8 Most Beautiful Cities In Colorado

Aspen’s reputation is built on its popularity as a premier winter sports destination. It might surprise you to know that the little town in the heart of the White River National Forest is also a brilliant year-round destination.

In the winter, you can try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledding before rounding off your day with Après-Ski cocktails, local craft beers, or a delicious local meal. But nothing beats the pure thrill of downhill skiing on the snow-draped slopes.

Come summer; there are activities galore for everyone. You can ride the Aspen Mountain Gondola, go white water rafting, horseback riding, hiking, hot air ballooning, or fly fishing. For culture enthusiasts, there is the Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Theatre Aspen. If you are a foodie, do not miss the annual FOOD & WINE Classic in June.

Colorados’ capital is a perfect reflection of the state’s diversity. Denver offers visitors virtually unlimited attractions to suit all interests.

You can choose from several art museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. There are also several art districts filled with galleries to thrill and delight art lovers. For history buffs, the Golden Triangle Museum District boasts eight of the city’s museums. The Denver Performing Arts Complex provides ample entertainment choices.

Adventure junkies can indulge in outdoor activities such as biking along the historic Greenway Trail. For a more relaxed time, visitors can play a round of golf, stroll through lovely parks and gardens, or visit the Denver Zoo.

Estes Park is one of the definitive destinations for outdoor adventure activities. The park remains a gateway to the mesmerizing attractions of the Rocky Mountains National Park. There are an impressive 26 museums and galleries, as well as three relaxing spas housed in the park.

The Estes Park Visitors Centre provides all the information you need, and it acts as a terminal for free shuttles to most main attractions.

For the Intrepid adventurer, an almost endless list of outdoor activities awaits Mountaineering on Longs Peak, thrilling white water rafting, hiking, biking, backpacking, skiing, and snowshoeing. If you want something less adventurous, take a scenic drive, enjoy the River Walk, or play a round of golf.

Breckinridge was at the heartbeat of the gold rush during the 19th century. Today, the town retains the same Victorian-era charm with a down-to-earth and friendly atmosphere.

Breck, as it's popularly called by locals, has become one of the most beloved skiing destinations in the country. It's also a popular departure point for many of the best Colorado snowmobile tours.
You can reach Breck with a quick drive from other popular destinations. Vail lies 40 miles northwest, and Denver sits 80 miles northeast.

Winter in Breck is defined by ski sports and by runs on the Tenmile Range. At nighttime, the town boasts of an exciting scene with downtown restaurants and bars throbbing with energy. You can also explore the thriving arts and culture scene or learn some Breckenridge history on tour with a local expert. Popular choices include the Historical Tour, the Haunted Tour, and the Gold Mining Tour.

Summertime opens up hiking trails, biking, fishing, paddling, and rafting. There are also a collection of breweries and a distillery you can explore in the evenings. Whether it is summer or winter, the majesty of a Breckenridge sunset and star-studded night sky is a wonder to behold. And worth coming back to experience year after year.

Grand Junction is like its name: A grand junction where the outdoors meet culture and art. For nature lovers, there is a diverse landscape to explore and experience. You can start with hiking and biking trails. Then try an off-road adventure, climb the marvelous red rock formations, or take to the rivers for rafting, kayaking, and paddling.

The Western Colorado Centre for the Arts is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. There are also many public art installations and the monthly First Friday Art Tour.

Culture lovers can soak in the entertainment at the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, the High Desert Opera, the Mesa State College Theatre, and the Avalon Theatre. Don’t miss to taste your way around the 22 wineries and tasting rooms that dot the town.

Pagosa Springs is small-town America at its very best. Located in southwest Colorado, the town offers year-round activities for kids and adults alike. Try swimming, boating, and fishing in the Navajo State Park. You can go hiking or backpacking in the San Juan National Forest. Then take a scenic drive up Wolf Creek Pass for sensational views of the Treasure Falls. And there's more.

Don't miss guided tours of Chimney Rock National Monument, hot air balloon adventures, paddling, and tubing. Or rafting along the San Juan River.

During winter, you can go dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and more at the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Come evening, enjoy some brewery-hopping, or simply relax in the natural Pagosa Hot Springs.

Steeped in history, Georgetown is a major crowd puller. Most visitors come to experience the history and pioneering spirit of this 1875 mining town.

You can travel back in time with museums like the Hamill House Museum, the Georgetown Heritage Centre, and the Hotel de Paris. There is also an opportunity to learn all about silver mining when you will take a ride to Silver Plume on the Georgetown Loop Railway. On route lies the Lebanon Silver Mine.

For the more adventure inclined, there is a hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing along the many inviting trails. Also, there are white water rafting, ATV tours, and fishing. Located just 45 minutes west of Denver, Georgetown is surrounded by some stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway provides a stinging view of the landscape.

Ouray was once a historic Colorado mining town. It has now reinvented itself as an outdoor playground for adventure sports fanatics.

You can try hiking over 70 spectacular trails, have fun on a Jeep, snow-mobile, or OHV tour, bike the Ridgeway Area Trail System, or go rock climbing, canyoneering, fishing, skiing, and hot air ballooning. If you look for the most relaxing activity, visit any one of the natural thermal pools.

While outdoor activities have taken center stage, the town’s history can be explored explore at the Ouray County Historical Museum, the Ouray Alchemist Pharmaceutical Museum, or on a tour of the Old Hundred Mine.

Ouray also has a lively arts and culture scene, reflected by several galleries and a busy live theatre schedule.

Keep reading for more Colorado points of interest.