Colorado holidays

When it comes to things to do in Colorado, by visiting the capital city, Denver, is a great place to start. This cool, contemporary metropolis is perfect for anyone with a creative flair. Wander through the busy wall murals in the RiNo Art District, or step inside the Denver Art Museum to see priceless collections from across the globe. Afterwards, you can watch an ice-hockey match at the famous Magness Arena, or take a beer-tasting tour of the local microbreweries and taverns.

Or, if you’re looking for a holiday that’s all about the great outdoors, why not explore Aspen? Tucked away in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, this charming resort is best known for being a prime skiing and snowboarding spot during the winter season. Spend your days whizzing down the snowy slopes, before enjoying a glass of mulled wine or an ice-cold beer at the top of the mountain. 

No holiday in Colorado is complete without a trip to the world-renowned Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover unspoilt, alpine scenery and see the dramatic peaks that rise an incredible 11,000 feet above sea level. You can catch sweeping views by driving the iconic Trail Ridge Road, or hike up to Emerald Lake for a peaceful paddle in a canoe.

Another scenic destination to add to your itinerary is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where you can see one of Colorado’s mighty, steep-sided gorges. Try your hand at rock-climbing up the craggy cliff face, or go fishing for wild trout in the Gunnison River below.
Or, for a totally unique experience, you can visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Climb to the top of the 750-foot-tall dunes, before sledding or sand-boarding back to base camp.

The wide-ranging landscape of Colorado is home to an abundance of wildlife. Throughout the state there are thousands of bird-watching trails where you can see everything from sparrows and swifts, to golden eagles and Canada geese. But, there’s also plenty to see on the land as well as in the sky.

When it comes to wildlife, the Rocky Mountains are famous for their sizable population of bighorn sheep. Mainly residing in the alpine parts of Wallowa Mountains, you’ll be able to spot their large, curled horns and distinctive, white rump patch. Or, if you’re walking round the meadows and forests of the park, you might see groups of wild elk or, even, some solitary, seven-foot-tall moose.

Elsewhere in Colorado you may also come across a mighty black bear. Much friendlier than the infamous grizzly, you’re most likely to find one along the Mosca Pass Trail over in the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

There’s a feast of natural beauty to be seen in every season in Colorado. Spring and summer may be the obvious choice, as you’ll see meadows bursting with brightly-coloured wildflowers and lakes that glisten in the sun. But, in autumn the forests transform into a sea of deep red, orange and gold, whilst in the winter, a layer of crisp snow covers the land. If you are visiting in the wintertime, Aspen is a great place to visit for skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating. Or, you can take a dip in one of the mountain hot springs for a warm, relaxing soak surrounded by a snowy backdrop.

Looking to get active in one of Colorado’s incredible lakes? Then a trip during summer is ideal. Enjoy warm weather and ample sunshine as you swim, paddle, or windsurf to your heart’s content. Or, head to the city to take part in one of Denver’s annual festivals, from beer tasting at the Summer BrewFest, to admiring artwork at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.