The best Colorado tourist destinations

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s top attractions, welcoming more than four million visitors each year. Hike scenic family-friendly trails, look for elk and marmots, view scenic waterfalls, explore nearby Estes Park, and drive Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. It tops out at 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) and is typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting.

To make the most of your experience at one of the best tourist places in Colorado, be sure to secure a timed entry permit, a requirement from late May to mid-October. For your home base, check into Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder, a scenic drive from the park in the vibrant mountain town of Boulder.

Step into history and culture at Mesa Verde National Park. Located in southwestern Colorado, the park protects some of the most remarkable Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States.

Established in 1906, the park is best known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings — including the iconic Cliff Palace — built into the sandstone alcoves of the canyon walls. Visitors can explore ancient structures, hike scenic trails, and gain insight into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited the region more than 700 years ago.

Mesa Verde offers a powerful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. For a comfortable and convenient stay nearby, Hampton Inn Mesa Verde/Cortez is the perfect base for families and history lovers.

Insider tip: The park is open year-round, but keep in mind that some cliff dwellings and tours — like Cliff Palace and Balcony House — are seasonal, so check ahead for access.

Nestled at the base of the Rockies, Boulder blends a lively college-town energy with a deep appreciation for nature, sustainability, and the arts. Home to the University of Colorado Boulder, the city boasts countless hiking and biking trails — including several that provide access to the iconic red rock Flatirons, a series of striking, slanted sandstone rock formations that jut dramatically from of the landscape.

Its walkable downtown, centered around Pearl Street Mall, offers unique shops, farm-to-table dining, and street performers. With a thriving tech scene, strong wellness culture, and stunning mountain views, Boulder is a dynamic place to visit and explore year-round. Hilton Garden Inn Boulder offers a restorative stay, whether you’re chasing sunrise trails or savoring a spa day.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising to 750 feet (229 meters) tall against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This surreal landscape offers a unique mix of ecosystems, including alpine forests, grasslands, wetlands, and a seasonal creek. Hike, sandboard, sled down the dunes, explore nearby trails, and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country.

The park’s dynamic beauty and ever-shifting sands create a one-of-a-kind adventure, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor explorers alike. Family-friendly accommodations like Hampton Inn Alamosa are just a short drive away, offering a comfortable stay after a day of adventure.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a breathtaking landscape carved by time, where sheer cliffs plunge dramatically into one of North America’s deepest and narrowest gorges. The park’s rugged beauty offers an awe-inspiring experience for hikers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike, making it one of the best tourist places in Colorado. Walk along rim trails with jaw-dropping views, spot soaring peregrine falcons, or explore scenic drives that reveal the canyon’s dramatic depths.

Unlike more crowded parks, Black Canyon offers a sense of solitude and discovery. Located just minutes away, Hampton Inn Montrose provides a comfortable and convenient base for your adventure, with quiet nights and stunning nearby scenery.