You may live in Colorado, but how well do you know Colorado? Do you know exactly where to go for a fun time with family and friends, or where to see the best views? Even if you know some places, you likely don’t know every place. That’s why we made a list of places you must visit in this beautiful state!

 

Eliza’s Top 5 Places to Visit:

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE

Founded on December 6, 1900, this museum is for anyone and everyone to visit! Kid friendly and filled with insightful information just waiting to be discovered, there are many things to learn about a large diversity of topics in fun, easy-to-understand ways. With hands-on activities, interesting exhibits, delicious food(especially the pizza!), and a fun gift shop, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a great place to visit if you want to learn something new!

– Jurassic Waters: Monsters of the Deep

Opened on March 21, 2025 and closing September 7, 2025, this temporary exhibit offers you an exhilarating experience learning about the creatures that inhabited prehistoric waters. From fossils and skeletons to recreations to examples from modern day, Jurassic Waters is chock full of new and exciting information!

Picture of the Plesiosaur skeleton in the exhibit. Taken by Brian G.

 

ECHO LAKE PARK

Picture of Echo Lake. Taken by Eliza G.

Located at 10,600 feet of elevation this is a beautiful location packed with things to do. Echo Lake is a fishable lake; there is a .6 mile trail loop packed with beautiful views; and a spot for weddings and many other kinds of parties. Located at the base of Goliath Peak, this location also has gorgeous views all year round, but especially during the fall. If driving through the mountains to see the fall colors is something you love, even the drive up to Echo Lake is just as gorgeous as the natural lake itself!

Picture taken from trail loop starting and ending at Echo Lake. Taken by Eliza G.

 

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

Massimo Catarinella, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Ten miles from Cortez, Mesa Verde National Park is located in Southwestern Colorado. This national park’s main attraction is the cliff dwellings that the Ancestral Pueblo people inhabited for over 700 years. There are around 30 miles of hiking trails where visitors can respectfully explore, and even bring their pets along! There is also a Mesa Verde Museum, where visitors can learn the rich history of the people who used to live in these amazing cliff dwellings. This national park also has the privilege of hosting traditional dances and performances by people of the Pueblo Tribe and other tribes connected to Mesa Verde. All in all, this national park is an amazing place to learn about culture and see a small piece of history!

 

ASPEN

Ben & Whitney Carey, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Located at 7,891 feet of elevation, Aspen is primarily a ski resort town three hours away from Denver. It may mostly be a ski resort town, but it’s also a very nice place for year-round outdoor recreation! Additionally, there are high-end restaurants; boutiques; and the Wheeler Opera House, created during the town’s silver mining boom in 1889. Aspen also has the Wheeler-Stallard House, which is a local history museum inside a 19th century-style home. The Aspen Art Museum also displays contemporary artwork. With beautiful natural views and buildings, Aspen is perfect for skiing and other outdoor activities!

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

katkimchee, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Located at 6,732 feet of elevation, Steamboat Springs is the largest northwestern Colorado city in Yampa Valley. It’s known for its outdoor recreation, skiing, and hot springs! You can walk along the Yampa River right into downtown; visit outdoor places like Howelsen Hill, Flat Tops Wilderness, and the Routt National Forest; and many more outdoor places! For skiing, people can go to the Howelsen Hill ski area as well as the Steamboat ski resort, which includes six peaks! The Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs are two places people can go if they want to relax in comforting, warm water!

One part of Old Town Hot Springs. Taken by Kim or Brian G.

Open from Memorial Day weekend through September, Amaze’n Steamboat Family Fun Park is another fun, exciting place to visit in Steamboat Springs. With activities such as mini golf, laser tag, gemstone panning, and many more, this place is perfect for families with kids! Only five minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs, this place is easy to drive to and can easily fill up an otherwise empty afternoon with outdoor fun!

Taken after going up a gondola at the Steamboat Ski Resort. Taken by Camden G.

 

 

Noah’s Top Five Places to Visit:

Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs

Photo Credit: Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

A registered National Natural Landmark, Garden of the Gods features towering red sandstone formations set against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and photography in this free public park. The Central Garden Trail offers an accessible path through some of the most iconic formations, including the Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve – Near Alamosa

Photo Credit: National Park Service

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, this park offers a surreal landscape where visitors can hike, sandboard, and splash in Medano Creek during spring and early summer. The juxtaposition of dunes against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains creates a photographer’s paradise.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Near Montrose

Photo Credit: National Park Service

This dramatic canyon boasts some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rocks in North America. Visitors can explore scenic overlooks like Gunnison Point and Painted Wall, hike along rim trails, or venture into the inner canyon for a more rugged experience.

Maroon Bells – Near Aspen

Photo Credit: U.S. Forest Service

Arguably the most photographed mountains in Colorado, the Maroon Bells are two towering peaks reflected in the serene Maroon Lake. Accessible via a scenic drive or shuttle, this area offers hiking trails that showcase wildflowers in summer and vibrant foliage in fall.

Rocky Mountain National Park – Near Estes Park

Photo Credit: National Park Service

Spanning over 400 square miles, this park features alpine lakes, diverse wildlife, and the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road—the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. Popular spots include Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and the challenging hike to Longs Peak.

So, how well do you really know Colorado? From towering sand dunes to alpine peaks, this state is brimming with natural wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover in the Centennial State. Happy adventuring to all JVA readers!