Every year, millions of people visit Rocky Mountain National Park to explore its diverse trails and breathtaking views. The park has dramatic peaks, 147 pristine lakes, and plenty of wildlife. Its 355 miles of trails appeal to hikers of all levels of experience. For beginners, visitors recommend the park's flat lake trails, such as the Lily Lake Loop, the Sprague Lake trail, and the Lake Irene trail. Intermediate climbers may enjoy the 4.1-mile Emerald Lake trail, which requires approximately 745 feet of elevation gain, or the 9.8-mile Sky Pond out-and-back route via the Glacier Gorge trail, which offers views of snowcapped peaks.

Longs Peak is a 14-er (a peak that exceeds 14,000 feet) with a nearly 5,000-foot elevation gain reserved for ambitious and very skilled hikers willing to wake up early and pack tons of supplies. Chasm Lake is a short but challenging trail in the Longs Peak area. This 8.5-mile round-trip route takes climbers past meadows, streams, and scenic mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park is close to the charming town of Estes Park, which offers a variety of dining and lodging options. The park's entrance fee is $25 per vehicle.

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.

While there are no traditional surfing experiences in landlocked Colorado, you can still try your hand at the sport. Here comes sand surfing. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve can surf down the massive dunes with a sandboard, comfortable clothing, and a bit of courage. Keep in mind that there are no board rental facilities within the park; you must rent from a shop in the nearby San Luis Valley. The nearest rental store is Oasis Store, which is 4 miles from the entrance.

The best boards to get are those designed specifically for sand – snow sleds and snowboards will be difficult to slide on. Sand surfers can walk a little more than a half-mile from the main parking area to some decent-sized dunes. Those looking for larger slopes can walk a little further because surfing is permitted anywhere on the dunes except in vegetated areas. Those who prefer to sit rather than stand should go sand sledding. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; admission is $25 per vehicle, and no reservations are required. There are also numerous other activities available within the park, such as hiking and swimming in Medano Creek.

There are numerous ways to explore the Garden of the Gods, which is located about 5 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs. Hiking, of course, is a great way to get some exercise while also taking in the scenery. The easy Perkins Central Garden Trail and the moderate Palmer Trail are two highly recommended hiking routes. Jeep tours are another way to explore Garden of the Gods: visitors can take a 90-minute narrated Jeep tour to Balanced Rock and learn about the park's history, a 90-minute outing to Glen Eyrie's Queens Canyon and enjoy a scenic overlook, or a two-hour excursion to waterfalls, tunnels, and other picturesque areas.

There are also Segway tours and trolley tours available in the park, which are less expensive and less intense than the Jeep adventures but still provide plenty of incredible scenery for visitors to admire. Those looking for a little more activity can go on bike tours or solo bike trips (e-bike and mountain bike rentals are available in the park).

These massive sandstone peaks are linked by miles of hiking trails, with options for hikers of all skill levels. The Flatirons are numbered from one to five. The First and Second Flatiron Trails (a 2.7-mile loop) are challenging but rewarding in terms of views of the city and surrounding area. According to previous hikers, the Second and Third Flatiron Trails (2.2 miles) are also intermediate to difficult, but the trail impresses visitors with its natural beauty. The McClintock Trail or the Enchanted Mesa Trail are two options for those looking for a shorter hike with stunning views. Climbers will love the opportunity to scale the rocks – the First and Third Flatirons are popular climbing destinations.

There are also guided climbs in this area if you need help navigating these well-known rock climbing areas. Most hikes begin at the Chautauqua Trailhead; if you're not in the mood to climb or hike, the trailhead also has a large park area where you can relax and admire the Flatirons. The Chautauqua Trailhead is located just south of downtown Boulder, so you can refuel in the city afterward.

It's not often that scenic hiking trails are also rich in history, but Mesa Verde has both. This national park is made up of a collection of preserved cliff dwellings built by the Pueblo people centuries ago. For years, the Ancestral Puebloans lived and worked in these cliffside quarters before abandoning them in 1300. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the southwest corner of Colorado to see the ruins of this ancient civilization.

Make time during your visit to see Cliff Palace, one of the park's largest and best-preserved dwellings. On your guided tour, you will be able to see 150 rooms by navigating uneven paths and climbing a few ladders. In addition, there are numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area. The moderate Point Lookout Trail (2.2 miles out and back) is a visitor favorite, offering sweeping views of the park. The Petroglyph Point Trail (a 2.4-mile loop) is also popular because it allows visitors to see the petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls.

Colorado has been littered with abandoned towns, many of which were left desolate after mining conflicts in the early 1900s. Visitors can now visit what remains of these ghost towns and get a firsthand look at Colorado's unique history. St. Elmo, one of Colorado's most popular ghost towns, is about 80 miles southeast of Aspen and 110 miles west of Colorado Springs. Visitors can explore a saloon, a jail, and approximately 40 other preserved buildings from the 1920s. Many people recommend visiting St. Elmo to learn about the state's silver and gold miners, and many recommend purchasing souvenirs from the still-operating general store (open seasonally).

If you're staying in Aspen, you can also visit Independence Ghost Town, which has empty stables, an old general store, and cabin ruins. This town, located at 11,000 feet, receives a lot of snow each year and is thus only accessible during the summer months. Visitors can wander around on their own or join a formal tour led by members of the Aspen Historical Society. Visitors in the past have said they enjoyed hiking around the abandoned buildings and learning about the town's history from the informative signs.

Every year, millions of visitors flock to this town in central Colorado to enjoy the ideal ski conditions and massive slopes. Aspen Snowmass is one of the largest ski resorts in the country and one of Aspen's most popular attractions. The resort has multiple chairlifts and 150 miles of trails, making it an excellent choice for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are also some beginner trails and numerous opportunities for lessons; previous visitors praised the helpful instructors at this mountain resort.

If Aspen Snowmass is too much for you, try Buttermilk's 44 trails or Aspen Mountain's 76 trails. Even if you don't like skiing, the après-ski scene in Aspen is worth a visit. After a day on the slopes, skiers flock to the town's lounges, taverns, and upscale eateries. There are several award-winning hotels in the area, including The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome, both of which are part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, where guests can stay close to the slopes for an extra easy ski day.

A visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre will elevate any concert experience. The bleacher-style seats are built into a cliff and surrounded by towering sandstone structures on three sides. Visitors praise the acoustics of the venue, calling it one of the best and most unique places to see a live performance. Concerts are typically held between April and November, and you can check the event calendar to see when your favorite artist will be performing.

Even if you are unable to attend a show, Red Rocks is a fantastic place to visit during the day. Around the concert area, there are several hiking trails, including the easy Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles) and the intermediate Red Rocks and Morrison Slide trails (3 miles). In addition, from high up in the stands, you'll have a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area. On certain summer nights, the venue even hosts drive-in movie screenings. Make time to stroll through the Red Rocks Hall of Fame to see the famous artists who have performed here. The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is also housed at the venue, which is about 15 miles southwest of Denver.

Glenwood Springs is a small town on the Colorado River surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The town's famous mineral waters are sourced from the nearby Yampah spring, which naturally heats to around 122 degrees. There are three main areas in town where visitors can enjoy the hot springs. The world's largest hot springs pool, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, is large enough for visitors to swim laps in the 92-degree water. The venue is suitable for children and does not require reservations.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which has a quieter atmosphere, 16 soaking pools connected by heated walkways, and rain showers to keep visitors cool when needed, is another option. Keep in mind that reservations are required, and weekend access frequently sells out, so make sure to reserve a time slot ahead of time. Another thermal attraction in Glenwood Springs is the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, which is one of the continent's only vapor caves. This underground area emits therapeutic steam, which visitors can enjoy by descending into the caves and relaxing on the benches. Inside the caves, temperatures can reach 112 degrees Fahrenheit, and visitors can break up their sessions by spending time in the nearby cooling room or cold water tubs. There is also a spa area here where you can book body treatments like facials and massages.

The Arkansas River, which begins in central Colorado and runs all the way to Arkansas, has 100 miles of fast-flowing water that is ideal for daring rafters. Though it may appear intimidating, there are numerous easy routes for first-time rafters or those seeking a relaxing excursion. Lower Browns Canyon has a few mild rapids with plenty of time to enjoy the mountain scenery in between. Similarly, a visit to Little Gore Canyon will undoubtedly be relaxing and may appeal to families with younger children.

Meanwhile, the Royal Gorge excursion is reserved for thrill-seekers seeking steep drops, big splashes, and constant rapids. The Pine Creek route, which starts near the Granite Gorge, is another challenging option for experienced rafters. Raft tour stations run by a variety of tour companies can be found all along the river. So, no matter where you stay in Colorado, you'll be close to a rafting adventure. Depending on which company you choose, you can go on a single-day or multi-day rafting trip.

Trail Ridge, at over 12,000 feet, gives a whole new meaning to "taking the high road". It stretches for nearly 50 miles, from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. It has the distinction of being the country's highest continuous paved road. According to visitors, the road is well maintained, but that doesn't mean it's not dangerous: Your stomach may churn as a result of the twisting turns and dramatic drops. Most people, however, believe that the sweeping views, breathtaking mountains, and likely wildlife sightings are worth the potential height-induced anxiety. Drivers will appreciate the opportunity to get out of their cars and admire the scenery at the numerous designated pull-over areas located along the road.

You should allow five hours to complete the drive, but feel free to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Because of the dangerous winter weather conditions, the road is only open from May to October; even in summer, weather is unpredictable, so pay close attention to weather warnings before beginning your drive. Because the road runs through Rocky Mountain National Park, expect to pay $25 per car to enter.

This southwestern Colorado town retains its Wild West charm despite being a mining village that flourished in the late 1800s. The main street is lined with charming shops and restaurants against the dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. There aren't many fast-food restaurants or chain stores here, but there are plenty of outdoor activities. Telluride Ski Resort, which has almost all of the frills of Aspen and Vail but with fewer crowds, is a notable skiing option in town.

The free gondola ride takes you on a scenic ride to the mountains, which is also a great activity. While there are numerous winter activities available, the spring, summer, and fall months are what set this town apart. Telluride has a thriving arts district and is a popular festival destination. Some of the most popular events are the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Telluride Jazz Festival, and the Telluride Film Festival, but the town hosts many others throughout the year. Telluride attracts visitors because of its small-town atmosphere and history, with some saying they felt like locals by the end of their trip.

Grand Lake is one of the best places in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating, and sunbathing. This massive lake, the state's largest natural body of water, is less than 3 miles southeast of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and about 100 miles northwest of Denver. There will be plenty of kids playing, adults sunbathing, and possibly even a moose or two testings the waters on the lake's sandy shores. Visitors praise the area's upkeep and appreciate the designated picnic areas. Not to mention the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains reflected in the lake, which is sure to elevate your beach day to new heights.

There is a marina on the lake where visitors can rent motorboats or kayaks to explore the water. There's even a yacht club on Grand Lake. During your visit, you can enjoy a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops, and museums in the small town surrounding the water, also known as Grand Lake. Even if you visit Grand Lake in the winter, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. When the lake freezes over, two popular activities are ice fishing and ice hockey.

Construction on this historic railroad began in the 1880s, and when finished in 1882, it transported tons of gold and silver from the mountains to the towns. People used this train to travel between towns, and they quickly discovered that the scenery along the way was nothing short of breathtaking. The railroad winds through the San Juan Mountains and chugs up Cascade Canyon, a popular tourist destination.

The train ride from Durango to Silverton takes less than four hours; passengers can spend two hours exploring Silverton before returning for the train ride back. The train, which is now a National Historic Landmark, departs Durango twice daily for the quaint mining town of Silverton. Tickets must be reserved in advance, either online or by phone. There are coach, deluxe, first-class, and open-air seating options available. You can take the steam train, the diesel train, or the Cascade Canyon Express, which is faster.