Colorado, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from majestic mountains to ancient cliff dwellings, offers a wealth of attractions for every type of traveller. Here are the top ten must-visit places in the Centennial State:

1. Garden of the Gods

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Highlights: Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark renowned for its impressive red rock formations that soar into the sky. Visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through towering sandstone rock formations like the famous Balanced Rock and take in panoramic views of Pikes Peak. The park offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, and photography against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Highlights: Situated on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, this unique zoo offers visitors the chance to view over 750 animals representing 150 species, including endangered species. The zoo’s location provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy interactive exhibits, educational programs, and feeding experiences with giraffes and other animals.

3. Denver Botanic Gardens

Location: Denver, Colorado
Highlights: Located in the heart of Denver’s Cheesman Park neighborhood, the Denver Botanic Gardens spans 23 acres and features a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Highlights include themed gardens such as the Japanese Garden, Marnie’s Pavilion with tropical rainforest plants, and the iconic Monet Pool with water lilies. The gardens also host concerts, art exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year.

4. Colorado National Monument

Location: Near Grand Junction, Colorado
Highlights: Colorado National Monument offers breathtaking views of deep canyons, towering monoliths, and stunning rock formations carved by millions of years of geological activity. Visitors can drive along the scenic Rim Rock Drive, stopping at overlooks to admire the rugged landscape and spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and golden eagles. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging routes like the Devil’s Kitchen Trail.

5. Hanging Lake

Location: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
Highlights: Hanging Lake is a crystal-clear turquoise lake nestled in a narrow gorge in Glenwood Canyon. The trail to Hanging Lake is challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush vegetation along the way. The lake itself is a serene oasis surrounded by cliffs and fed by waterfalls, making it a popular spot for photography and nature lovers.

6. Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado
Highlights: The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings relocated to Manitou Springs from the Four Corners region. Visitors can explore the well-preserved dwellings, learn about the daily life of the Ancestral Puebloans, and see artifacts in the museum. The site offers insights into the history and culture of Native American civilizations that once thrived in the Southwest.

7. Mesa Verde National Park

Location: Montezuma County, Colorado
Highlights: Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. Visitors can tour cliff dwellings such as Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Spruce Tree House, marveling at the ancient architecture and intricate rock art. The park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering majestic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park’s Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved road in North America, providing stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to spot elk, moose, and other wildlife. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives through lush forests and meadows.

9. Vail Ski Resort

Location: Vail, Colorado
Highlights: Vail Ski Resort is one of the largest and most famous ski resorts in the world, offering over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, seven back bowls, and three distinct villages. In addition to world-class skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy luxury accommodations, fine dining, shopping, and a variety of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hiking in the summer months.

10. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Location: Morrison, Colorado
Highlights: Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a world-famous concert venue nestled in the natural rock formations near Denver. Known for its acoustics and stunning scenery, the amphitheater hosts concerts by top artists from around the world. Visitors can also explore the surrounding park, hike the Trading Post Trail, and participate in yoga sessions and fitness classes at sunrise.