Are you a lifelong Coloradan and want to see something new and exciting? If you are a native, you may think that you have seen all there is to see and experienced all the things, which is why we are excited to introduce you to this ultimate Colorado hidden gems road trip that will take you to 7 must-see spots:
If you're looking for "hidden gems near me," check out this beautiful place. You have probably seen a picture of two of this stunning scene, but did you know that it is both a real place and that it is right here in Colorado? Welcome to Crystal Mill, a once wooden powerhouse built in 1892 and - though deserted - still stands proudly over the Crystal River.
Psst... Did you know that Colorado is home to an ACTIVE volcano?! It's true! Sitting at the Colorado and Eagle rivers' junction, Dotsero is a 2,300-foot wide,1,300-foot deep volcano that first erupted 4,200 years ago, which technically still means it's active. In addition to the volcano site, visitors to the area can also see the remnants of the volcano's 2-mile-long lava flow.
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3. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (Florissant)
You have heard of the larger-than-life Redwood Forest in California, but did you know that Colorado happens to have a few of our own ancient trees, too? To see them, visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, which has 34-million-year-old trees, fossils, plants, and more.
Finally: a place that you can experience without having to leave your car! Billed as one of the
scariest roads in Colorado, Skyline Drive may have steep drops and zero guard rails, but it also offers some of the most jaw-dropping 360-degree views in the Centennial State... just make sure to drive slow and safe!
...because where else can you see hundreds of different reptiles, touch or hold several different creepy crawlies, AND wrestle an alligator?! Colorado Gators Reptile Park is definitely one of the best little-known places in Colorado.
Do you think that geology rocks? So do we, which is why we love living in the Centennial State and experiencing places like the Wheeler Geologic Area: a collection of highly eroded volcanic ash from an explosion nearly 25 million years ago! Boasting volcanic tuff and debris blown into the air post-eruption, the Wheeler Geologic Area is a true Only in Colorado attraction that has to be seen to be believed.
7. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (Cortez)
You have visited the extraordinary Mesa Verde National Park more times than you can count, but did you know that there are more historical ruin sites around the Centennial State? Case in point: the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which houses 6,000+ Ancestral Puebloan archeological sites.
What did you think of this Colorado hidden gems road trip? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
The Centennial State is full of undeniable grandeur. From grandiose, snow-capped mountain ranges and crystal-clear glacial lakes to some of the most vibrant red rock formations you've ever seen, Colorado is packed with jaw-dropping sights that simply can't be found anywhere else. But for such a beautiful (and beautifully diverse) state, road-tripping through Colorado can be a challenge, as long stretches of lonely roadways and sagebrush flats intermingle with the state's most iconic natural wonders. Don't worry, though - we've got you covered! We've put together 11 of the best road trips in Colorado, each chock full of beauty and spectacular adventures for every traveler, budget, and trip length. Ready to get lost in the best way possible?
Route: Gateway > Grand Mesa > Palisade > Sage Creations Organic Farm > Carlson Vineyards > Book Cliffs
Distance: 195 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours
Five hours is all it takes to explore some of Colorado's most vibrant and sweeping vineyards, as well as the thriving landscapes that surround them. From the charming, historic town of Gateway near the outskirts of the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway to the delightful bed and breakfast capital of the state in charming Palisade to the rolling, verdant stretches of colorful vines everywhere in between, Colorado wine country is top notch. If you're here for the sights, this Colorado wine country road trip is perfect for spring when the lavender fields, vineyards, and orchards are at their prime. If you're here to partake, make the captivating town of Palisade your basecamp and turn this into a delicious weekend outing anytime.
Route: Crystal Mill > Dotsero Volcano > Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument > Skyline Drive > Colorado Gators Reptile Park > Wheeler Geologic Area > Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: 650 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
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Most folks are aware that Colorado's diverse scenery and history is literally larger than life. But the state is far more spectacular than it's given credit for, even beyond the state's infamous national parks. From visiting a spectacular active volcano to a garden of ancient fossils in Florissant to some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the state, this 3-day road trip through Colorado is just one stunner after another! Each of these hidden gems in Colorado bypass some of the state's most iconic sights in favor of uniquely gorgeous spots that offer a sample platter of some of the state's coolest sights. If you're coming from Marble, your final stops at the Wheeler Geologic Area in Creede and Canyon of the Ancients are the perfect final destinations, offering spectacular tastes of Bryce Canyon and Colorado's ancient past but without the crowds (high clearance four-wheel drive required).
Route: Glenwood Canyon > Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park > Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: 310 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours
Whether traveling from east to west or north to south, the spectacular diversity of Colorado's ever-changing landscape offers an incredible amount of beauty and solitude, rolling from layers upon layers of breathtaking mountains to vineyards set against a backdrop of CO's most stunning rock formations, past ahh-worthy hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and even colorful small towns before ending amidst the sweeping, overlooked prairies of Eastern Colorado on the outskirts of the Dakota badlands. This road trip through Colorado's canyon country will take travelers to three unique canyons in western Colorado, each phenomenally unique and overflowing with geologic history. Of course, these rugged scarps aren't just eye candy - they all offer an abundance of recreation and hiking opportunities - so keep those kayaks and fishing poles handy and plan to spend at least one day in each canyon area.
Route: Denver Biscuit Company > Chapel On The Rock > Grand Lake > Glenwood Hot Springs > Hotel Colorado > Maroon Bells > Romero's Café > Garden of the Gods
Distance: 600 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Exploring all of Colorado's most majestic landscapes is a bucket list goal for many. Fortunately, some of the state's most vibrant things to see and do are nestled right in the heart of the state, making for easy access to some of the best that Colorado has to offer. From tasty, award-winning chile restaurants (food is a must on every road trip, right?) to a taste of Colorado's most coveted sights, this road trip is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure. Theoretically, this weekend road trip can be done in only two days… but we think you'll want to make as much time as possible! This journey starts and ends in Denver, so be sure to make time to explore the magic of Colorado's capital city while you're out and about.
Route: Seven Falls > Helen Hunt Falls > Rainbow Falls > Bridal Veil Falls > Hanging Lake > Zapata Falls
Distance: 636 miles
Trip Time: 13.5 hours
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Every year, people traverse the globe just to witness the irresistible magic of power of water pouring over a cliff's edge and plummeting to the earth below. And while these wonders exist all over the world, there's no denying that some waterfalls are a little extra special. Tucked away among Colorado's sky-high rock formations and spectacular mountain ranges is a fantastic world of waterfalls awaiting cascade-loving hikers. Start your waterfall road trip journey off by experiencing not one, but seven waterfalls at once before hopping around to some of the state's most treasured falls, as well as several off the beaten path. Along the way, you'll dine with a waterfall-front view in Colorado Springs before ending your trip at Zapata Falls at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Route: Little Medano Creek > Rock Canyon Swim Beach > Cherry Creek State Park > Jackson Lake State Park > The Beach at Grand Lake > Steamboat Lake State Park
Distance: 700 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Colorado breaks the mold when it comes to getaway beach vacations. Imagine dipping your toes in the silky sands of Great Sand Dunes National Park or strolling along the crisp, picturesque shores of Grand Lake and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face… it doesn't get much better than that! While most don't associate Colorado with epic beaches or colorful waterfront views, the state has countless beaches that are perfect for splashing, photography, fishing, or soaking up the summer sun with the whole family. This Colorado beaches road trip starts at one of the state's most unexpected bodies of water and leads travelers through multiple Colorado state parks to some of the state's most refreshing lakes and sandy shorelines.
Route: Steamboat Lake State Park > Aspen > Kebler Pass > Golden Gate Canyon State Park > Flatirons > Lory State Park
Distance: 800 miles
Trip Time: 18 hours
While perhaps not as famous as the storybook fall colors back east, Colorado's fall foliage is often considered second-to-none in the West. The state has the highest number of Aspens in the country, which means every fall the landscape comes alive in a trademark hue of gold, intermingled with the fiery reds and oranges of the season. While there are no bad places to enjoy and experience autumn in Colorado, this Fall Foliage Road Trip takes leaf-peeping travelers to some of the best and most colorful hotspots in the state. On this 18-hour loop, you'll drink in the sights not only from some Centennial State high points, but its landmark towns as well. Spoiler alert: Aspen is aptly named! For a truly spectacular fall weekend, grab a camera and some hiking boots, and save this epic road trip for your next autumn outing.
Route: Beano's Cabin > Vail Ski Resort > Vail Village
Distance: 146 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
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From the towering peaks of Mt. Elbert to the quiet plains of Eastern Colorado, Colorado is a four-season state takes on magical, snowglobe-like beauty when winter rolls around. Among the state's many delightful ski towns, Vail, Colorado is a coveted bucket list destination for many when the powder starts to pile up and one of the best places to visit in Colorado. For this weekend adventure, start your epic winter road trip through Colorado with a fun sleigh ride through the snow. While we highly recommend the unique dinner and snowcat experience of a Beano's Cabin "sleigh ride," this stunning ski town also offers traditional horse-drawn experiences as well. Next, spend a bluebird day at the legendary Vail Ski Resort, but be sure to save plenty of time to explore Vail Village and the numerous charming shops that line downtown on your visit. At only of 3 hours of drive time round-trip, this is one of the best Colorado road trips you can take in winter, and the perfect escape when the seasons change.
Route: Wild Animal Sanctuary > The Aquarium Restaurant > Tiny Town > North Pole > Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park > Dinosaur Journey
Distance: 440 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours
Exploring and hiking through Colorado's natural beauty is a phenomenal way to get up close and personal with this vibrant Rocky Mountain state. But a carful of kiddos can make lengthy hikes next to impossible. This family-friendly road trip around Colorado will take families of all shapes and sizes to some of the state's lesser known attractions, each with a special focus on larger-than-life education, excitement, and funky things to experience. Start off at Colorado's one and only wild animal sanctuary, which offers unique walkway encounters with over 700 species of rescued wildlife. Head on over to Denver for a unique underwater-style dining experience that kids of all ages will love, or even chow down onsite at the Lion's Den Café before visiting neat educational and whimsical sites like the North Pole and the interactive exhibits found at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita. To make the most of this Colorado road trip itinerary, plan for at least three days of non-stop family fun.
Route: Hanging Lake > Maroon Bells > Great Sand Dunes National Park > Garden of the Gods > Rainbow Falls > Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Distance: 760 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours
One does not simply road trip around Colorado and not visit its most legendary sights, landmarks, and natural wonders! Starting with the gorgeous Hanging Lake and its veil-like falls in Glenwood Canyon, this 14-hour natural wonders road trip meanders around some of the state's most treasured landscapes. Be sure to budget in ample time for hiking and outdoor adventures! From the vibrant, photogenic faces of the Maroon Bells to the quiet stretches of white sand at Great Sand Dunes National Park to the state's iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre, road trippers will find themselves in the heart of dreamy landscapes of every size and shape. Due to the length of this trip, plan for at least a week spent exploring every corner of Colorado. Use the included Colorado road trip map to help plan your side trips, stays, and detours.
Route: Buena Vista > Breckenridge > Silverthorne > Manitou Springs > Rocky Ford > Fort Garland
Distance: 569 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours
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Ouray, Telluride, Estes Park, and Boulder are just a few of Colorado’s scenic mountain towns that are most often-visited, but there’s a lot to love about the state’s quieter areas too. Beautiful backdrops and epic adventures collide on this road trip to Colorado's most charming small towns! These humble, historic communities radiate all of the historic mining and ski village vibes one could hope for but with a hefty dose of scenery to boot. Starting in Buena Vista, a petite municipality that boasts gateway access to many of Colorado's most spectacular 14ers, this small towns road trip meanders around the bustling, scenic downtowns of Breckenridge and Silverthorne before dipping out into the eastern half of the state for epic rock formations, climbing, and miles and miles of grandiose views. While this road trip only clocks in at around 10 hours of drive time, you're going to want to budget in a few days to fully explore the towns, and embrace the epic adventure that is Colorado's magnificent landscape. The best part? These towns are fantastic places to visit no matter the season.
If you've taken any of these journeys already, let us know what your favorite memory was!
For more Colorado road trip ideas, check out some of our favorite scenic drives and byways around the state. Or, pay a visit to some of CO's most beloved national parks.
A haunted Road Trip in Colorado is a pretty easy undertaking as our state is home to an abundance of paranormal landmarks. We couldn't wait to curate this map of six locations along the way, and hopefully, there are more to come. These spots are largely considered the state's most haunted — from Colorado ghost towns to haunted places — plus, we offer a bit of context as to what makes each so creepy. Grab your scare-loving friends, hop in the car, and drive — with caution — as we visit a few of the most haunted places in Colorado. Connect to a link to the map by clicking on the picture below.
You KNOW we couldn't begin our haunted road trip in Colorado without mentioning the historic Stanley Hotel. It gained notoriety in the 1970s after the release of Stephen King's "The Shining" (which was inspired by his stay at this Estes Park inn).
Take a tour of one of the most haunted places in Colorado and see if you can visit the delightfully spooky room No. 217. Read more about the haunted mansion.
The Fitzsimons Army Medical Center itself may have closed in 1999, but that hasn't slowed the reports of angry spirits, sightings of the deceased military, or unexplainable noises. It's one of the most haunted abandoned places in Colorado near me.
A word of caution that likely seems obvious: Do NOT build a park or anything else over an old cemetery. Want to know why? Just visit Cheesman after dark and let us know what you see/hear/feel.
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Learn more about Cheesman Park in Denver and why it is considered one of the most haunted places in Colorado.
Ready to get out and stretch your legs? Then you have come to the right place, as Black Hawk is home to numerous gambling venues, shops, and restaurants - which we love! (Just watch your step; apparitions have been spotted at various casinos, hotels, and cemeteries)
Welcome to the Hotel Colorado: Home to historic lodging, gourmet meals, and an unidentified female spirit who likes to stand over male guests as they sleep.
Check out one of the most iconic hotels in haunted Colorado, the Meeker Hotel and Cafe in the friendly town of Meeker, CO.
Hungry for good food and even more of the paranormal? Then, you have come to the right place! Let's begin with the Sauteed Mushroom Caps with a side of Charlie Dunbar (the original owner who was killed during a gunfight still likes to hang around the hotel and chivalrously lead women down the long staircase.)
And then let's move on to the French Dip and Painted Lady (who wakes guests in the middle of the night with her strong perfume).
Haunted road trip in Colorado is a great way to see so many fun, haunted places and bring spine-tingling chills. What did you think of our haunted road trip in Colorado? How many of these spooky places have you experienced? Be sure to share your favorite haunted and abandoned places in Colorado with us in the comments below!
