10 Staggeringly Beautiful Places In Colorado That Will Always Be Waiting For You
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Annie
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Coloradans are known to be adventure seekers, and who can blame us? Our land is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in America, including purple mountain majesties, sandy deserts, rolling plains, and plateaus galore. Despite our longing for adventure, however, we cannot always get out (#stayhomestaysafe), but find comfort in the fact that these 10 staggeringly beautiful places in Colorado will still be waiting for us:
The Maroon Bells in Aspen are one of the most photographed places in all of Colorado. Can you guess why? Featuring impressive twin peaks, a pristine sky, and a crystal-clear lake, the Maroon Bells are a must-see any time of year! Speaking of a popular spot to photograph...
...I give you the Hanging Lake, which is comprised of strikingly turquoise water that is the result of a travertine deposition created by dissolved limestone via the Mississippian Period Leadville Formation. In addition to the travertine water, the area boasts a steep 1.2-mile backcountry hike that is almost as beautiful as the lake itself.
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No need to adjust your screen, folks, as the Paint Mines really are these vibrant colors! Spanning 750 acres, the Paint Mines are said to be this colorful thanks to the early Native Americans who painted the spires some 9,000 years ago!
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Have you ever wondered why the Million Dollar Highway is continuously named one of the most beautiful drives in America? See for yourself when you take a cruise along this 25-mile stretch of U.S. 550.
Do you think the desert is reserved only for the southwest? Think again! Home to an incredible 5 billion cubic meters of soft sand, the Great Sand Dunes are a fantastic place to both explore and photograph. (By the way, if you think this picture looks impressive, wait until you see the area with your own eyes.)
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What was once a circa-1892 wooden powerhouse is now both a deserted mill as well as one of the best hikes in Colorado. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Crystal Mill sits pretty along an 8.2-mile out-and-back trail that can be accessed via foot, four-wheel-drive vehicle, bike, or horseback.
Whether you walk around the premises, see a concert, or take an exercise class, you will never forget your visit to what is arguably the most unique entertainment venue in America.
Established in 1909 and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the Garden of the Gods is a 1,335-acre outdoor paradise that houses 300-million-year-old red rock formations. Whether you are a hiker, biker, or photographer, you are guaranteed to find something to love about this Colorado icon!
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You know that the Centennial State is home to 300-million-year-old red rock formations, gigantic hills of sand, and 9,000-year-old Native American paintings, but did you know that we once even had volcanoes? It's true, and you can see their 25-million-year-old remains at the Wheeler Geologic Area near Creede.
Last but certainly not least on our list of beautiful places that aren't going anywhere is the Picket Wire Canyon, which is located in southeastern Colorado. Billed as one of the largest dinosaur track sites in America, Picket Wire Canyon boasts 100 trackways and more than 1,500 individual footprints, making for one of the most unique and historical sights in the state.
What are you most looking forward to getting out and seeing? Let us know in the comments or via our nomination page. For even more things to look forward to, check out The 15 Restaurants You’ll Want To Eat At In Colorado In 2020.
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Featured Addresses
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
Picket Wire Canyonlands, 1420 E 3rd St, La Junta, CO 81050, USA
Hanging Lake, Colorado 81601, USA
Million Dollar Highway, US-550, Silverton, CO 81433, USA
Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Crystal Mill, 11520 Co Rd 3, Carbondale, CO 81623, USA
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
Wheeler Geologic Area, Colorado 81130, USA