Colorado's 12 Top Attractions

Located between Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak, the town of Manitou Springs is renowned not only for its eight distinct mineral springs, which the Native Americans believed had curative properties, but also for its art, which draws visitors from all over the world. Magnificently restored buildings line the streets of the Historic District, now home to shops, restaurants, and galleries; it's an excellent home base from which to explore the surrounding Rocky Mountains and the summit of Pikes Peak. You can also use it as a jumping off point to discover the No. American number one park S by TripAdvisor with its magnificent red rocks that flow into the Pikes Peak forest.

Among the most well-known mountain communities in Colorado is Aspen. The breathtaking mountain scenery is the main draw, and many famous people, including Hollywood actors like Jack Nicholson, fell in love with the area and decided to buy homes there. Locals and visitors alike flock to the region's four ski resorts each winter for access to world-class skiing and snowboarding, and spend the warmer months fly fishing, hiking, rafting, and mountain biking. The city is also well-known for its trendy bars, trendy restaurants, and excellent live music venues.

The residents of this well-known university town are well-known for being both physically fit and environmentally conscious. Located at the foot of the Rockies, Boulder is home to countless hiking opportunities, including trips through the city's most iconic landmark, the Flatirons. Boulder Creek runs right through the middle of town, making it ideal for rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and tubing. With its free, live entertainment, skilled buskers, diverse selection of shops, and exceptional restaurants, Pearl Street Mall has earned its reputation as one of the best open-air pedestrian malls in the country.

New Belgium, the third-largest craft brewer in the U.S., is just one of many well-known breweries that visitors to Fort Collins can tour and sample at their leisure. S There are countless hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and streams in the nearby mountains and foothills, making this area a paradise for nature lovers. Minutes from the city center, Horsetooth Reservoir is a favorite destination for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, hiking, and camping. The Poudre River, which flows through the state of Colorado, is the only one of its kind to receive the "Wild & Scenic" designation from the federal government. On a hot day, you can find both tourists and locals enjoying the water in kayaks, rafts, and inner tubes. Come back to Old Town Fort Collins after a day of exploring, and you might just catch some fantastic, free live music.

Estes Park borders Rocky Mountain National Park on the park's eastern side. There are few places in the country that can match the beauty of the mountains. You'll be close to the park's miles upon miles of hiking trails, and the town's many attractions, such as the Family Amusement Park, offer everything from miniature golf and bungee jumping to go-karts and a huge slide. The Stanley Hotel, on which Stephen King based his novel "The Shining," is also located here, as are numerous other museums, shops, and restaurants. Spend the night if you dare; there have been numerous reports of ghosts and other supernatural occurrences in the area.

Breckenridge is the epitome of a winter wonderland, a picture-perfect Christmas town complete with twinkling lights and icicles and access to some of the best skiing in the world. But there's always something fun to do, no matter the time of year. Many of the original, magnificent buildings that once served as dance halls, saloons, and saloons are still standing today, making this the largest historic district in the state. Hot air balloon rides, which provide an incomparable bird's-eye perspective, draw visitors, as do whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, fine dining, relaxing spas, and even live theater.

Since its discovery in 1888, the mineral hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs has attracted tourists from all over the world. It's available all year for a refreshing dip, soak, or splash, and there's plenty of room to spread out and have fun or unwind. The Hanging Lake Hike is one of the most well-known in the state, and it begins and ends in this area. This natural geological marvel, perched precariously on the edge of the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon, can be reached via a trail. After a strenuous ascent, you reach a clear, cerulean lake into which waterfalls cascade.

Telluride is one of the most picturesque towns in a state filled with picturesque towns. Telluride Ski Resort is located in what is widely regarded as North America's most picturesque ski town. Hidden within a box canyon and surrounded by the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains is a Victorian-era silver-mining community where hikers can enjoy views of both roaring waterfalls and tranquil streams. There are no stoplights or billboards in town, only Frontier-era facades and Victorian storefronts, many of which house excellent restaurants with extensive fine wine lists and hip bars filled with a spirited culture of passionate mountain enthusiasts.

Southwest Colorado is home to the town of Durango, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers. Historic buildings abound in the downtown area, and tourists can take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railwood, a steam train that runs the 50 miles to the quaint town of Silverton and back. There are over 1,000 miles of trails just in the Durango area, and the Animas River flows right through town, attracting kayakers and rafters. Minutes away, visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and even ice climbing.

Around the turn of the 20th century, Cripple Creek's population soared to over 55,000. Although it is home to only about a thousand people today, visitors seeking a taste of the Old West or a chance at the casinos still flock here in droves. You can go 1,000 feet underground to walk in the footsteps of gold miners in an original 1890s gold mine, or you can visit museums like the Old Homestead House, a former high-end brothel, or you can watch an outstanding melodrama at the historic Butte theater.

Leadville is a more affordable and less pretentious alternative to neighboring Aspen. At 10,152 feet above sea level, it is the highest incorporated city in the United States. Seventy square blocks of its downtown have been preserved as a National Historic Landmark due to their outstanding examples of Victorian architecture. The town's history is fascinating and real, full of dramatic tales of real people who made and often lost fortunes in the mining industry. Visit its eight museums, go on a mine tour, or stroll through its historic downtown. You can go rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, and fishing all within a short distance.

The state capital of Colorado is a thriving metropolis with roots in the Wild West. It stretches along the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, providing breathtaking scenery and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities. It's a hotspot for foodies and has more breweries per person than any other city in the United States. The famous 16th Street Mall has more than 40 outdoor cafes and shops, making it a shopper's paradise. You can see a major league baseball game at Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies play, and there are also many fascinating museums to visit.