15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Colorado That Defy Explanation
By Beth|Published December 07, 2023
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
For those who love exploring natural wonders, there’s hardly a better state to visit than Colorado. The Centennial State is brimming with stunning beauty, from the soaring Rocky Mountains to the rushing rivers, lush valleys, and evergreen forests just waiting to be explored. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most incredible natural wonders in Colorado. These sites will make you appreciate just how beautiful our state is.
Colorado is home to an epic array of gorges and canyons to discover. In fact, our state is home to two of the largest canyons in America: Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Royal Gorge. Learn more about some of the best gorges and canyons in Colorado:
1. Black Canyon of Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, USA
Wow Factor: Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is perhaps one of the state's most underrated natural wonders. This impressively deep gorge is carved by the Gunnison River. Not to mention the fact that this is where you'll find some of the steepest canyons in the U.S. On average, the Gunnison River drops 43 feet per mile when traveling through this epic gorge.
Price: There's a $30 entrance fee per article that's good for one week.
Wow Factor: Reaching staggering depths of up to 1,250 feet, Royal Gorge is another one of the steepest canyons in Colorado. Another major wow factor is the bridge that spans the canyon, known as the Royal Gorge Bridge. Built in 1929, it's one of the highest suspension bridges in the whole world! Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the bridge took just seven months to build.
Price: There's a fee of $30 per adult and $25 per child to cross Royal Gorge Bridge.
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3. Eldorado Canyon
Eldorado Canyon State Park, 9 Kneale Rd, Eldorado Springs, CO 80025, USA
Wow Factor:Eldorado Canyon is nothing short of an outdoor enthusiast's dream. It's perhaps most famous for its popularity among rock climbers, and there are over 500 technical climbing routes to choose from. The park measures 885 acres in size and is conveniently located just outside of Boulder and less than an hour from Denver, making for the perfect day trip destination.
Price: There's a $10 entrance fee.
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Best Caves In Colorado
Caves and caverns are found in abundance throughout the Rocky Mountains. Characterized by unique rock formations, fascinating tunnels, and otherworldly landscapes, these underground worlds are a fascinating way to explore Colorado. Take a look at some of the best caves in Colorado below:
Wow Factor: Located near the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds is an otherworldly destination that everyone should visit at least once. Dating back millions of years, these caves were once described by the Jicarilla Apaches as the place where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided. For an unforgettable experience of the cave, take a guided tour of the 15 rooms.
Price: It costs $27 for ages 13+ to tour the cave.
5. Glenwood Caverns
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Wow Factor: Glenwood Caverns is part of a massive adventure park that the whole family will love. From thrill rides to dining, and of course, caves, there's something for everyone to enjoy here. If you consider yourself a nature enthusiast, the cave tours are not to be missed. In fact, Glenwood Caverns is the largest public show cave in all of Colorado.
Price: The price for a gondola and cave ticket is $46 for adults.
Best Waterfalls In Colorado
There’s no shortage of breathtaking waterfalls to admire in Colorado. From epic free-falling falls to rushing gorges, many of these incredible waterfalls are accessible via an epic hike. One thing’s for sure — you’ll want to bring your camera with you when you visit these incredible Colorado waterfalls!
Wow Factor:Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in all of Colorado. Measuring 365 feet in height, it's absolutely awe-inspiring to witness in person. Sitting at the top of the falls is a privately-owned historic power plant. One of the most fascinating things about Bridal Veil Falls is that it's an all-seasons destination. In fact, many adventurers ice climb up the frozen falls during the winter.
Wow Factor:Alberta Falls is one of the most popular attractions within Rocky Mountain National Park, and it's no mystery why. It's a picture-perfect waterfall that rushes into Glacier Creek, creating the most beautiful spectacle. Plus, the hike to get there is relatively easy and clocks in at 1.2 miles round trip.
Price: There's a $30 entrance fee to get into Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wow Factor: Fish Creek Falls is without a doubt one of the most popular natural wonders in the Steamboat Springs area. This legendary waterfall spills over 280 feet, creating the most astounding spectacle. Plus, it's just a quick quarter of a mile hike to the lower falls, meaning this natural wonder is accessible for all ages. For a real treat, visit Fish Creek Falls during the springtime, when the snowmelt adds even more volume to the falls.
Price: There's no admission fee.
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Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Colorado
Overlooks and scenic vistas in Colorado aren’t hard to come by. In fact, nearly every drivable route will yield some kind of epic scenery. That being said, some scenic overlooks stand out from the rest. You’ll find our recommendations for the best overlooks in Colorado below:
Wow Factor: Did you know that it was possible to drive right over the Continental Divide? That's the exact experience you can look forward to when you drive Independence Pass, which is part of Colorado State Highway 82, on the way to Aspen. It stretches between Leadville and Aspen, and the highest point of the drive is 12,095 feet above sea level. As you can imagine, the views along the way are enchanting. The Pass is 32 miles long, but it can take up to an hour and a half to drive as many travelers enjoy stopping along the way to enjoy the views. Keep in mind that the road is a steep one, so driving with caution is necessary.
Price: There's no price to access Independence Pass.
10. Sapphire Point Overlook
Sapphire Point Overlook, Swan Mountain Rd, Dillon, CO 80435, USA
Wow Factor: You'll find the picturesque Sapphire Point Overlook between Keystone and Breckenridge along Swan Mountain Road. It sits at an elevation of 9,500 feet and offers absolutely breathtaking views of the Dillon Reservoir encompassed by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. This day-use-only area is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and it can be reserved for two-hour blocks.
Wow Factor: Quandary Peak is the only fourteener (peak with an elevation over 14,000 feet above sea level) in the Tenmile Mountain Rage. A challenging 6.75-mile hike leads visitors to one of the most unforgettable panoramic views in the state. It's one of the most popular fourteeners in all of Colorado, and hikers should note that a reservation is required to access the trailhead during the busy summer months.
Price: If you opt for shuttle transportation to the trailhead, the price is $7 per person, and free for Summit County residents.
Best Rock Formations in Colorado
One of the best parts about exploring Colorado is observing all kinds of unique rock formations. From natural arches to bridges and more, here are some of the best rock formations in Colorado:
12. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
Wow Factor:Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs might just be the single most popular natural wonder in Colorado. These iconic, towering rock formations are absolutely jaw-dropping any time of the year. The site is part of a 1,341 regional park and it's considered to be a National Natural Landmark. Exploring this park, you'll not only enjoy the picturesque sandstone rock formations but also an incredible view of Pikes Peak. There are paved and unpaved trails that meander through the park.
Price: Garden of the Gods is free to the public.
13. Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Wow Factor:Paint Mines Interpretive Park is named for the otherworldly and naturally-stunning rock formations that seem to be streaked with paint. In fact, Indigenous Americans once used these formations to make paint. The colorful bands are caused by oxidized iron compounds found among the different layers of clay. Exploring the park, you'll find an impressive variety of hoodoos and spires.
Price: The park is free to enter.
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Unique Natural Wonders in Colorado
Some natural wonders in Colorado belong in a league of their own. They’re hard to define and nearly impossible not to admire. Take a look at the following unique natural wonders in Colorado, and we bet you’ll be planning your visit in no time.
Wow Factor: There's something so alluring about the idea of natural hot springs. There are plenty of these destinations throughout Colorado, and one that is especially stunning is known as Ouray Hot Springs. This breathtaking natural wonder is surrounded by towering peaks and is open to visitors year-round, offering a healing soak in nature.
Price: The admission price for adults is $26.
15. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
Wow Factor: Did you realize that Colorado was home to otherworldly sand dunes? If you've never had the chance to experience this natural wonder, it's one that belongs on your radar. Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, and visitors can enjoy exploring these fascinating formations in several different ways. One of the most popular ways is "sledding" down the dunes. The tallest dune measures a whopping 750 feet!
Price: Admission fee to the park is $25.
Well, there you have it: some of the most impressive natural wonders in Colorado. From national monuments to hiking trails, red rock formations, and more, there’s just so much to discover in Colorado. How many of these unique bucket list destinations have you visited? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, don’t forget to check out our list of hiking essentials.
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