ColoradoCarmen Willings
itinerantjoy.com April 26, 2025 Colorado is known for its breathtaking Rocky Mountain landscapes, offering outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The state is home to vibrant cities such as Denver, known for its craft beer scene, and Boulder, which is known for its natural beauty and active lifestyle. Colorado also boasts rich cultural attractions, from Native American history to the arts. With scenic national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde, the state is a haven for nature lovers.
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National Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkShowcases one of North America’s most dramatic and narrow canyons. Carved by the powerful Gunnison River, the canyon features steep, sheer walls that plunge as much as 2,700 feet, with some of the darkest and most rugged rock in the U.S. Visitors can explore the park through scenic drives, hikes, and overlooks on both the North and South Rims, or venture into the inner canyon for more advanced adventures. Its name reflects the limited sunlight that reaches the canyon floor, adding to its mysterious and majestic allure.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
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- Painted Wall Overlook - Don't Miss This overlook features the tallest cliff in Colorado, the Painted Wall. From river to rim, the Painted Wall is 2,250 feet tall. The walk to the overlook is 200 yards on an unpaved trail.
- Chasm View – Don’t Miss The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.
- North Vista Trail – Hike This trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. After passing through an area of sage and oak brush, the trail meanders in a pinyon/juniper forest along the canyon rim. Several overlooks offer views of Pinyon Draw and the inner canyon.
- Gunnison Point – Don’t Miss The South Rim Visitor Center is at Gunnison Point. A short walk will take you to the overlooks. From here the Rim Rock Trail heads to the South Rim Campground, and the Oak Flat Trail takes you on a loop below the canyon rim.
- East Portal Road – Steep Drive. The East Portal Road is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The road is paved and two-way, but windy and steep. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road. In a few places, the road is a 16% grade; vehicles should be in low gear on the road to avoid burning out the brakes. The road is closed in winter, typically from November to April.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & PreserveHome to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park offers a striking mix of landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, alpine forests, and tundra. Visitors can hike the dunes, splash in seasonal Medano Creek, and explore diverse habitats that support a variety of wildlife. The park is also a designated Dark Sky Park, making it a popular destination for stargazing.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park
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Mesa Verde National ParkPreserves some of the most significant and well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. The park features over 600 cliff dwellings and thousands of mesa-top structures, including the iconic Cliff Palace. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives, ingenuity, and cultural legacy of the people who lived here from 600 to 1300 CE. Visitors can explore the dwellings on ranger-led tours, hike scenic trails, and learn about Indigenous history in a landscape rich with cultural and natural beauty.
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Mesa Verde Cliff Palace
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- Point Lookout Trail – Hike The Point Lookout Trail climbs up the iconic Point Lookout, the geological formation that towers above the park entrance. The trail offers views of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains, as well as Mancos and Montezuma Valleys.
- Visitor Center – Tour Tickets
- Long House – Don’t Miss Long House is located on Wetherill Mesa in the western portion of Mesa Verde National Park. Long House is reached by driving out a 12 mile winding road that leaves the main park road just beyond the Far View Lodge near mile marker 15. The steep, winding road follows an historic fire trail for 12 miles. Vehicle length is restricted to 25 feet or less. Purchase tickets for a two hour, ranger-guided tour of Long House at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center before driving to Wetherill Mesa.
- Petroglyphs Trail – Hike The Petroglyph Point Trail offers excellent views of Spruce and Navajo Canyons and takes you past a large petroglyph panel located 1.4 miles (2.3 km) south of the trailhead.
- Spruce Tree House – Don't Miss Due to safety concerns related to rock falls from the alcove surrounding Spruce Tree House, the cliff dwelling is closed for the foreseeable future, until a full geotechnical assessment can be performed. Overlooks near the museum offer views of the Spruce Tree House.
- Cliff Palace – Don’t Miss The Cliff Palace Overlook is the first stop on the 6-mile (10 km) Cliff Palace Loop Road. Recent studies reveal that Cliff Palace contained 150 rooms and 23 kivas and housed a population of approximately 100 people. You may enter Balcony House or Cliff Palace by ranger-guided tour only. Visit Tour Tickets for more information.
- Balcony House - Don’t Miss Evidence of how room and passageway construction in the alcove evolved through time can easily be seen in Balcony House. Today, the tunnel, passageways, and modern 32-foot entrance ladder are what make it the most adventurous cliff dwelling tour in the park
​​Rocky Mountain National ParkWebsite: Rocky Mountain National Park
A showcase of dramatic alpine scenery, from towering peaks and rugged ridges to glacial lakes and flower-filled meadows. The park boasts over 60 mountain peaks above 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak, and a range of ecosystems from montane forests to alpine tundra. Visitors can explore over 350 miles of hiking trails, drive the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road, and spot wildlife like elk, marmots, and bighorn sheep.
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Rocky Mountain NP
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National Historic Sites
Amache National Historic SiteAmache, also known as the Granada War Relocation Center, was one of ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated during World War II. Today, visitors can explore remaining foundations, a reconstructed guard tower and barracks, and learn about the lives, resilience, and contributions of those incarcerated there.
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Amache National Historic Site
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Bent’s Old Fort National Historic SiteA full-scale reconstruction of the 1840s adobe trading post that was once a vital hub on the Santa Fe Trail. At Bent’s Old Fort, Plains Tribes, traders, trappers, and settlers converged. Today it features costumed interpreters, live demonstrations, and rich stories of trade, diplomacy, and frontier life.
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Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
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Sand Creek Massacre National Historic SiteThis solemn site preserves the landscape of the 1864 massacre where U.S. soldiers killed over 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho people—mostly women, children, and elders—despite having camped under a U.S. peace flag. The site offers a reflective walking trail, interpretive signs, and insights into the tragic and complex legacy of westward expansion.
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Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
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National Monuments (NM)
Colorado National MonumentA breathtaking landscape of towering red sandstone monoliths, sheer-walled canyons, and expansive vistas. Scenic drives like Rim Rock Drive and hiking trails reveal the dramatic beauty of the Colorado Plateau, often compared to a mini–Grand Canyon.
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Colorado National Monument
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Dinosaur National MonumentWebsite: Dinosaur National Monument
Famous for one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil beds, where visitors can see embedded fossils in the rock at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Beyond the fossils, the monument features rugged canyons, petroglyphs, and evidence of thousands of years of human habitation.
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Dinosaur National Monument
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Florissant Fossil Beds National MonumentThis quiet valley holds petrified redwood stumps and an astonishing number of detailed insect and plant fossils from the Eocene Epoch. A walk through ancient forests frozen in stone is paired with interactive exhibits and paleontology programs.
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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
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Hovenweep National MonumentA remote and hauntingly beautiful series of stone towers, pueblos, and circular dwellings built by ancestral Puebloans between 1200 and 1300 CE. The structures, perched on canyon rims and boulders, reflect complex architecture and a vibrant past.
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Hovenweep National Monument
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Yucca House National MonumentOne of the few unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan sites preserved in its original condition. Though undeveloped, this monument protects a large ancient pueblo and gives visitors a rare glimpse of an archaeological site left undisturbed.
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Yucca House National Monument
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National Historic Trails
Old Spanish National Historic TrailWebsite: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
An important trade route used by Mexican traders, the Old Spanish Trail stretched from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California. It connected various regions, fostering trade between Mexico, the American Southwest, and California, and was a key part of the early westward expansion.
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Old Spanish National Historic Trail
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Pony Express National Historic TrailWebsite: Pony Express National Historic Trail
The Pony Express was a mail delivery service that operated between Missouri and California in 1860-1861. It was known for its speed, delivering letters across the country in just 10 days using a relay of horseback riders, thus revolutionizing mail delivery in the American West.
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Pony Express National Historic Trail
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Santa Fe National Historic TrailWebsite: Santa Fe National Historic Trail
This trade route connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was vital for commerce between the U.S. and Mexico. The trail played a major role in the westward expansion, facilitating trade in goods like silver, furs, and other commodities, while also opening the door for American settlers into New Mexico.
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Santa Fe National Historic Trail
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Nature
​​Curecanti National Recreation AreaThis scenic area encompasses three reservoirs along the Gunnison River—Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal—set amid steep canyons and rugged mesas. It offers boating, kayaking, fishing (especially kokanee salmon), camping, hiking, and access to the start of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The area also includes historic railroad sites and dramatic views of the surrounding Rockies.
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​​Curecanti National Recreation Area
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Box Canyon FallsLocated in the scenic town of Ouray, often called the "Switzerland of America," Box Canyon Falls is a stunning waterfall that crashes dramatically into a narrow, rocky canyon. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk and provide visitors with a breathtaking, up-close view of the powerful water flow.
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Box Canyon Falls
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FlatironsWebsite: Flatirons
The Flatirons are iconic slanted rock formations located near Boulder, Colorado. They are a popular hiking destination with scenic trails that offer incredible views of the surrounding plains and foothills, making them a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
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Flatirons
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Garden of the GodsSituated in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods features towering red sandstone formations set against the majestic backdrop of Pikes Peak. This natural park offers easy trails, rock climbing opportunities, and stunning vistas, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
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Garden of the Gods
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Hanging LakeHanging Lake is a breathtaking, crystal-clear turquoise lake surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. This natural wonder, perched high above Glenwood Canyon, requires a permit for access and a steep hike to reach, but the spectacular views and tranquil atmosphere make it well worth the effort.
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Hanging Lake
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Maroon BellsWebsite: Maroon Bells
Located just ten miles west of Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two iconic, symmetrical peaks, often considered one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the U.S. Their stunning reflection in Maroon Lake makes for a picturesque scene, especially at sunrise and during the fall when the aspen trees turn golden.
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Maroon Bells
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Paint Mines Interpretive ParkLocated just outside of Boulder, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park showcases unique slanted rock formations in vibrant colors. The park offers hiking trails with impressive views of the surrounding landscape, including wide vistas of the plains and distant mountains.
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Paint Mines Interpretive Park
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Pikes PeakWebsite: Pikes Peak
Famous for its panoramic summit views, Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most celebrated fourteeners. Visitors can either drive to the top or take the cog railway, experiencing sweeping vistas that have inspired authors and explorers alike.
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Pikes Peak
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Red Rocks AmphitheatreRed Rocks Amphitheatre, known for its natural acoustics and stunning setting, is a world-renowned outdoor concert venue surrounded by towering red rock formations. It's a popular spot for concerts, events, and sightseeing, offering sweeping views and a unique atmosphere.
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Red Rocks Amphitheatre
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San Juan MountainsWebsite: San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains offer dramatic, jagged peaks and a rich tapestry of alpine lakes and vibrant mining towns. Known for their rugged beauty, these mountains are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent hiking, scenic drives, and colorful landscapes, particularly during the fall foliage season.
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San Juan Mountains
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Unique Places
Bishop CastleAn eccentric, handmade stone castle located in the San Isabel National Forest, Bishop Castle is a quirky, DIY masterpiece built by one man over decades. The castle features towering spires, intricate stonework, and even dragons. It's an unusual and fascinating stop for those seeking a unique adventure.
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Bishop Castle
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Crystal MillCrystal Mill is one of Colorado's most iconic historical sites. This 1890s wooden powerhouse, perched on the edge of a river in Marble, offers picturesque views, especially in the fall when the surrounding foliage turns vibrant colors. It’s a perfect spot for photography and history enthusiasts.
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Crystal Mill
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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RailroadDurango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic rides through dramatic canyons and mountain passes. The town also boasts a lively downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as easy access to nearby Mesa Verde National Park. Durango offers a unique blend of Wild West heritage and modern mountain charm.
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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
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St. Elmo Ghost TownWebsite: St. Elmo Ghost Town
One of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado, St. Elmo dates back to the 1880s. Once a thriving mining town, it now offers a peek into the past with its crumbling buildings and rustic charm. It’s a great spot for history buffs and those intrigued by the Old West.
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St. Elmo Ghost Town
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Dark Sky Places
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A breathtaking, starlit wonder, known for its dramatic cliffs and dark skies perfect for stargazing. - Browns Canyon National Monument
A pristine, remote area with clear night skies, offering views of stars and the Milky Way. - Crestone, Colorado. A charming town known for its excellent stargazing opportunities, surrounded by rugged peaks and serene darkness.
- Curecanti National Recreation Area. A haven for stargazers with its expansive, unspoiled skies over tranquil reservoirs and canyons.
- Dinosaur National Monument. Home to ancient fossils and dark skies, offering stargazing amidst a rich historical landscape.
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. A place where prehistoric fossils meet clear, dark skies ideal for night-time exploration.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Famous for its towering dunes and starry skies, this park offers some of the clearest stargazing in Colorado.
- Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. A remote, rugged area with pristine dark skies, perfect for observing the Milky Way and celestial events.
- Hovenweep National Monument. A quiet, historic site with exceptional dark skies, offering a peaceful setting for stargazing.
- Mesa Verde National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient cliff dwellings and clear skies for incredible stargazing experiences.
- Natural Bridges National Monument. Known for its natural rock formations and dark, clear skies that allow for spectacular stargazing.
- Norwood, Colorado. A peaceful town with minimal light pollution, perfect for stargazing and enjoying clear, expansive skies.
- Nucla and Naturita, Colorado. Tucked away in western Colorado, these small towns offer pristine, unobstructed skies ideal for stargazing.
- Ridgway, Colorado. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, Ridgway offers dark skies and breathtaking stargazing.
- Top of the Pines, Ridgway. A remote, serene location with some of the darkest skies in Colorado, perfect for stargazing.
- Town of Paonia. Nestled in the North Fork Valley, Paonia provides a quiet, dark-sky environment, ideal for night-time sky gazing.
- Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado. These twin towns are designated Dark Sky Communities, offering exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution.
Iconic Colorado Foods
- Bison / Elk Dishes. Wild game is a local specialty—try bison burgers, elk sausage, or meatloaf for a lean and flavorful Colorado experience.
- Cheeseburger (Louis Ballast's Legacy). Denver claims to be the home of the cheeseburger, thanks to a 1935 trademark by Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In.
- Chiles Rellenos (Colorado-Style). Poblano or Anaheim chiles stuffed with cheese or meat, battered and fried, often smothered in green chile.
- Colorado Style Pizza (a.k.a. Mountain Pie). Thick, braided crust with a honey-sweet edge, often served with a side of honey for dipping the crust. Beau Jo’s in Idaho Springs is iconic.
- Green Chile (Colorado Style). A thick, pork-based stew or sauce made with Hatch or Pueblo chiles, poured over burritos, fries, or eggs.
- Lamb (Especially from Colorado). Colorado-raised lamb is known for its mild, tender flavor—served grilled, in gyros, or as fancy entrees.
- Olathe Sweet Corn. Grown in Western Colorado, Olathe corn is famous for its ultra-sweet kernels and is a local favorite in late summer.
- Palisade Peaches. From the orchards of Palisade on the Western Slope, these peaches are juicy, fragrant, and bursting with flavor in late summer.
- Rocky Mountain Oysters. Not seafood! These are deep-fried bull calf testicles—served in bars, festivals, and old-school restaurants.
- Smothered Burritos. A burrito (often beef or bean) covered in melted cheese and Colorado-style green chile—Tex-Mex meets mountain comfort.
Sensory Souvenirs
- Aspen Leaf Jewelry. Delicate jewelry made from real aspen leaves.
- Bison or Elk Jerky. Wild, savory snack from Colorado ranches.
- Celestial Seasonings Tea. Boulder-based teas with bold, natural flavors.
- Chili Roaster Merch. Hatch green chile–themed shirts, mugs, and bags.
- Columbine Flower Gifts. Colorado’s state flower on pins, magnets, or art.
- Colorado Flag Gear. Hats, socks, shirts with the iconic "C" logo.
- Craft Beer Merchandise. Coasters, glasses, or T-shirts from top breweries.
- Handmade Soaps and Lotions. Lavender, sage, and alpine-scented bath goods.
- Locally Roasted Coffee. Small-batch roasters from Denver, Boulder, and beyond.
- Locally Made Honey. Alpine wildflower honey in small jars.
- Mesa Verde Pottery Replicas. Ancient designs from Ancestral Puebloan culture.
- Native American Jewelry. Turquoise, silver, and traditional beadwork.
- Rocky Mountain National Park Gear. Maps, patches, mugs, or scenic photo prints.
- Sand from Great Sand Dunes (tiny vials). Super-fine sand from the tallest dunes in North America.
- Silverton or Durango Railroad Souvenirs. Train-themed hats, pins, and small model trains.
- Ski Town Memorabilia. Steamboat, Aspen, Vail hats, shirts, and stickers.
- Smoky Quartz or Amazonite. Colorado’s state mineral treasures — small samples.
- Snow Globes with Colorado Scenes. Miniature snowy mountains in a globe.
- Southwest-Style Blankets. Bright, woven designs inspired by regional patterns.
- Wildflower Seed Packets. Alpine flowers ready for planting at home.
- Wildlife Figurines. Mini bears, elk, moose, or mountain lions.
- Pinecones or Fir Tips: From alpine forests (small and scented).
- Hand-Carved Walking Sticks: Common in mountain towns.
- Hot Sauce or Green Chile Salsa: Local spicy flavors!
- Mining and Gold Rush Tokens: From historic towns like Leadville.
- Tie-Dye or Eco-Friendly Apparel: Very Boulder/Colorado vibe.
- Trail Mix or Snack Packs: "Rocky Mountain Mix" with nuts and dried fruit.
- Vintage Ski Posters: Retro art from old ski resorts.
- Cowboy Hats or Belt Buckles: Especially in Western Slope towns.
- Artisan Chocolate (like Moksha Chocolate): Bean-to-bar makers using Colorado ingredients.
- Local Maps and Topographic Prints: Beautiful art based on trails and parks.
- Tumbled River Rocks: From Clear Creek or Arkansas River shops.