Inside this month’s travel newsletter, we talked about all of the great American cities that are worth a visit for the summer. But there’s a whole state that is a must-see, especially during summer. Colorado sightseeing is a joy, and the state has so many different experiences for you to try. The local saying is that people come for the skiing and stay for the summers – though this was said to me by a friend who moved there and never came back, so…. Anyway, whether it’s beer or hiking or just enjoying the fresh air, Colorado is great. Here are a few of my personal faves.
Capital Adventures
Denver is the state capital and more than likely where you’ll start or end your Colorado sightseeing journey. It’s a fantastic place – sitting on the flat plains with the snowy mountains just in squinting distance off in the horizon. It also has a very good airport – one of the better ones in the states, in my opinion. As far as things to do in Denver, my top favourite museums are the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. I’ve not been, but hear excellent things about the Denver Mint tour (advanced bookings required). Plus there are loads of city parks and gardens, and for the shoppers 16th Street Mall should have everything you need. And more. Denver is also a foodie town – you need something to go with all that tasty beer, right?
Ghosts in Estes Park
Wow. Estes Park really blew me away on one of my first visits to Colorado, sightseeing with some friends. The reason everyone comes here is to check out the Stanley Hotel, famous for being the film set for Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. The hotel is exactly as I’d pictured it from the movie, and it does have quite a creepy atmosphere to it.
The real kicker though is the view from the porch of the hotel – it isn’t the same one as in the film. On DVD, the hotel is set in a dense woods, the perfect hiding place for bad guys and creepy all sorts. In real life, the porch is on a bit of a plateau overlooking the most spectacular view of rolling hills and mountains. Pictures do not do it justice – you just have to see it for yourself. Yes, it’s touristy, but once you’ve seen the film, you must come and see the hotel.
Rocky Mountain High
So, speaking of Estes Park, it is actually a fantastic place to go for a hike in the Rocky Mountains, one of the best things to do during the summer in Colorado. Sightseeing treks will show off wildflowers, blue-green lakes, mountains still snowy, and views that go on as far as you can see. The official state park has 355 miles of trail, so it isn’t as if you’ll be hard pressed for choice. Grand Lake is a nice, quiet base to explore from; other hot spots include Glacier Creek, White Alberta Falls, Cub Lake, Deer Mountain, Emerald Lake, and Mount Ida.
Bolder Boulder
I love Boulder – I’d love to live there someday, even if I might turn into a hippie. You see, Boulder has a reputation for being a place full of weirdos (almost as weird as Austin – see our weird things to do in Austin for a sampler). But there’s also a big university here, so with all that comes great bars and restaurants, putting Boulder on the Colorado sightseeing trail for sure. Beer lovers will not go thrist – in fact you’ll find it far to easy to be overserved – and as you can see from the photo above, there is plenty of open space around town to get lost in your own thoughts.
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Colorado springs is another great spot to spend some time while in Colorado. Sightseeing here consists of the usual city sights, food and drink, but I’d suggest you make one special place your priority: Garden of the Gods. This is truly a special place, with lots of funky land formations that have even funkier names (Kissing Camels, anyone?). Boulders stand on their tippy-toes, and the views of the mountains are incredible. The park makes for great hiking and tons of photo opportunities for you travel photographers out there.
Road Trip!
Colorado is one of the best states to get in your car, turn up the radio, and just drive. I’m not even a big lover of road trips (by car, anyway), but when people ask me for Colorado sightseeing tips, this is always one of them. Skip the highways and expressways, though, and head into the countryside. A few offbeat destination suggestions:
- Four Corners Monument: Four US states meet in a single geographic spot; it is totally a tourist attraction, but if you’re there anyway…
- Mesa Verde National Park: This UNESCO site is where you’ll find the remnants of some incredible cliff dwelling houses. What a vivid reminder that this was not always the United States!
- Leadville: a quiet stopping point, known as Two Mile High City due to its elevation.
- Redstone Castle: Don’t be misled – this castle is actually a Tudor mansion (but the naming is typical of other manors in Great Britain).
What are your top tips for Colorado sightseeing?
Photo by ishrona, ajmexico, Zach Dischner, Beverley & Pack, OakleyOriginals
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Another great area for some views is the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There are great trails and some nice views.
Cool – sounds like a great tip.
Someone really needs to give me a job in Colorado. I desperately want to move back there.
I lived in the Republic of Boulder (as it is perceived by many outsiders) for almost 10 years and miss the proximity to amazing hiking -much better than anything near Vancouver, wonderful biking and the chance to climb all those 14,000 foot peaks. (I’ve done 35 of them)
Also miss the Boulder bookstore on Pearl Street, listening in on concerts at Chautaugua, Red Rocks concerts and proximity to Utah – only 6 hours to Moab which is another of my favourite areas.
It has more massage therapists per capita than anywhere else in the States too – for your little bit of trivia.
Thanks Leigh – I can’t believe I didn’t get a massage while I was out there
Great trivia for beer night.
I haven’t been to Utah either but definitely a highlight for next time.