Colorado Tourism

Canoeing on a mountain lake near Little Cottonwood Canyon

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Couple cross-country skiing in Vail

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Elk viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Friends hiking in Vail

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Sunrise view over Colorado National Monument

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Horseback riding with a mountain view in Telluride

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Whitewater rafting tour in Glenwood Canyon

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Families exploring Mesa Verde National Monument

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Cycling through vineyards in Grand Junction

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Clear Creek Falls along Silver Thread Scenic Byway

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Major Airports:

Denver (DEN)
Nickname:

Centennial State

Colorado: experience an all-American adventure

Whether you’re looking to ski the world-famous Rocky Mountains, explore the many cities and towns or enjoy breathtaking natural beauty, you’ll find your perfect adventure in Colorado. The state’s four distinct seasons, 300 days of annual sunshine and great vacation values make this the perfect time to plan a trip.

Colorado Tourism: Awake

From vast prairie grasslands to the majestic mountains, rushing rivers to desert landscapes, Colorado is unlike anywhere else. The highest-altitude state in the USA offers an unbelievable selection of wildlife and natural wonders as well as rich cultural heritage found in frontier forts, narrow-gauge railways, mining museums, dinosaur fossils, ancient cliff dwellings and in the art of local American Indian tribes. From ice climbing to a hot springs soak, a stay in a historic hotel or a trip through a ghost town, Colorado’s Western legacy is everywhere.

Beyond the rodeos and dude ranches, visitors will find an invigorating culinary scene, with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, vineyards and wineries. Twenty-five top-notch ski resorts immerse visitors in the alpine culture. Wildlife festivals, gardens and scenic byways make it easy to linger in the great outdoors.

With so many great things to see and do throughout the state all year long, there’s never a bad time to be here.

Colorado Tourism: Awake

Fun Fact

Master rider Kit Carson shows off his bronc-riding skills

The world’s first rodeo was held on July 4th, 1869 in Deer Trail, Colorado.

Denver has the largest city park system in the USA with 205 parks in city limits and 8,100 hectares of parks in the nearby mountains.

Photo: Visit Denver

A steamy evening at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

The world's largest natural hot springs pool is located in Glenwood Springs.

Must see places

Stopping to view Black Canyon's impressive formations

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Carved out by the Gunnison River over the course of 2 million years, this natural wonder of cliffs, spires and narrows are packed with adventures. Hike the rim or go deep into the inner canyon.

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Things to See & Do

Historic Union Station is especially inviting at night

Denver Union Station

This historic terminal building in Denver’s LoDo district is quite the scene: hip restaurants and bars, artisan shops and boutiques, and cool hotels reflect the spirit and the history of the city.

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Getting There

Mesa Verde National Park

At Mesa Verde, get an up-close look at how Native American tribes thrived in Colorado from AD 600 to 1300. Take a tour and explore amazingly well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

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Nearby Lodging & Things to Do

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America. Hike along scenic trails to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes.

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Things to Do in the Park

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This 1-meter-wide heritage railroad operates 73 kilometers of scenic track with special events including brew and wine rides, cowboy poet rides, photographers’ rides and holiday-themed Polar Express rides around Christmas.

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Special Events

Red Rocks

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

A stunning park located just outside Denver, Red Rocks is known for its large red sandstone outcroppings and naturally formed, iconic amphitheater that hosts big-name music acts.

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Yoga on the Rocks

Rocky Mountain National Park

With 560 kilometers of trails, this iconic landscape is easy to explore. Whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding and four wheeling are all popular pastimes here.

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Things to Do

The soft hues of Garden of the Gods at daybreak

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods

Near Colorado Springs, 4,302-meter Pikes Peak is one of the most famous summits in the U.S. Drive or ride the cog railway to the top. Visit nearby Garden of the Gods to see spectacular rock formations.

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Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum’s impressive collection includes more than 70,000 works including Western, Native American and regional art housed in seven stories. The angular, award-winning Hamilton Building serves as the stunning main entrance.

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Denver Arts & Culture

Zapata Ranch

This bison and guest ranch in the San Luis Valley is dedicated to conservation and preserving the area’s ranching heritage. Ranching and equestrian experiences, including horseback riding across sand dunes, driving cattle and working the farmland, are offered, as well as naturalist and birding tours.