No matter how long you’ve lived in the great state of Colorado, chances are you still haven’t uncovered every last secret to be discovered in the Centennial State. To provide a little inspiration for your adventures and explorations, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best-kept secrets in Colorado. From beautiful drives to historic haunts, this list is bound to keep you busy exploring all that Colorado has to offer.

1. Last Dollar Road
Flickr/tvisser01
Located between Telluride and Ridgway, Last Dollar Road is quite possibly the most beautiful route in the country with its windy roads, stunning views and spectacular colors.
2. Lizard Lake (Carbondale)
Wikimedia Commons
This isn't a painting -- Lizard Lake is very real, very quiet and anxiously awaiting your visit!
3. Space Foundation Discovery Center (Colorado Springs)
Space Foundation Discovery Center / Facebook
Learning about science has never been more fun than at the Space Foundation Discovery Center! Learn about space through hands-on exhibits, robots and their unique Science On a Sphere globe.
4. Rifle Falls State Park
Flickr/iris
Did you know that Colorado is home to dozens of waterfalls? If you're on the hunt for that perfect fall, look no further than picturesque Rifle Falls State Park and its triple 70-foot waterfall.
5. Dunafon Castle (Idledale)
Flickr/Heather Balise
Anglophiles, rejoice! Colorado is home to several gorgeous castles, including Dunafon Castle.
6. Fulford Cave (Basalt)
Flickr/hubs
Adventure awaits as you venture deep into the walls of Fulford.

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7. Movies Under the Stars
Flickr/Timothy Vollmer
Looking for family-friendly activities in Colorado? During the summer, different parks around the state offer free outdoor movies on a big screen! Bring your loved ones and a picnic dinner for a fun movie night.
8. Conundrum Hot Springs (Aspen)
Flickr/Zach Dischner
Why fight the crowds at popular tourist hot springs when you can melt all your stress away in Conundrum Hot Springs, a warm pool of perfection?
9. The Crystal Mill (Marble)
Flickr/Dave Soldano
Walk, ATV, or bike your way to this historicmill and its incredible surroundings.
10. Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area (Lake City)
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
The pristine pools of blue, mighty peaks and lush vegetation are something you have to see (in person) to believe.
11. Wheeler Geologic Area (Creede)
Flickr/Chris Hartman
Wheeler Geologic Area really "rocks" with its unique layers of volcanic ash, vast trails, and out-of-this-world scenery.
12. Terror-Dactyl (Manitou Springs)
Cave of the Winds Facebook
If crawling through caves or gazing into clear blue water just isn't your thing, why not consider jumping off a 200-ft cliff and free-falling at 100 miles-per-hour during your visit to the Cave of the Winds? Click to learn more about how Terror-Dactyl will take you on the ride of your life.

Do you agree that these are some of the best-kept secrets in Colorado? Are there any little-known destinations that you would add to the list? If so, we’d love to hear from you — join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below. And now that you’ve worked up quite the appetite exploring Colorado’s many hidden gems, be sure to stop off at one of these little-known restaurants in the Centennial State.

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More to Explore

Best Kept Secrets In Colorado

Beth C. | January 27, 2021

Does Colorado have any hidden gems?

You might have guessed that the state is brimming with hidden gems after reading our article highlighting the best kept secrets in Colorado. However, there are certainly more hidden gems that are worth discovering. Some additional hidden gems you'll want to visit in Colorado include Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Paint Mines Interpretive Park in El Paso, Bishop Castle southwest of Pueblo, Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, Interlaken Ghost Resort near Twin Lakes, Castlewood Dam Ruins within Castlewood Canyon State Park, the Rifle Mountain Ice Caves, and Sasquatch Outpost in Bailey.

What are the most beautiful waterfalls in Colorado?

One of the best parts about exploring Colorado is uncovering natural wonders at every turn. At the top of this list are the beautiful waterfalls you'll find in every corner of the state. Some of the most popular waterfalls in Colorado include Bridal Veil Falls, Seven Falls, South Mineral Creek Falls, Fish Creek Falls, Ouzel Falls, Zapata Falls, Box Canyon Falls, Helen Hunt Falls, Hanging Lake, Continental Falls, Rifle Falls, North Clear Creek Falls, Forsythe Falls, Booth Falls, and Bear Creek Falls.

What are the best parks to visit in Colorado?

There are countless parks to visit in Colorado, each offering a unique perspective of the state's varied landscape. Some of the best parks to visit in Colorado include Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Eleven Mile State Park, Roxborough State Park, State Forest State Park, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Last Dollar Road, Last Dollar Rd, Telluride, CO, USA
Lizard Lake, Colorado 81623, USA
4425 Arrowswest Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, USA
Rifle Falls State Park, 5775 Highway 325, 10379 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650, USA
Idledale, CO, USA
Basalt, CO 81621, USA
Conundrum Hot Springs, Colorado 81611, USA
Crystal Mill, 11520 Co Rd 3, Carbondale, CO 81623, USA
Lake City, CO 81235, USA
Wheeler Geologic Area, Colorado 81130, USA
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA