Make the Most of Your Colorado Trip
Colorado isn’t just picture-perfect place where you can get a few good shots for your Insta (although it is that too); it’s a vibrant, choose-your-own-adventure paradise where no matter what you’re into, from beautiful beers to eerie ghost towns, you can have tons of fun and make a vacation that you’ll always remember for all the right reasons.
So it goes without saying that Colorado is one of those places you are going to want to explore at least once in your lifetime, and if you’re going to do that, here’s how to make the most of your Colorado trip:
1. Start with a Game Plan (But Keep It Loose)
The thing about Colorado is that it’s not a small state, so if you are planning a trip there and you want to sample as many of its delights as you possibly can, you are going to want to have, at least, a loose plan in place.
If you’re flying into Denver, think of it as your base camp. From there, you can branch west to Breckenridge or Vail for world-class slopes, south to Colorado Springs for Garden of the Gods and the quirky Manitou Cliff Dwellings, or north toward Rocky Mountain National Park for the kind of alpine beauty that’ll ruin all future vacations.
It’s also a good idea to keep one or two “anchor” activities per day, then leave the rest open. That flexibility is what turns a good trip into a great one.
2. Chase the Scenery (Not Just the Crowds)
Everyone flocks to the big names – Aspen, Telluride, Estes Park – but some of Colorado’s best sights fly under the radar.
Glenwood Springs: Take a dip in the world’s largest natural hot springs pool, then ride the Alpine Coaster that twists down the mountainside.
Ouray: Often called the “Switzerland of America,” it’s a dream for off-roading, ice climbing, and soaking in steamy hot springs surrounded by snow-dusted peaks.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: Yes, you can sandboard down 700-foot dunes, with the Rockies towering in the background.
Pro tip: If you’re road-tripping through this side of the state, book a few nights at Riverside RV Resort. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Southwest Colorado’s rugged beauty, close to Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Million Dollar Highway, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
3. Eat (and Drink) Like a Local
Sure, Denver’s food scene is worth exploring, but venture further afield and you’ll find gems everywhere. In Fort Collins, sip your way through the city’s craft beer mecca at New Belgium and Odell Brewing. In Salida, grab breakfast burritos at The Patio Pancake Place before kayaking the Arkansas River. And in Boulder, reward yourself with a farm-to-table feast at Blackbelly or Bramble & Hare after tackling the Flatirons.
Colorado’s craft beer, coffee, and green chile game is top-tier, so skip the chains and ask locals what they actually eat.
4. Pack for All Four Seasons (Even in One Day)
The joke is true: if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait five minutes. Layer up, pack sunscreen, and keep a rain jacket handy. You can go from blue skies to snowstorm faster than you can say “altitude adjustment.”
5. Slow Down and Soak It In
Colorado rewards those who pause. Watch a sunset over the Maroon Bells, float lazily down the Yampa River, or stargaze in Crested Butte where the Milky Way practically shouts hello.
Have an amazing trip!
