Colorado is pretty special. In fact, most of us who live here would even venture to say that it's the best! What is it that makes Colorado better than anywhere else in the country? Any Coloradan could surely go on and on in response to this question, but for now, here are 12 of the best places to visit in Colorado that prove The Centennial State is a cut above.

1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Without a doubt, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the best music venues in the country and in the world. There's nothing else quite like it - it's no surprise that every band and performer wants to play there!

2. Vail Ski Resort

Actually, any ski resort in Colorado is more proof that this state is the best, but Vail is one of the biggest, and anyone who skis or snowboards will tell you it's fantastic.

3. Empower Field at Mile High

Known to most as Mile High Stadium, our NFL stadium is one of the best NFL stadiums in the nation.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is huge and beautiful and the highest contiguous road in North America, Trail Ridge Road, passes right through it.

5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison isn't the deepest or longest in the country, but it is unique in that it's deep, steep, narrow, and dark. Some parts of this canyon only get 33 minutes of sunlight per day.

6. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Giant sand dunes? In the middle of the country? Yep, we have 'em! The tallest sand dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is 755 feet tall. That's almost 11 stories!

7. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado has over 4,800 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings within it. It's one of the best-preserved large-scale historical sites in Colorado and in the United States.

8. Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells is one of the most gorgeous places in the state, the country, and the world. These two 14,000+-foot peaks will take your breath away, every time.

9. The Arkansas River

Anyone who knows anything about whitewater rafting will tell you that one of the best places in the country to raft is Colorado - and that one of the best places in Colorado to raft is on the Arkansas River.

10. The Colorado River

The Colorado River is pretty special, too. It MADE THE GRAND CANYON. Yes, the Grand Canyon is not in Colorado, but the river that made it starts here!

11. Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is one of the earth's richest dinosaur fossil beds. Visitors can see over 1,500 dinosaur fossils on an exposed cliff face in the park. You can even touch some of them!

12. Casa Bonita

Any list of what makes Colorado great would be incomplete without the inclusion of Casa Bonita. After all, it's unique and special, and one of the most exciting restaurants there is. Thank goodness it continues in Colorado!

Colorado is the best for all of the above places and more, so get out there and explore our fantastic state. How many of the places on this list have you been - and how many can you visit for the first time or again before the end of the year? You'll have so much fun - we are so, so, so very lucky to live here!

This list gives you some of the best places to visit in Colorado, but check out this list of cool facts about Colorado to thrill your friends and neighbors, too!