With incredible surrounding mountains and an abundance of world-class ski resorts, there are endless options for skiing on a Colorado vacation. This scenic, winding road trails right through the mountains so you can still see the dramatic scenery from the comfort of your car! But, of course, the mountains are rich in more than nature, with several abandoned mining towns now opened as historical tourist attractions. The mountains are home to the Uncompahgre National Forest and the San Juan National Forest, abundantly thriving with rich nature and wilderness that many people travel from all over to explore. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest in America, at 6,714 feet in elevation. The Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave welcomes millions of people as one of the most visited attractions in Golden, Colorado. His life inspired many wild legends popularly sourced for inspiration in novels, movies, and newspapers. Another one of the most fun things to do in Denver for those who love to learn is to visit the History Colorado Center to learn about local history throughout the ages. Visit the planetarium, see realistic wildlife dioramas, and explore the award-winning exhibits that are designed to educate visitors about the natural world. Drive the historic Rim Rock Drive, stretching 23 miles of stunning views of the Colorado National Monument. The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway winds up to Mount Evans, featuring views of mountain lakes, glacier valleys, and cloud-touched mountain peaks for a rewarding trip. Reaching elevation heights of over 7,000 feet, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway stretches 28 miles, beginning at Idaho Springs. The mineral springs are created from geothermally-heated groundwater that rises to the surface to be enjoyed as a natural spa day treatment filled with relaxation and fresh air. Voted the best city park in the country and second in the world, the Garden of the Gods is a prevalent park teeming with beauty and history. Look For The Fastest Bird Alive At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park The gold rush peaked in 1900, attracting Europeans, Chinese and African Americans to the area. Famous for its diverse landscapes ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, Colorado has a rich history involving Native American tribes, the gold rush and westward expansion. The pivotal discoveries, visionary inventors and natural phenomena that impacted history. All the major chapters in the American story, from Indigenous beginnings to the present day. The Sawatch, Colorado’s highest range and the central core of the Colorado Rockies, consists of Mount Elbert—at 14,440 feet (4,401 meters) the highest point in the state—and many other elevations above 14,000 feet. The western and southwestern extremities of the state comprise the tilted and acutely uplifted layered rock of the Colorado Plateau. In the north and northwest the Front Range, the Medicine Bow Mountains, the Park Range, and the Rabbit Ears Range are major uplifts, and Rocky Mountain National Park (established 1915) in the western part of the Front Range is a popular destination for tourists and outdoors enthusiasts. This guided Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip from Denver takes you to see panoramic views of red sandstone formations at the Flatirons. There are more than a few amazing attractions in Colorado, the land of natural beauty and awe-inspiring scenery. Get fascinating history stories twice a week that connect the past with today’s world, plus an in-depth exploration every Friday. And Colorado’s Chautauqua includes Chautauqua Park, the Chautauqua Trailhead with over 40 miles of hiking trails, and the Colorado Chautauqua historic district. Part of an iconic historic landmark, Chautauqua Park’s history dates back to when wildland preservation began more than a century ago. There are also hiking and river rafting opportunities available at the Dinosaur National Monument to traverse the wilderness where ancient people and dinosaurs thrived once. From May-September, special astronomy programs are offered for visitors to take part in at this certified International Dark Sky Park. The mountainous portion of Colorado comprises a great number of individual mountain ranges. The western half of Colorado includes the huge mountain upthrust, comprising much of the southern Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau, where mesas and mountain ranges alternate with broad intervening valleys and deep narrow canyons. Among the attractive features of the landscape is the agglomeration of high, dramatically shaped red sandstone formations northwest of Colorado Springs known as the Garden of the Gods. The major cities and the wealthy farm areas both lie where the streams have broadened the valleys. Brown helped nurse and raise funds for Titanic survivors, played a leading role in the national suffrage movement, and ran for Congress three times, going so far as to drive ambulances overseas during the war.For those of you who aren’t avid hikers or mountain bikers, Colorado has historic locations, interesting museums, art galleries, and more to check out.At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, golden eagles soar through over the Gunnison River, elk and mule deer prance through fields, and wildflowers bloom across meadows.Book a river rafting tour with a reputable local company to ensure you have the best gear and guidance.Well-known for its preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings like the grand Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park is rich in history, culture, and geology.The mountainous portion of Colorado comprises a great number of individual mountain ranges.Nevertheless, it is considered one of the most exceptional geologic features that inspire awe in all who look upon its steep ages-old stature.A park with this certification meets the strict standards of optimal sky darkness and an exceptional quality of starry nights. The mighty rivers of Colorado wind through forests, mountains, and valleys, making them incredibly scenic. Tourism is another major economic driver, with Colorado's ski resorts, national parks and outdoor recreational activities bringing in $27.7 billion in 2022. The layered rocks have been uptilted and dissected into prominent stream divides and deep valleys by the major rivers and numerous smaller streams that discharge onto the piedmont from the mountains. Chautauqua Park is the perfect destination for a picnic, a walk, or simply basking in the beauty of the surrounding scenery of the mountain and forest-touched backsplash. It is said to be the predecessor of today’s TED talks, modern journalism, and television. Featured as one of the top five botanic gardens in the United States, the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of a kind. Or you can ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and see the gorgeous mountain scenery from the comfort of a cozy heritage train! This Pikes Peak jeep tour takes you up the historic highway with several stops at popular points of interest with intriguing educational facts provided by your guide while exploring the summit. About 50 miles (80 km) wide and 275 miles (440 km) long, the Colorado Piedmont is a picturesque hilly to mountainous landscape sandwiched between the plains and the mountains.The waters are termed “Yampah” or “Big Medicine” by Ute Native Americans, who were the first known visitors to the springs.The state is also a leader in energy and natural resources industries, including solar, wind, biofuels, natural gas, oil, coal, and metal ore and nonmetallic mineral mining.The Mesa Verde National Park is a certified World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park, homing thousands of species, some of which are endemic to the area.The gold rush peaked in 1900, attracting Europeans, Chinese and African Americans to the area.Army forced nearly 1,500 Ute people to a reservation in Utah.His life inspired many wild legends popularly sourced for inspiration in novels, movies, and newspapers.There are more than a few amazing attractions in Colorado, the land of natural beauty and awe-inspiring scenery.The mineral springs are created from geothermally-heated groundwater that rises to the surface to be enjoyed as a natural spa day treatment filled with relaxation and fresh air.The Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave welcomes millions of people as one of the most visited attractions in Golden, Colorado. Climb To The Top Of High Peaks In The San Juan Mountains Pikes Peak Highway, the scenic highway, travels up to Pikes Peak for chances to see some of the best scenery in the world. Visitors can also eye petroglyphs of the Fremont people, who left traces etched in stone from when they made home to the area. If you like history, paleontology, and archaeology, you’ll love the Dinosaur National Monument! Colorado's history dates back to as early as 13,000 B.C. From prehistory, though antiquity and into the 21st century, all of history’s biggest chapters. History from countries and communities across the globe, including the world’s major wars. Native American History Underlain by layered rocks, sandstones, shales, and limestones covered by short-grass vegetation, the natural environment is inhabited by prairie dogs, jackrabbits, coyotes, rattlesnakes, antelope, and such birds as the meadowlark and the lark bunting. Colorado’s history is written in the names of its cities, towns, mountain ranges, and passes. The diameter of the letter is two-thirds of the width of the flag. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. The Benson Park Sculpture Garden has 178 pieces of art on display in the midst of a peaceful city park. A fossil of the Theiophytalia Kerri was found here in 1878, with a human history dating back 3,000 years. Found at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, this popular land feature is well-known for its massive red rock formations that jut from the ground. A registered National Natural Landmark, the Garden of the Gods, is one of the most sought-after things to do in Colorado. Revel In Entertainment, Arts, & Culture At Boulder’s Chautauqua Park Nearly all the plains are covered by brown soils, which support a strong mat of buffalo and grama grass, a valued resource for cattle grazing. The climate, flatness, and layered rocks have produced fertile soils that lack only moisture. Many other rivers are dry during much of the year, and the land is flat to gently rolling. Within those areas the state rises from about 3,350 feet (1,020 meters) in elevation in the east to more than 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) in the Rockies. Native American, French, and Spanish names alternate with those of frontier Americans, and many ghost towns are reminders of the thousands of prospectors and homesteaders who streamed into the territory in the mid-19th century to pursue dreams of gold, silver, and grain bonanzas. History from countries and communities across the globe, including the world’s major wars.In Meeter Park, the White River Museum recounts the somber moment in the history of the Meeker Massacre of 1879.With more than 30 endangered animals, the mountainside zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts to protect species such as the Amur tiger, the Black-footed ferret, and the Matschie’s tree kangaroo.The grounds were considered neutral ground by Native Americans, deemed as sacred.Other fond activities to take part in at the park include wildlife watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. The 14 Best Day Trips From St. Louis, Missouri (2026 Guide) The waters are termed “Yampah” or “Big Medicine” by Ute Native Americans, who were the first known visitors to the springs. Rising from the earth’s core for millions of years, the mineral-rich hot springs are highly therapeutic. The resort is between Vail and Aspen, within walking distance of historic downtown Glenwood Springs and spectacular views of the Colorado River. Home to a world-famous hot springs pool, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been the ultimate attraction of Glenwood Springs for over 130 years. Not only is Denver a great base for exploring the gorgeous scenery of the Rocky Mountains, but also it is home to some incredible museums! So hit the slopes, visit some charming mountain towns, and enjoy your time in the mountainous state of Colorado! For example, Steamboat Springs has hot springs and Telluride has top-notch golf courses. All the major chapters in the American story, from Indigenous beginnings to the present day.It encompasses all the state’s large urban complexes, its major transport arteries, most of its industry, most of its major colleges and universities, and four-fifths of its people.The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest in America, at 6,714 feet in elevation.On this authentic historic train ride, guests can relive the “Golden Age” like it’s still 1882 as the historic engine chugs past the stunning San Juan National Forest.Established in 1911, this preserved landscape features great red rock formations, twining canyons, and lofty monoliths.Pikes Peak Highway, the scenic highway, travels up to Pikes Peak for chances to see some of the best scenery in the world. This guided Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip from Denver takes you to see panoramic views of red sandstone formations at the Flatirons.The Colorado Rockies contain a significant share of the U.S. public domain in the form of 11 national forests, which total about 22,000 square miles (57,000 square km) of land.Drive the historic Rim Rock Drive, stretching 23 miles of stunning views of the Colorado National Monument.Found at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, this popular land feature is well-known for its massive red rock formations that jut from the ground.The gold mines were soon exhausted, and many mining camps became ghost towns by the 1870s.The museum shares the story of Margaret Brown and her impact on history through exhibits and education programs.More than a few natural springs have been discovered in the Rocky Mountains, but Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the most favored ones. You can also find river rafting trips closer to Denver if you head over to Clear Creek, which is a great rafting location for beginners. Book a river rafting tour with a reputable local company to ensure you have the best gear and guidance. If you’re an adventurous traveler, one of the most things to do in Colorado is going river rafting! And don’t forget to see Independence Monument, the famed monolith often pictured in magazines, at the Independence Monument View overlook! The state is also a leader in energy and natural resources industries, including solar, wind, biofuels, natural gas, oil, coal, and metal ore and nonmetallic mineral mining. Initially driven by gold and silver mining, Colorado's economy diversified in the 20th century. Army forced nearly 1,500 Ute people to a reservation in Utah. Tensions flared when Nathan Meeker, a federal Indian agent for the White River Agency, tried to assimilate the Utes and withheld rations as punishment for non-compliance. Still, for those looking to refresh in nature’s beauty, popular activities in the San Juan Mountains include skiing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, and more. Brown helped nurse and raise funds for Titanic survivors, played a leading role in the national suffrage movement, and ran for Congress three times, going so far as to drive ambulances overseas during the war. The museum shares the story of Margaret Brown and her impact on history through exhibits and education programs. Famously referred to as the “Heroine of the Titanic” and later known as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” Margaret Brown is one of the survivors of the RMS Titanic. The grounds were considered neutral ground by Native Americans, deemed as sacred. Colorado’s history is written in the names of its cities, towns, mountain ranges, and passes.The mountains are home to the Uncompahgre National Forest and the San Juan National Forest, abundantly thriving with rich nature and wilderness that many people travel from all over to explore.But, of course, the mountains are rich in more than nature, with several abandoned mining towns now opened as historical tourist attractions.In 1858, gold deposits were discovered near present-day downtown Denver, sparking the Pikes Peak Gold Rush.Thomas Jefferson pulls off the land deal of the millennium when he buys 800,000 square miles from the French. Sign up for Inside History Another rewarding stop is in Nederland, a lively mountain town with shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Mining Museum for anyone looking to mine for gold. Other fond activities to take part in at the park include wildlife watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. For those of you who aren’t avid hikers or mountain bikers, Colorado has historic locations, interesting museums, art galleries, and more to check out. Boasting jaw-dropping mountain terrain teeming with red rock formations, canyons, wildflower-covered prairies, and alpine lakes, Colorado is one of the most stunning and rewarding states to adventure in. The park protects and preserves the cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and Tribes, featuring 600 cliff dwellings and 5,000 archaeological sites. The Ancestral Pueblo people established prospering communities on the cliffs for more than 700 years. The Mesa Verde National Park is a certified World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park, homing thousands of species, some of which are endemic to the area. Well-known for its preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings like the grand Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park is rich in history, culture, and geology. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the most exceptional geologic features that inspire awe in all who look upon its steep ages-old stature. Black Canyon received its name from the black-stained covered walls, some sections of its gorge only catching 33 minutes of sunlight a day. Considered one of Colorado’s hidden gems, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is two million years old! At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, golden eagles soar through over the Gunnison River, elk and mule deer prance through fields, and wildflowers bloom across meadows. Near Rio Grande Park, the John Denver Sanctuary was named in honor of the internationally acclaimed songwriter who called Aspen home for most of his life. Established in 1911, this preserved landscape features great red rock formations, twining canyons, and lofty monoliths. Running for over 140 years now, the famous railroad is an affordable, family-friendly, unique experience that illustrates the powerful background history of Colorado, from pioneering to mining. On this authentic historic train ride, guests can relive the “Golden Age” like it’s still 1882 as the historic engine chugs past the stunning San Juan National Forest. If you want to see the beauty of the area without hiking or hopping on a mountain bike, you can drive along the Million Dollar Highway! Early American Settlement, Immigration and the Gold Rush More than a few natural springs have been discovered in the Rocky Mountains, but Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the most favored ones. As the fifth most visited park in the U.S., people travel from all over the world to drive one of the highest roads in the nation, Trail Ridge Road, a nationally designated All-American Road. This park boasts 350 miles of hiking trails, surrounded by the rewarding scenery of sparkling mountain lakes and thriving nature. The open-air amphitheater is constructed into the natural red sandstone formations of the Colorado mountainside west of Denver. The San Juan Mountains—a large, heavily ice-dissected volcanic plateau—rises to over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in the southwest; within those mountains are the headwaters of the Rio Grande, one of the longest rivers in North America. The Arkansas and South Platte are the state’s major eastern rivers, but both rise in the mountains to the west. At a distance from the staff end of the flag of one fifth of the total length of the flag there is a circular red C, of the same color as the red in the national flag of the United States. With more than 30 endangered animals, the mountainside zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts to protect species such as the Amur tiger, the Black-footed ferret, and the Matschie’s tree kangaroo. The gold mines were soon exhausted, and many mining camps became ghost towns by the 1870s. News of gold in the Rockies quickly spread, drawing up to 5,000 prospectors to Colorado each week. As early settlers turned westward around 1825, Colorado (“colored red” in Spanish) became home to fur trade trading posts and military bases, including Fort Bent and Fort Saint Vrain. Thomas Jefferson pulls off the land deal of the millennium when he buys 800,000 square miles from the French. There are also hiking and river rafting opportunities available at the Dinosaur National Monument to traverse the wilderness where ancient people and dinosaurs thrived once.This scenic, winding road trails right through the mountains so you can still see the dramatic scenery from the comfort of your car!Considered one of Colorado’s hidden gems, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is two million years old!The San Juan Mountains—a large, heavily ice-dissected volcanic plateau—rises to over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in the southwest; within those mountains are the headwaters of the Rio Grande, one of the longest rivers in North America.This park boasts 350 miles of hiking trails, surrounded by the rewarding scenery of sparkling mountain lakes and thriving nature.You can also find river rafting trips closer to Denver if you head over to Clear Creek, which is a great rafting location for beginners.Rising from the earth’s core for millions of years, the mineral-rich hot springs are highly therapeutic. A park with this certification meets the strict standards of optimal sky darkness and an exceptional quality of starry nights. Stargazing is a fond activity here, thanks to the park’s rural location. In Meeter Park, the White River Museum recounts the somber moment in the history of the Meeker Massacre of 1879. Colorado’s first and oldest scenic byway, Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, is a worthwhile scenic drive you don’t want to miss! The Colorado Rockies contain a significant share of the U.S. public domain in the form of 11 national forests, which total about 22,000 square miles (57,000 square km) of land. The Grand Mesa and the White River Plateau, both above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), are major attractions. The drainage pattern from the Rockies is oriented by the mountains themselves, which form the Continental Divide, the main watershed boundary of the continent. With its copious precipitation, that mountain land provides water for six states and Mexico, principally via the Colorado River, which rises in the northern mountains and flows south and then west through the state until it enters eastern Utah. It encompasses all the state’s large urban complexes, its major transport arteries, most of its industry, most of its major colleges and universities, and four-fifths of its people. Walk Through The Benson Park Sculpture Garden The major cities and the wealthy farm areas both lie where the streams have broadened the valleys.Chautauqua Park is the perfect destination for a picnic, a walk, or simply basking in the beauty of the surrounding scenery of the mountain and forest-touched backsplash.At a distance from the staff end of the flag of one fifth of the total length of the flag there is a circular red C, of the same color as the red in the national flag of the United States.Famous for its diverse landscapes ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, Colorado has a rich history involving Native American tribes, the gold rush and westward expansion.The mighty rivers of Colorado wind through forests, mountains, and valleys, making them incredibly scenic.Featured as one of the top five botanic gardens in the United States, the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of a kind. In 1858, gold deposits were discovered near present-day downtown Denver, sparking the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. (Another national forest lies partly in the state.) There are some 53 peaks above 14,000 feet in elevation and 831 peaks between 11,000 and 14,000 feet (3,400 and 4,300 meters). The region contains several national monuments and parks, most of them primarily scenic, while Mesa Verde National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, preserves the remnants of cliff-dwelling Native American settlements. About 50 miles (80 km) wide and 275 miles (440 km) long, the Colorado Piedmont is a picturesque hilly to mountainous landscape sandwiched between the plains and the mountains. Completely filling the open space inside the letter C is a golden disk, attached to the flag is a cord of gold and silver, intertwined, with tassels, one of gold and one of silver.