Airports In Colorado Map
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, chances are you’ll be flying into one of the state’s many airports. From Denver International Airport to smaller regional airports, Colorado has plenty of options for travelers. But once you’ve landed, what’s next? In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures that Colorado has to offer.
Top Attractions
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most popular attractions in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 400 square miles of breathtaking scenery, this park is a must-see for any nature lover. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, and even go horseback riding in the park.
Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural rock formation that attracts millions of visitors each year. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and guided tours.
Hidden Gems
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique destination that’s often overlooked by tourists. The park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, and visitors can hike, sandboard, and even sled down the dunes.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining.” But beyond its spooky reputation, the hotel is a beautiful historic landmark with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Food Scene
Farm-to-Table Dining
Colorado is known for its farm-to-table dining scene, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients locally. Some of the top restaurants to check out include The Kitchen in Boulder, Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, and Mercantile Dining & Provision in Denver.
Breweries
Colorado is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, with over 400 breweries in the state. Some of the top breweries to visit include New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, and Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museums
Many of Colorado’s top museums offer free admission on certain days of the week. For example, the Denver Art Museum is free on the first Saturday of every month, while the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is free on the third Tuesday of every month.
Hiking Trails
Colorado has no shortage of hiking trails, and many of them are free to access. Some of the top hikes to check out include the Flatirons Vista Trail in Boulder, the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs, and the Maroon Bells in Aspen.
Outdoor Adventures
Skiing and Snowboarding
Colorado is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. Some of the top ski resorts in the state include Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.
White-Water Rafting
For a more adventurous outdoor activity, consider white-water rafting. Some of the top rivers for rafting in Colorado include the Arkansas River, the Colorado River, and the Animas River.
Family-Friendly Activities
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is a great destination for families with kids. The zoo features over 4,000 animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.
Children’s Museum of Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver is another great family-friendly destination. The museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities for kids of all ages.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, check out the Colorado Gators Reptile Park. The park is home to over 300 alligators, as well as other reptiles like snakes and tortoises.
The Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States, and offers stunning views of the surrounding canyon. Visitors can walk across the bridge, or take a zip-line tour of the canyon.
Natural Wonders
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the dwellings, or explore the park’s hiking trails on their own.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains that are known for their stunning natural beauty. Visitors can hike, camp, or simply take in the views.
Vibrant Nightlife
Larimer Square
Larimer Square in Denver is a popular destination for nightlife, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Some of the top spots to check out include the Green Russell speakeasy and the Comedy Works comedy club.
Pearl Street Mall
The Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is another great destination for nightlife, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The mall also offers street performers and festivals throughout the year.
Local Markets
Boulder Farmers’ Market
The Boulder Farmers’ Market is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The market offers fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and other locally-made goods.
Denver Union Station Farmers’ Market
The Denver Union Station Farmers’ Market is another great option for fresh produce and local goods. The market is open on Saturdays during the summer months.
Beaches and Mountains
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is a popular destination for beach-goers in Colorado. The lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a popular ski resort town, but it’s also a great destination for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months. Visitors can also take the gondola up the mountain for stunning views.
Cultural Immersion
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is a great destination for art lovers. The museum features a variety of contemporary art exhibits, as well as a rooftop cafe with stunning views of the city.
Colorado Ballet
The Colorado Ballet is another great cultural destination. The company offers a variety of performances throughout the year, from classics like “The Nutcracker” to contemporary works.
Art and Music Scene
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a legendary music venue that’s carved into the side of a mountain. The venue hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year, from big-name acts to local bands.
The Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago. The museum features a variety of art exhibits, from contemporary art to Native American art.
Walking Tours
Historic Denver Walking Tour
The Historic Denver Walking Tour is a great way to learn about the city’s history and architecture. The tour takes visitors through some of Denver’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods.
Boulder Dushanbe Tea House Tour
The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House Tour is another great walking tour option. The tour takes visitors through the stunning tea house, which was a gift from Boulder’s sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Architectural Marvels
The Denver Union Station
The Denver Union Station is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The building has been restored and transformed into a bustling transportation hub, with restaurants, bars, and shops.
The Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol is another impressive architectural marvel. The building features a stunning dome and offers guided tours for visitors.
Historical Sites
Mesa Verde National Park
As mentioned earlier, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see destination for history buffs. The park is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world.
The Molly Brown House Museum
The Molly Brown House Museum in Denver is a historic landmark that was once home to the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. The museum offers guided tours and exhibits about Brown’s life.
Biking Routes
The Cherry Creek Bike Path
The Cherry Creek Bike Path is a popular biking route that offers stunning views of the city. The path runs for over 40 miles and connects Denver to Cherry Creek State