150 Ways to Experience Colorado
By Stuart Hughes
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From witnessing the state’s very own iconic UNESCO World Heritage site to its awe-inspiring natural scenery, no matter what you crave from a vacation destination, you don’t have to look very far to find it when visiting Colorado.
Whether you choose to explore the vibrant urban hotspots of Denver and Boulder or prefer to take off on an outdoor adventure instead, Colorado’s story-filled mountain escapes and idyllic hideaways have for centuries always surpassed visitors’ expectations. Given the Centennial State’s unparalleled scenic vistas and host of activities tailored to fulfill every indoor and outdoor pursuit and pastime imaginable – join us as we shortlist 150 reasons why, once you arrive, you’ll fall in love with Colorado too.
Colorado’s Epic Landscapes Matched Only By Its Adrenaline-Fueled Thrills
It’s hard to escape the Centennial State’s natural appeal, as its distinctive terrain and outstanding panoramas make for the perfect backdrop for any of the outdoor activities available in the state.
For the skiers and snowboarders out there, Colorado is home to countless world-class Rocky Mountain ski slopes and a winter paradise for anyone who enjoys snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. During the warmer months, you can also raft through stunning canyons and foothills of the Arkansas River or hike and bike the countless wildlife-infused trails across the state – whatever your preference, adventure is always just around the corner in Colorado.
Whatever you love doing, rest assured that after an action-packed day, you can unwind in comfort nearby at any of these Best Western hotels or resorts, ensuring you’re fully recharged for the next day’s adventure.
- Walk Garden of the Gods: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
- Visit Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Hike Mueller State Park: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
- Drive Monarch Pass: Stay at Best Western Vista Inn
Discover Colorado’s Majestic Scenic Road Trip Drives and Legendary Railways
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Colorado is simply to explore, and given that the state is defined by its dramatic landscapes and striking vistas, it just so happens to have a few bucket list drives and railway experiences you can opt to view them from.
For those of you who can’t resist a road trip, you can drive along the world-famous San Juan Skyway, where its highly sought-after Million Dollar Highway section offers movie-worthy views around every bend. Meanwhile, the state’s historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad provides the chance to travel back in time in comfort through Colorado’s cliffside canyons and untamed wilderness, recapturing the romance of the bygone steam train era.
From the snow-covered plains in the winter through to the golden fall foliage of autumn, Colorado is worthy of a visit any time of year, so be sure you book your stay along the way with Best Western at any of these travel-inspired landmarks below.
- Drive Devils Canyon: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Drive Highway 285: Stay at Best Western Vista Inn
- Explore Colorado Scenic Byways: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Explore Gold Belt Scenic Loop: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
Retrace Colorado’s Amazing Heritage and Pioneer Roots Across These Historic Urban Hubs
Aside from the magnificent scenery, Colorado also happens to be a mecca for history lovers who relish the chance to uncover the rich tapestry of the state’s cultural and historical legacies.
To start with, Colorado is home to Mesa Verde National Park, a truly unique UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors an incredible glimpse into the ancestral homes of the Puebloan people and their remarkable cliff-face dwellings. In addition to this, you can also check out the remnants of the Pike’s Peak gold rush in the 1800s, with several of its centuries-old mining towns’ Main Street buildings still standing to this day, seemingly defying the test of time.
As you venture out on a historical escapade across Colorado’s ancient towns and cities, when you visit any of these impressive venues, be sure to always get a great night’s sleep every night by staying locally at a Best Western property.
- Coal Mining History: Stay at Best Western Rambler
- Pioneer Museum: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
Uncover the Vibrant Spirit of Colorado Through Its Festivals, Murals, and Urban Experiences
Undoubtedly, the Centennial State’s creative appeal extends far beyond just its kaleidoscope of murals and art galleries, so if you are someone who thrives on being fully immersed in cultural travel exploration, Colorado is a genuine feast for the senses.
Here, you can head down to investigate the avant-garde installations and artisan markets of Denver’s award-winning RiNo Art District and then join one of the many fascinating street art walking tours available. Afterward, journey west of the city to the breathtaking Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Lakewood for a live concert performance in the evening, where the geologically sculpted sandstone formations naturally elevate the acoustic sound around you.
Experience Colorado’s artistic heartbeat through its interactive art galleries and captivating music venues below by staying close by when you book your accommodation at any of these nearby Best Western resorts.
- Explore RiNo Art District: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Visit Denver Art Museum: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Attend a Concert at Red Rocks: Stay at Best Western Denver Southwest
- Fort Collins public art: Stay at Best Western University Inn, Best Western Kiva Inn
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
- Pueblo Creative Corridor: Stay at Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites
- Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Stay at Best Western Plus Boulder Louisville
- Glenwood Springs Galleries: Stay at Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs
- Durango Galleries: Stay at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
- Fort Lewis College Exhibits: Stay at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
- Colorado College Campus: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
- Union Colony Civic Center: Stay at Best Western Greeley
- Denver Union Station: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Butterfly Pavilion: Stay at Best Western Brighton Inn
- Stanley Marketplace: Stay at Best Western Plus Gateway Inn & Suites
- Sangre de Cristo Arts Center: Stay at Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites
- Fort Morgan Murals: Stay at Best Western Plus Overland Inn
- Montrose Center for the Arts: Stay at Best Western Montrose Inn
- Loveland Galleries: Stay at Best Western Plus Loveland Inn
- Castle Rock Public Art: Stay at Best Western Plus Castle Rock
Savor Colorado’s Farm-To-Table Cuisine and Craft-Brewed Beer Creations
You might not know this, but Colorado is fast becoming one of the country’s best undiscovered havens for foodies and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
For instance, if you love to try out new mouthwatering seasonal farm-to-table dishes, then you should head to the formidable Zucca Italian Ristorante in Louisville for an authentic Colorado alfresco dining experience. On the other hand, Fort Collins is home to over 20 fantastic craft beer breweries, including the highly acclaimed New Belgium Brewing Company, whose inviting taproom offers a rotating selection of classic ales, experimental IPAs, and limited-edition Belgian-style brews.
Be sure to indulge in any of these tasty sensations below that have firmly put Colorado on the map as an inspiring culinary vacation destination by booking your stay at one of these Best Western properties in the Centennial State.
- Fort Collins Breweries: Stay at Best Western University Inn, Best Western Kiva Inn
- Palisade Peach Stands: Stay at Best Western Grande River Inn & Suites
- Larimer Square dining: Stay at B/W Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Pueblo green chile: Stay at Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites
- Durango distilleries: Stay at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
- Grand Avenue dining: Stay at Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs
- Farm-to-table Louisville: Stay at Best Western Plus Boulder Louisville
- Estes Park cafés: Stay at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn
- Greeley Breweries: Stay at Best Western Greeley
- Grand Valley Wineries: Stay at Best Western Grande River Inn & Suites
- Fort Morgan Diners: Stay at Best Western Plus Overland Inn
- Buena Vista Restaurants: Stay at Best Western Vista Inn
- Brighton Farmers Markets: Stay at Best Western Brighton Inn
- Winter Park Breweries: Stay at Best Western Alpenglo Lodge
- I-70 roadside eats: Stay at Best Western Limon
- Loveland Food Scene: Stay at Best Western Plus Loveland Inn
- Montrose Cafés: Stay at Best Western Montrose Inn
- Sterling Bakeries: Stay at Best Western Sundowner
- RiNo Food Trucks: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- San Luis Valley cuisine: Stay at Best Western Alamosa Inn
Create Lasting Memories at Colorado’s Family-Friendly & Multi-Generational Attractions
Right across the state, Colorado is absolutely bursting with family-themed wildlife parks and kid-friendly museums with an interactive edge designed to create unforgettable memories and spark the imagination of visitors of every age.
Drawing on the Centennial State’s remarkable connection to its prehistoric past, one of the best things to do in Colorado has to be to visit Dinosaur Journey Museum in Craig, whose engaging fossil digs and life-size skeleton exhibits help bring the past back to life. However, if you would prefer to meet and greet real-life giraffes, playful primates, and majestic lions, then Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is the picture-perfect setting to do so, as every animal encounter comes with a mesmerizing mountain backdrop view.
Whether you’re on a family vacation or a skip-gen travel getaway with the grandkids, enjoy the wonders of Colorado’s connection to nature when you stay nearby at any of these Best Western hotels and experiences.
- Visit Denver Zoo: Stay at Best Western Premier Denver East, Vīb Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Stay at Best Western Canon City
- Poudre River Bike Paths: Stay at Best Western University Inn, Best Western Kiva Inn
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Stay at Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs
- Durango Fish Hatchery: Stay at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
- Discover Sand Wash Basin: Stay at Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel and Suites
- Sand Sled Great Sand Dunes: Stay at Best Western Alamosa Inn
- Pueblo Riverwalk with Kids: Stay at Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites
- Estes Park Aerial Tramway: Stay at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn
- Visit Jackson Lake State Park: Stay at Best Western Plus Overland Inn
- Visit Barr Lake State Park Nature Center : Stay at Best Western Brighton Inn
- Olympic & Paralympic Museum: Stay at Best Western Executive Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Fillmore Inn & Suites
- Visit Brighton Armory Performing Arts Center: Stay at Best Western Brighton Inn
- San Luis Valley Stargazing: Stay at Best Western Movie Manor
Drift into a State of Deep Relaxation at Colorado’s Famed Hot Springs and Scenic Stays
Who doesn’t enjoy kicking back and relaxing to truly escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life? Well, fortunately, Colorado’s wellness-focused retreats offer a superb sanctuary for an idyllic retreat away.
If you dream of being submerged in a natural thermal hot spring with a stellar view of the Rocky Mountains in the distance, then you need to head for a luxurious soak at Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. Alternatively, if you’re on a quest to see a legendary Colorado sunset, you should venture across to Castle Rock, where the wondrous rocky outcrop takes center stage as the sun drops away in the distance before becoming the perfect vantage point to view the state’s famous starry skies above.
Sink into the restorative charms of Colorado’s panoramic mountain surroundings before getting a cozy night’s sleep every night in the Centennial State by booking your stay at one of these Best Western locations.
- Ride the Glenwood Gondola: Stay at Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs
- Picnic at Dillon Reservoir: Stay at Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge
- Scenic Drive along County Road 250: Stay at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
- Scenic Drives in Estes Park: Stay at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn
- Arkansas River Walks: Stay at Best Western Vista Inn
- Visit Ute Indian Museum Gardens: Stay at Best Western Montrose Inn
- Sunset at Phillip S Miller Park Overlook: Stay at Best Western Plus Castle Rock
- Visit Zapata Falls Overlook: Stay at Best Western Alamosa Inn
- Relax at North Sterling State Park Marina Area: Stay at Best Western Sundowner
- Bird Watching at Jackson Lake State Park: Stay at Best Western Plus Overland Inn
- Walk St Vrain State Park Lakes Loop: Stay at Best Western Firestone Inn & Suites
- Scenic picnic at Loudy Simpson Park: Stay at Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel and Suites
- Visit Glenmere Park & Lake Loop: Stay at Best Western Greeley
- Visit Old Town Museum Outdoor Complex: Stay at Best Western Plus Carousel Inn & Suites
- Birding in Limon: Stay at Best Western Limon
Now that you have discovered 150 new reasons to visit Colorado, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re seeking an energetic vacation getaway packed full of action and adventure or simply taking time out to explore the state’s sublime geography, connect with local artists, or try out the farm-to-table cuisine – with so much to do in the Centennial State, once you arrive, we can assure you, you’ll never want to leave.
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