The 4 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Colorado

Colorado is a state full of natural beauty. Whether you're climbing a 14'er or hiking through a meadow teeming with wildflowers, the Centennial State has something for everyone—including vibrant landscapes that look too vivid to be real. From fiery red rocks to golden aspen groves, these are the most colorful places in Colorado.

1. Maroon Bells, Aspen

Located just outside of Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Rocky Mountains that tower at over 14,000 feet. A forested landscape at the base of the mountains surrounds Maroon Lake, with the snowcapped peaks reflecting in the pristine waters.

Why This Is One of the Most Colorful Places in Colorado

The Maroon Bells are widely considered the most photographed place in Colorado, especially in the fall. You'll feel like you've stepped into a painting when you see the golden aspens framing the lake, which is so crystal-clear that you can practically make out every single mountain ridge. Access to the Bells is limited during peak seasons, so your best bet is making a reservation with the Roaring Fork Shuttle Authority. The shuttle service runs from late May through October and costs $16 for adults, and $12 for children and seniors. Alternatively, you can park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking area for $6 per hour.

2. Crested Butte

Crested Butte is known as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" because the hillsides come alive with vibrant blooms during the summer. Over a dozen area trails, varying in length and difficulty, lead hikers through a sea of color. Different flowers bloom at different times throughout the season, so no matter when you visit, you can enjoy the show. I highly recommend planning your trip for July, as that's when the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place. The 10-day celebration features workshops, guided hikes, and more.

3. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

All it takes is one look to understand why Garden of the Gods is one of the most colorful places to visit in Colorado. The contrast between red rock and blue sky is visually striking, and if you visit in the fall, the aspens add another layer of depth. Hours vary by season, and the park is always free and open to the public.

4. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs

The short hike to Hanging Lake is just over a mile long and one of Colorado's most popular trails. Tucked away in Glenwood Canyon, this scenic oasis features rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and jade green waters. Several small waterfalls cascade down the rock ledges for a scene that feels like a fairytale. Permits are required to visit Hanging Lake to protect the fragile ecosystem; you may purchase them on the Glenwood Springs website for $10 per person from November through April and $12 per person from May through October.

What Makes Colorado So Colorful

You might be wondering, "What makes Colorado so colorful?" The short answer is the remarkable variation in the landscape. From red rocks to snowcapped mountain peaks to striking autumn foliage, Colorado is a canvas painted with all the colors nature has to offer.

How many of the most colorful places in Colorado have you visited? Would you add any others to the list?

If you're feeling inspired to discover more colorful places to visit in Colorado (perhaps on road trips or scenic drives), try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.