Colorado holidays

Figuring out where to spend your time may be the toughest part of your holiday to Colorado. The ‘Rocky Mountain State’ is home to craggy peaks, verdant valleys and windswept plains. And that’s not even mentioning the four national parks, dozens of world-class ski resorts and thousands of fishing streams. Follow us as we cut a path straight to the top of this bucket-list destination.

Top destinations in Colorado

Aspen

World-famous ski slopes, epic mountain trails and an unrivalled apres-ski nightlife. Welcome to Aspen, Colorado’s year-round adventure playground.

Breckenridge

With the Colorado Rockies as its backdrop and a main street straight out of an old Western, Breckenridge inspires a spirit of wild adventure no matter the season.

Colorado Springs

This nature-loving city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Come for the world-class hiking and biking, and stay for the rooftop bars.

Denver

Outdoor recreation and mountain adventure mingle with art and culture in Denver. Enjoy big-city excitement in sports, music, restaurants and the nightlife scene in the ‘Mile High City’.

Vail

From its bowls and backcountry to its apres-ski parties and alpine aesthetic, discover why Vail is one of the world’s most iconic mountain resorts.

Durango

Nestled among ranches and mountains, Durango balances nature and history. And it’s also a great base for exploring the ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park.

Colorado: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Denver - UTC−7 (MST) and UTC−6 (MDT)

High season

June – August; December – March

Low season

April – May; October – November

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Colorado holiday highlights

Vail
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Climb a mountain

This state claims 58 mountain peaks above 4,267 metres (14,000 feet). Exploring some of these ‘14ers’, as they’re called, is one of the most memorable things to do in Colorado. Ambitious hikers can summit on foot, with Mount Elbert, Pikes Peak and Longs Peak being the most popular choices. Backcountry skiing is also possible, but it’s safest to join an organised tour.

Take a road trip

The scenery in Colorado switches from towering sand dunes to snow-capped mountains, grassy plains and sun-drenched rock formations. One of the best ways to soak in this diverse landscape is on a classic American road trip. Routes not to miss include the San Juan Skyway, Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway and the US-50 at the Royal Gorge Bridge and through the Colorado National Monument.

Visit a ski town

Mountain culture thrives in Colorado. The state’s ski towns offer much more than easy access to the slopes. Aspen and Vail are both famous for their elite apres-ski nightlife, luxury shopping and arts scenes. Snowmass Village, Crested Butte, Breckenridge and Leadville all offer incredible skiing in winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking come summer.

Things to do in Colorado

Vail
Visit Colorado

Top attractions

In a state famous for its mountains, Pikes Peak stands out as one of the most iconic. Drive, hike or catch the scenic mountain train to the top. Don’t miss the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic steam train that still carries passengers through the San Juan Mountains. For more soaring red-rock peaks, marvel at the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods.

Beaches

Colorado proves you don’t need a coastline to have a great selection of beautiful beaches. With the snowmelt comes a flowing tide at Medano Creek. Summer revellers sit in the shallow waters or sandboard the Great Sand Dunes, which frame the pretty beach. Golden sands and calm waters draw visitors to South Bay in Horsetooth Reservoir, also a popular spot for trout and bass fishing.

Nature

Colorado’s abundant natural beauty is crowned by the Rocky Mountain National Park, but there’s also hiking and rafting galore at Indian Peaks Wilderness. Dreaming of fresh powder? You’ll find some of the best downhill conditions at Vail and Steamboat Ski Resorts. Chasing mighty rock formations? Look no further than the Garden of the Gods Park and the Colorado National Monument.

Cuisine

The best restaurants in Colorado celebrate seasonal meat and produce in a big way. Check menus for standout ingredients like trout, lamb, bison, Palisade peaches and Pueblo chillis. Don’t pass up classic state dishes like the hulking Colorado pizza and Colorado-style green chilli served over burgers, enchiladas and tacos. And there’s no better way to start your day than with a sturdy Denver omelette.

Culture and museums

The museums in Colorado are worth your time. Get your fine art fix at the Denver Art Museum and Aspen Art Museum. For a glimpse into local Indigenous culture, visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which details the architecture of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. See what it takes to be one of the world’s top athletes at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs.

Nightlife

Denver has some of the best nightlife in Colorado, from speakeasies and natural wine bars to internationally renowned comedy clubs. Like live music? Catching a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is the stuff of legend. And don’t forget to check out the craft beer scene in Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs, or time your visit for a local beer festival.

Find the best time to visit Colorado

Weather in Colorado through the year

March – May: Snowmelt signals the start of spring — or ‘mud season’ as it’s affectionately known here. Temps can reach the low 20s°C in May, while the Rockies bloom with wildflowers.

June – August: Summer is peak hiking season, with snow-free trails and reliably sunny weather. Just be prepared for crowds, and pack plenty of sun cream.

September – November: Between hiking and ski season, early autumn is a sweet spot for low prices, decent weather and beautiful foliage. From late October, temperatures drop, and snow sets in.

December – February: The ski season generally runs from late November to early April, but the best conditions are usually in January and February. Book hotels in advance and prepare for temperatures below freezing.

Events in Colorado

Boulder Creek Festival (May): This popular event brings local bands, a farmers market and community arts and crafts to Boulder for three days over Memorial Day Weekend.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June): Acoustic music fans flock to Telluride for this four-day festival, which draws the biggest names in bluegrass, folk and Americana.

Great American Beer Festival (October): Craft beer fans won’t want to miss this famous festival, nicknamed the ‘Super Bowl of Beer’. Expect tastings, live music, food trucks and an awards ceremony showcasing the best brews from all over the country.

Wintersköl (December): Celebrate Aspen’s snow season with a whole host of winter fun, from snow sculpture contests and film screenings to bonfires and fireworks.

Know before you go

Budget

While you can plan a cheap holiday to Colorado by travelling outside of summer and winter, the weather can sometimes be unreliable. But booking well in advance can help you save on flights and accommodation. Once here, an inexpensive meal costs around 20 US dollars ($) and a short taxi ride is about $9.

Health and safety

Before hitting the trails, check that you have the right gear, including a first aid kit, plenty of water, layers and sun cream. Allow time to adjust to altitude before tackling one of the state’s legendary ‘fourteener’ peaks. If you go camping, practise safe campfire etiquette or use a portable stove. And be extra careful driving along those winding mountain roads.

Free things to do

Driving the Million Dollar Highway doesn’t cost a thing, and the views are exceptional — stop at Red Mountain Pass at 3,350 metres for the perfect photo op. If you’re here in summer, hop aboard the free Telluride – Mountain Village gondola. Or explore Hovenweep National Monument, where six Ancestral Puebloan villages reveal centuries of history.

Family friendly

You can’t beat the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for a family day out. Alongside interactive exhibits on space, dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies and wildlife, it hosts laser shows and 3D movies. To see fossils and dinosaur skeletons outdoors, join a geologist-led walk at Dinosaur Ridge. For thrill-seekers, Vail Epic Discovery offers zip lines, rollercoasters, tubing and more.

Getting around Colorado

Colorado Springs
Eve Nagode

Public transport

Buses: The Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs buses around Denver and nearby cities like Boulder, Aurora and Longmont. Greyhound connects Denver with Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Pueblo.

Trains: The most iconic train route in the state is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a nine-hour round trip between these historic cities. For stunning Rockies scenery, hop on the California Zephyr from Glenwood Springs to Denver, or ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad through a 380-metre canyon.

Domestic flights

Colorado has three main airports — Denver, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction — plus several smaller hubs, like Telluride, Aspen, Vail and Steamboat Springs. Flying is the quickest way to cover long distances, with major airlines like United and Southwest serving the state.

Find domestic flights

Driving and car hire

For maximum freedom and scenery, driving is the way to go. The two main highways are I-70 and I-25, but the real highlights are the state’s 26 scenic and historic byways. To drive safely on mountain roads, take it slowly, watch out for wildlife and check weather alerts before heading out. Hire a 4x4 with snow tyres and chains if you’re visiting in winter.

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FAQs about Colorado holidays

Telluride is a year-round winner for scenic views, outdoor activities and historic attractions. Denver delivers the perfect city break, with a mix of culture, shopping and nightlife. Come to ski? Aspen is ideally located between four major resorts — Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk.
The ultimate itinerary for Colorado could easily fill seven to 10 days, mixing the best of mountains, cities and sightseeing. But four days can also be the perfect teaser to hit a ski resort, dip in a hot spring, visit a museum and see an incredible natural landscape.
The best time to visit Colorado depends on your itinerary. June through October is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and touring Rocky Mountain National Park. From January through March, the big ski resorts draw crowds to their world-class runs. Spring is the best season for wildflowers in the eastern part of the state. And from mid-September to mid-October, autumn colours shine through.
Colorado is quite safe for travellers. But as always, when visiting the major cities, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close. A lot of the state’s attractions are at high altitudes, so drink plenty of water and ease yourself into any physical activity.
English is the official language in Colorado. There is also a strong history of immigration here. Walking the city streets or mountain trails, you might hear conversations in Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Chinese and more.
Colorado uses the US dollar ($). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you may want to carry a little cash for tips. Add around 20% in restaurants, plus a dollar per drink in bars and coffee shops.

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