lookout, is another mountain town known for its hot springs.

Google rating: 5.0/5.0

Location: 802 Main Avenue | Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 247-3500

Website: https://www.durango.org/things-to-do/scenic-drives/san-juan-skyway/

Rocky Mountain National Park, located just a few miles from the mountain town of Estes Park, is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The soaring mountain peaks, alpine lakes and meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife are all examples of nature at its finest. Longs Peak, the park's highest point at 14,259 feet, is one of more than 100 peaks above 10,000 feet in the park. The main driving route through the park, which reaches an elevation of more than 12,000 feet, is the Trail Ridge Road, which provides easy access to this incredible terrain. You can sightsee from the comfort of your car or stop for a hike or easy walk along the way.

The park has a large network of hiking trails that range in length from less than a half-mile to full-day and multi-day hikes. You might see elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and other wildlife if you're lucky. The most popular activities in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer are hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and bouldering. Winter in the park has its own set of attractions and beauty. Many of the roads are open all year, though weather-related closures may occur. People frequently come here at this time of year to snowshoe or cross-country ski, and ranger-led tours in both of these sports are available.

If you plan to visit during the summer, from late May to early October, you must obtain a timed entry pass. Passes for specific days become available on the National Parks website on the first of the month preceding (i.e. June 1st for the month of July). An entry pass is not required if you have a camping or other activity reservation. Except for a small reservation fee, timed entry passes are free.

Google rating: 4.9/5.0

Location: Colorado

Phone: 970 586-1206

Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

Mesa Verde National Park ranks 3rd on the list of the best places to visit in Colorado. Whether or not you've seen cliff dwellings before, Mesa Verde and the amount of access to the actual ruins that the park allows visitors will take your breath away. Cliff Palace, the park's centerpiece, is one of the most impressive dwellings in the Southwest, with a dramatic setting and incredibly preserved ruins. During the summer high season, ranger-led tours allow you to climb ladders right up into the heart of the dwelling. It is strongly advised that you purchase your Cliff Palace visitor tickets in advance of your visit. Space is limited, and demand is high, particularly during the summer. Tickets can be purchased 14 days before your intended arrival date.

If you're not up for that level of exertion, a nearby overlook provides a panoramic view of the site. Mesa Verde was home to the Ancestral Pueblo, who lived there from around 600 AD to 1300 AD. The park contains thousands of archeological sites, the most spectacular of which are the cliff dwellings. A road provides access to a number of sites, many of which are located on top of the mesa. A number of hiking trails lead to lookouts and interesting sites, including petroglyphs, and do not require a ranger tour. Near the highway is one of the visitor centers, where you can get information on the park and road conditions before driving up. You can book a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace when you arrive so you know what time to show up for the one-hour tour.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Location: Mesa Verde, Colorado, United States

Phone: 970-529-4465

Website: https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

Dinosaur National Monument, located in northwest Colorado, combines dramatic scenery with natural and cultural history to create one of the most interesting sites in the state. While most visitors come for the archeological aspects, the recreational opportunities round out your visit. Dinosaur remains embedded in exposed rock walls provide evidence of the giants who once roamed these areas, and petroglyphs provide insight into the cultures and people who once lived here. Cliff walls surround it all, with the Green and Yampa Rivers snaking through the otherwise dry landscape.

The Quarry Visitors Center, built over the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, should be your first stop. From there, you can access the park's main attraction, the Quarry Exhibit Hall. A massive wall of windows lets in natural light, giving it the feel of an excavation site rather than a museum. Fossils range in condition from still being encased in the stone wall to fully assembled skeletons.

Other popular activities in Dinosaur National Monument include driving through the park, hiking, fishing, rafting, and camping. A number of scenic drives on paved and four-wheel drive roads wind through the park. Hiking trails range in length from a half-mile nature walk to an eight-mile day hike. It's easy to spend a few days in this area if you are interested in exploring the park. Campgrounds, some of which are open to both tents and RVs and others open only to tents, are spread around the park. Hotels can be found at nearby Vernal.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Address: 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035

Phone: 435 781-7700

Website: https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, located near Aspen, showcases some of Colorado's most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and provides an opportunity to get out of your car and into nature. There are six mountains above 14,000 feet in this area, as well as forests, alpine lakes, meadows, and 175 miles of trails to help you explore the terrain.

The majority of visitors to Maroon Bells come for the recreational opportunities. There are numerous day hikes and backpacking areas available here. There are hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails. Summer fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams is popular. Camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a must-do if you have a tent and the necessary equipment. People come here to ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile in the winter, making it a year-round outdoor playground. If you don't feel like doing much, you can still enjoy the scenery along some of the scenic drives.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Location: Snowmass, CO 81654, United States

Phone: (970)945-2521

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81118

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a fantastic, rugged-looking canyon that is remote enough to feel undiscovered. The Gunnison River carves a narrow and dramatic canyon with steep cliff walls. The canyon is approximately 2,000 feet deep, with Gunnison Point and Chasm View at just over 1,800 feet and Warner Point at 2,722 feet.

The main activities here are simply gazing out over the canyon and appreciating the environment, or wandering along the rim's walking paths and short hiking trails. These are mostly flat and simple trails. If you're feeling daring, you can hike into the canyon, but trails aren't maintained or marked, conditions are difficult, and you're basically on your own and responsible for any rescue costs if one is required. The park has three campgrounds: the North and South Rim campgrounds are open to tents and RVs, but the East Portal campground is only open to tents.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Location: Colorado, United States

Phone:970-641-2337

Website: https://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm

Durango, in southern Colorado, has a lovely setting at the base of surrounding mountains. The historic downtown area contains some beautifully restored grand old buildings that now serve as hotels and restaurants. Some are decorated in a southwestern style with an Old West feel. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gage Railway is one of the town's main tourist attractions during the summer. This historic train runs day trips up the valley from Durango to Silverton, an old mining town high in the mountains. The train continues to run in the winter, but only on specific dates and only to Cascade Canyon. It's a very different experience than the summer trip, but it's well worth seeing.

Durango is also the end point of the Colorado Trail, a 500-mile backcountry trail that connects Denver and Durango. A day hike or mountain bike ride along the trail, out and back, is possible. The trail follows Junction Creek before climbing to Gudy's Rest, where many people stop for lunch before returning. More hiking and mountain biking trails can be found in and around Durango, as well as in the surrounding mountains. In winter, Durango is a full-on ski town, supported by the nearby Purgatory Ski Resort, just 15 minutes outside of town. This is a family resort that attracts both locals and skiers from around the Southwest. Some skiers also base themselves in Durango, which has reasonably-priced hotels, and ski at Telluride, two hours away.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Location: Colorado, United States

Phone: 1-877-872-4607

Website: https://www.durangotrain.com/

Vail, Colorado's ski resort town, is one of the best places to visit in the winter, but it's also a pleasant place to visit at any time of year. When it comes to skiing, this is one of Colorado's best resorts, with seemingly endless runs for skiers of all abilities. The town at the bottom of the ski hill is postcard-perfect, with chalet-style restaurants, shops, and hotels that transport you to the heart of the Alps. This is an upscale resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer shops.

Vail is not always within everyone's budget, especially if you want to spend a night during peak season. There are a number of small towns and villages nearby that are less well-known but more affordable and worth visiting. Frisco is a charming mountain town and one of the best places to visit in the area, despite the fact that it is not a ski resort. If you want to explore the I-70 Corridor around Vail and Beaver Creek, this is a good place to start. The town has a unique mountain vibe with quirky cafés, shops, and restaurants.

Breckenridge, located at an elevation of 9,600 feet, is just up the road. This town has a laid-back and fun downtown and is ideal if you plan on skiing at Breckenridge Ski Resort or looking for some nightlife. West of Vail are the towns of Avon and, slightly further west, Beaver Creek. Avon can be a good place to stay, especially if you're looking for less expensive options than those at the base of the ski hills. Beaver Creek is a ski resort with a charming village at its base. It has a variety of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, as well as a skating rink in the main square in the winter and hotels.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Eagle County, Colorado, United States

Phone: 720-446-8006

Website: https://www.uncovercolorado.com/towns/vail/

Garden of the Gods ranks 9th on the list of the best places to visit in Colorado. Garden of the Gods is also close to Colorado Springs. This National Natural Landmark features a unique landscape of jagged stone towers and fins that rise 300 feet above the ground. The scene is completed by giant balanced boulders and rock piles dotting the landscape and distant mountains surrounding the fins. You can get up close to the dramatic rock formations and wander through the surreal scenery thanks to fifteen miles of walking trails, the majority of which are short and easy.

Rock climbing is popular in the park, but other activities include road biking in designated bike lanes, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Jeep tours of the Foothills and the Garden of the Gods are also popular. The Garden of the Gods Park Visitor & Nature Center is a museum with exhibits and a 20-minute video about the park's geology. Daily guided nature walks are also available. The views from the visitor center are spectacular, and the on-site café, with its large windows, is a great spot for a snack or beverage.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Phone: 719-634-6666

Website: https://gardenofgods.com/

Pikes Peak in Pike National Forest, at 14,115 feet, is one of the Southwest's famous "fourteeners," or mountains taller than 14,000 feet. The snow-capped peak can be seen from the nearby town of Colorado Springs. This is one of the world's most visited mountains, second only to Mt. Fuji. Unlike many mountain peaks that are inaccessible to the average person, the Pikes Peak Highway, off Highway 24, west of Colorado Springs, allows you to drive to the summit of Pikes Peak. The travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the 8.9-mile Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which takes just over three hours round-trip.

The brand new Pike's Peak Summit Visitor's Center is located at the summit. This stunning glass and wood structure, which began construction in 2018 and is nearly finished, provides amazing views, interactive displays, and a variety of dining options. Those who make the trip to the top of Pike's Peak specifically for the world-famous donuts will not be disappointed. These fluffy, tasty treats are still available. Aside from simply admiring the views from the top, the area provides a variety of recreational opportunities. There are numerous hiking trails nearby, as well as mountain biking areas and reservoir fishing opportunities.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Sedalia, CO 80135,United States

Phone: (800) 888-4748

Website: https://www.visitcos.com/blog/pike-national-forest/

Colorado is a haven for mountain bikers, with great trails all over the state. Unfortunately, the season is limited in many areas due to the mountain climate. Fruita, near Grand Junction, however, has the climate to allow you to extend your mountain biking season through the shoulder seasons and into the winter months. It's also a quirky little town with enough personality to entice you to stay a while and return.

The mountain biking trails in and around Fruita are among the best in the state. The 18 Road Trails, including the infamous Zippity Do Da trail, and the Kokopelli Loops are the most notable. This is desert terrain, with trails running along ridge tops and everywhere in between, as well as alongside cliff ledges with views of the Colorado River. For many mountain bikers, this area has become an alternative to Moab, Utah. During the spring, you can even combine sports, such as mountain biking in Fruita one day and skiing at Beaver Creek or Vail, both of which are just over two hours away.

Google rating: 4.4/5.0

Location: Colorado, United States

Phone: (970) 858-9335

Website: https://www.gofruita.com/traveltips/mountain-biking-trails

The Mile High City is full of educational museums, trendy restaurants, historical sites, and breathtaking views, making it one of Colorado's best destinations. Most visitors recommend visiting the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and the Denver Botanic Gardens for a taste of culture. If you're traveling with children, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are both excellent options.

There are also a variety of unique tour options available, such as brewery outings and graffiti tours, to help you see as much of the city as possible. You can also plan a picnic in City Park, which has views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of space for the kids to run around. When the sun goes down, take a stroll through Larimer Square to find breweries and bars. Great Divide Brewing Company and Ratio Beerworks are two highly regarded breweries. Because of its vibrant nightlife scene, live musical performances, and notable street art, the Five Points neighborhood is also a great place to visit in the evening. Colorado's capital city also has a variety of lodging options, ranging from upscale hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Denver to more affordable options.

Google rating: N/a

Location: Platte, Colorado, United States

Phone: (800) 233-6837

Website: https://www.denver.org/