Do you need a break from it all? Trust me; I know the feeling… but luckily for us, there are plenty of hidden gems in Colorado that are perfect for a quick escape! And they’re not just hiding in our national parks either. From beautiful local parks, waterfalls, and overlooks to the depths of our ancient canyons, these 12 hidden places in Colorado are the perfect spots to go and clear my mind.

1. Forsythe Canyon, Boulder

Forsythe Canyon, Colorado 80466, USA
David Hollo/GoogleReviews
When you hike the quiet trails of Forsythe Canyon, you never know just what you're going to find; a scenic waterfall, a herd of deer, a patch of gorgeous columbines... you can see it all on this designated two miles of trail. Do note that this is bear country!

2. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, Eads

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, 55411 County Rd W, Eads, CO 81036, USA
Flickr/jb10okie
There is something hauntingly beautiful about this historic Colorado spot. Maybe it's the eerie silence? Or the warm breeze of the Plains? Whatever it may be, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is one that deserves to be discovered.

3. Zapata Falls, Mosca

Zapata Falls, Colorado 81146, USA
Ryan Smith/GoogleReviews
Several of you recommended visiting Zapata Falls; a secluded and gorgeous hike along the San Luis Valley. The best part of the journey? The towering 25-foot waterfall. But while we love a gorgeous final destination, the hike itself is pretty epic too.

4. Devils Causeway, Yampa

Devils Causeway, Colorado 81641, USA
Todor Tsvetkov/GoogleReviews
Explorer, beware: The views from the Devils Causeway may be unlike anything you've ever seen, but the hike across the narrow ridge can be dangerous, so tread with caution.

5. Historic Fairy Caves Tour, Glenwood Springs

Fairy Caves, 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Judy S/GoogleReviews
Buried beneath Glenwood Springs are the fascinating Fairy Caves, which consist of more than 10 rooms with various stalactites, stalagmites, sights and sounds.

6. Pawnee Buttes, Keota

Pawnee Buttes, Colorado 80729, USA
Flickr/Bradley Gordon
Located in the Pawnee National Grassland of northeastern Colorado lie the Pawnee Buttes; a pair of hills created by the original High Plains surface wearing away. (They shouldn't be too hard to find!)

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7. Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan

Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Gary Boggs/GoogleReviews
One of the last things you'd expect to find on the Eastern Plains of Colorado are colorful formations of sandstone. Just east of Colorado Springs, however, you will find just that, along with a scenic hike full of varying ecosystems at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

8. Indian Peaks Wilderness, Boulder

Indian Peaks Wilderness, Ward, CO 80481, USA
Missing35mm/Getty
Pick a trail; any trail! You're guaranteed to find a place to inspire and relax you within these 76,711 acres of stunning purple mountain majesties. The Indian Peaks Wilderness is iconic Colorado, and we can't get enough of the hidden gems within its recesses!

9. Conejos River Valley, Conejos County

Conejos River, Colorado, USA
Kathleen Hart/Getty
If you think the Conejos River Valley looks pretty here, just wait until you see it during the fall...

10. St. Elmo

Saint Elmo, St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
Flickr/UnShuttered Soul~ Good to be busy!UnShuttered Soul~ Good to be busy!
There is something peaceful about this abandoned mining town. Maybe it's the utter quietness? Or the way it gets you thinking and wondering about those who once lived here? No matter the case, St. Elmo is truly a state gem.

11. St. Mary's Glacier, Idaho Springs

St. Mary's Glacier, Colorado 80452, USA
L Digan/AllTrails
New to hiking? Then St. Mary's Glacier may be the perfect trail for you. (The trail only reaches 3/4 mile one way, but be cautious of rocks.)

12. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Aspen

Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
Jacob Kupferman/Getty
Every Colorado native has seen or visited this iconic range. But what we love about the Maroon Bells is that there's always somewhere new to discover here - a new trail, a new wildflower, a new alpine lake. Seriously, what are you waiting for??

While you might encounter a few people at these beautiful spots (this is Colorado, after all!), the relaxation is unreal. How many of these Colorado hidden gems have you visited?

If you’ve already checked these off your bucket list, next tackle our favorite must-do hikes or dive into even more of our favorite hidden places in Colorado. Just be sure to take some time to unwind and recover in luxury after all that adventuring…you’ll need it!

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More to Explore

Hidden Places In Colorado

Jennifer | March 21, 2024

Does Colorado have any hot springs?

Colorado is full of natural wonders and hidden gems. But while the state's towering 14ers often get the most glory, there's plenty more to discover in its recesses! Colorado is home to both developed and natural hot springs, from clothing-optional getaways (wink wink) to posh resorts to simple, woodsy hot pools. Here are just a few hot springs in Colorado:

  • Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores: This luxury hot spring resort is hiding in a former mining town and boasts private cabins with hot spring-fed tubs.
  • Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Durango: The Animas River is a stunning setting for this terraced set of hot springs. A recent expansion has made this resort even better!
  • Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Glenwood Springs: Surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains, Glenwood offers both a large family pool and a smaller hot pool. It's also reported to be the world's largest mineral hot spring pool!
  • Great Pagosa Springs, Pagosa Springs: Located along the San Juan River, Great Pagosa is home to the world's deepest geothermal hot spring.
  • Indian Hot Springs, Idaho Springs: Found just outside Denver, this well-known and well-loved historic site boasts an indoor pool and private baths but is also known for its geothermal caves.
  • Ouray Hot Springs Pool, Ouray: This swoon-worthy commercial hot spring nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains is surrounded by picturesque mountain views. Bonus: waterslides!
  • Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs: Nestled in a beautiful forested area, Strawberry Park features rustic, tiered pools with a range of temperatures.

 

 

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