From Vail’s snow-capped mountains to Pikes Peak, to the golden galaxies of aspen trees in the fall, Colorado puts on quite the display. The state is loaded with Instagrammable wonder around every twisted bend.
While the options are endless, these 7 extraordinary spots you may not have even known existed, stand out as shining stars. So stunning, they seem absolutely otherworldly and will take your breath away!
Here are 7 of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado.
Blue Lakes
You could essentially head down any trail in the San Juan Mountains and be rewarded with alluring scenery, but this set of three crystal-clear alpine lakes hidden in the high country may be the best. This hike is filled with wildflowers galore, unparalleled views of the Mt. Sneffels wilderness, and plenty of picture-perfect resting spots.
Garden of the Gods
Imagine dramatic views of towering sandstone rock formations like nowhere else on Earth! Explore this magical paradise of towers, boulders, spires, and rocks that resemble fun shapes like kissing camels and praying hands, against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and dazzling blue skies. It’s breathtaking!
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Prepare to be amazed by towering sand dunes with purple mountain peaks in the background. The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest in North America and you immediately feel small when you see them.
Rattlesnake Arches
Rattlesnake Canyon is home to the second largest concentration of natural arches in the nation and possibly the world. Scenery, solitude and the opportunity for wildlife viewing including bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions and various other critters is on the menu for this trail. Make sure to put this phenomenon on your bucket list!
The Eastern Plains
You know they exist, but this part of the state is definitely not a tourist destination. The Eastern Plains is a land of big sky, cliff-lined canyons, flat mesas, and broad plains. The area offers marvels like scenic Picketwire Canyonlands, one of the world’s largest dinosaur trackways, ghost towns, Native American rock art sites, and Picture Canyon. And to top it off, you can take in amazing nightscapes in peaceful solitude.
Mount Evans Rd
Nothing in Colorado will make you feel smaller than standing on top of the state’s tallest mountains. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America. A drive to the top, snakes and climbs through nearly 9,000 feet of elevation and through five climate zones, you will see views of almost the entire state. And if you’re into spotting wildlife, you’re almost guaranteed to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and marmots along the way.
Bridal Veil Falls
Stunning Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free falling waterfall in Colorado, and the historic power plant at the top of the falls and the Telluride valley. Telluride itself is a stunning destination, so after enjoying this dramatic waterfall hike, plan some time to take in the nearby scenery. Telluride is an old, Victorian mining town built in a box canyon. This is a must see while exploring Colorado.
I hope this list of 7 of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado inspires you to adventure more!