Colorado, a land sculpted by time and blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, is a feast for the senses. Imagine soaring, snow-dusted peaks piercing the azure sky, the gentle murmur of waterfalls cascading down rocky slopes, and the soothing embrace of natural hot springs nestled within verdant valleys. Picture, too, the mesmerizing dance of golden aspen groves, their leaves shimmering in the autumn sun. From the rugged landscapes of the northern Front Range to the serene vistas of the southern valleys, Colorado offers a tapestry of breathtaking scenes at every turn.
Within this panorama of stunning landscapes, certain destinations shine with exceptional brilliance. These are the places that possess a unique allure, capable of stealing your breath away and leaving you with a sense of wonder. Their beauty transcends the ordinary, venturing into the realm of the sublime and unforgettable. Here, we present 12 of the most beautiful places in Colorado, each a testament to the state’s remarkable natural heritage. This list of the 12 Most Beautiful Places in Colorado is presented in no particular order, with notes on wheelchair accessibility included where available, ensuring that as many people as possible can experience Colorado’s wonders.
1. Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods stands as a National Natural Landmark, a testament to the raw power and artistic flair of nature. This awe-inspiring landscape is defined by its colossal red rock formations, seemingly defying gravity with their precarious balance. These geological marvels were forged in the crucible of time, uprooted and sculpted by the very earthquake that birthed the Rocky Mountains and the iconic Pikes Peak.
Today, the Garden of the Gods encompasses a sprawling 1,367-acre park, offering visitors a chance to wander through a surreal and captivating environment. Trails meander amidst towering spires, colossal boulders, and whimsical rock formations that evoke familiar shapes – a pair of kissing camels, hands locked in prayer. The Garden of the Gods, a captivating display of geological artistry, is the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak region. Its commitment to accessibility, with ample parking and numerous paved trails, ensures that individuals using mobility aids can comfortably enjoy its splendor.
Adding to the allure of the area is the nearby Cave of the Winds, a subterranean marvel carved over half a billion years. Venturing into this natural cave system is a journey into the Earth’s depths, offering unique perspectives and breathtaking views beneath the city of Colorado Springs.
2. Mesa Verde National Park
Nestled in southwestern Colorado, near the vibrant city of Durango, lies Mesa Verde National Park, a place of profound historical significance and stunning natural beauty. This park protects some of the most remarkably preserved ancestral Puebloan sites in the United States, offering a window into the lives of a people who thrived in this region for centuries.
Here, visitors can marvel at the intricate cliff dwellings, ingeniously built into the sides of towering mountains, and explore the subterranean "kivas," ancient circular rooms crafted from stone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects over 4,700 archaeological sites, inviting exploration through hiking, walking, climbing, and scenic drives. Among the highlights are the Cliff Palace, a vast complex of dwellings, and the Balcony House, accessible only by scaling a tall ladder and navigating a narrow cave.
While the ancient sites and rock carvings offer a captivating glimpse into the past, the panoramic views across the plateau and into the deep valleys are equally breathtaking. Mesa Verde’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its comprehensive accessibility guides, designed to assist visitors with limited mobility, vision, or hearing impairments in planning their visit.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Venture into the heart of southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley, and prepare to be transported to an unexpected landscape: the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This unique park is home to the tallest sand dune in North America, the majestic 750-foot Star Dune.
The sight of these towering dunes, framed against the backdrop of the purple-hued Sangre de Cristo mountain range, is truly awe-inspiring. A gentle creek meanders along the base of the dunes, offering a refreshing respite from the desert landscape. This national park, both surprising and impressive, provides an unforgettable experience.
For the adventurous, sandboarding or sledding down the dunes offers an exhilarating thrill. Hiking to the summit of the dunes is a challenging but rewarding experience, best undertaken early in the day to avoid the intense heat. Recognizing the needs of all visitors, the park offers specialized sand wheelchairs for those with limited mobility. These wheelchairs, equipped with balloon tires, allow for short-distance travel across the dunes, though assistance may be required. It’s advisable to call ahead to inquire about weight and body size limitations and to reserve a sand wheelchair.
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado boasts four distinct national parks, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Among these, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, near Gunnison and Montrose, stands out as one of the most beautiful places in Colorado. The sheer scale and dramatic darkness of the narrow gorge are truly captivating.
The Painted Wall, a towering cliff face adorned with intricate pink and white markings, is a photographer’s dream. Rising 2,250 feet above the Gunnison River, it holds the distinction of being the highest vertical rock wall in the state.
Visitors can explore the park through hiking, camping, and kayaking, each offering a unique perspective on the canyon’s grandeur. For those with limited mobility, the South Rim offers accessible campsites, restrooms, and overlooks, including Chasm View Overlook, Sunset View Overlook, and Tomichi Point Overlook. The North Rim’s Balanced Rock Overlook is also accessible. For visitors to the South Rim Visitor Center, headphones with audio descriptions are available for the Black Canyon Movie.
5. The Million Dollar Highway
The southwestern region of Colorado, near the charming town of Ouray, is a treasure trove of stunning vistas and attractions. The Million Dollar Highway, a legendary stretch of road, offers a convenient way to experience many of these highlights. This scenic route provides unparalleled photographic opportunities without even requiring you to leave your car.
The highway winds through the historic mining town of Silverton, where colorful Victorian buildings line the streets. A short detour leads to the ghost town of Animas Forks, a once-thriving mining community abandoned after the gold rush. Accessible via four-wheel drive, this ghost town offers a glimpse into the past, with its weathered wooden shacks echoing tales of bygone eras.
The Million Dollar Highway also passes by ancient hot springs, such as the Durango Hot Springs, with a history dating back to the Ancient Pueblo people; the vast San Juan National Forest; the picturesque town of Ouray, nestled in a circular valley; and the awe-inspiring Box Canyon waterfall.
6. Maroon Bells
Near Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two of Colorado’s most iconic mountains, renowned for their breathtaking beauty. These peaks are among the most photographed in the country, their image gracing countless postcards and travel brochures. The views of the Rocky Mountains converge here in a harmonious blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests.
Nearby, the Independence Pass Summit offers another remarkable scenic drive, particularly during the autumn months when the aspen leaves transform into a sea of gold. This high mountain pass provides sweeping vistas and the opportunity to see more fourteeners (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation) than anywhere else in the state.
7. Royal Gorge
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, located near Canon City, is a testament to human ingenuity and the grandeur of nature. Here, visitors can walk across the highest suspension bridge in the United States, a thrilling experience that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. The perspective from the middle of the bridge, looking down 1,200 feet into the canyon carved by the Arkansas River, is truly breathtaking.
The bridge, visitor center, gondolas, and theater are all wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are not available for rent, so visitors must bring their own. An alternative way to experience the gorge is via the gondola, offering panoramic views from above. Wheelchair users will need to ride the gondola round trip, as there is no accessible ramp at the south end.
For a different perspective, visitors can descend into the gorge on a train or brave the wild rapids of the Arkansas River on a white-water rafting trip.
8. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls, located near Telluride, is Colorado’s tallest waterfall, cascading an impressive 365 feet down the canyon walls. Access to the falls is possible either by hiking or driving, making it accessible to those with limited mobility. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the drive. The hike, less than 2 miles each way, is relatively moderate.
Telluride, a charming Victorian mining town nestled in a box canyon, is a destination in itself. The town offers excellent skiing in the winter, ensuring that its scenic beauty can be enjoyed year-round.
9. Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake, near Glenwood Springs, is another of Colorado’s most scenic hikes. This rare lake, a national natural landmark, was formed by travertine deposition. The crystal-clear waters appear to hang impossibly on the edge of the mountain, reflecting the lush greenery that surrounds it. Gentle waterfalls cascade from the cliffs into the lake, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.
Currently closed for repairs as of September 2024, visitors should check the Hanging Lake website for reopening dates and reserve the required permit. The hike to the lake is relatively short but challenging. Due to the popularity of the trail, it’s best to hike early in the morning on a weekday to avoid crowds. Visitors are urged to respect the fragile ecosystem and refrain from entering the lake. Unfortunately, Hanging Lake is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
10. Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road, located outside Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, showcases the majestic beauty of the high alpine landscape. Reaching elevations exceeding 12,000 feet above sea level, the road traverses terrain above the treeline.
This is the highest continuous paved road in North America and the highest paved road in any national park. From its vantage points, visitors can see as far as Wyoming. Designated as a National Register of Historic Places, Trail Ridge Road is a must-see destination for anyone seeking breathtaking mountain views.
11. Pikes Peak
The summit of a fourteener offers unparalleled views, but access is often limited. Fortunately, Pikes Peak, near Colorado Springs, provides an accessible way to experience these heights. Reaching an elevation of 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak offers breathtaking vistas. The world’s highest cog train provides a comfortable and scenic ride to the summit. Wheelchair users are advised to call the ticket office in advance to make arrangements for their mobility aids.
12. Seven Falls
The Broadmoor Seven Falls is often considered Colorado’s most famous waterfall. This impressive site features seven cascades tumbling 181 feet down the cliffs of South Cheyenne Creek. The Pillars of Hercules, rising 900 feet above the canyon, frame the falls, adding to their dramatic appeal.
Beyond the falls, the site offers hiking, ziplining, dining, and shopping opportunities. Access to Seven Falls is through The Broadmoor resort, with transportation provided by a special bus. While the shuttles are wheelchair accessible, the stairs leading to the top of the falls and the hiking trails are not. This privately-owned attraction requires an admission fee.
The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Colorado are unique and unforgettable destinations. They offer a diverse range of experiences, from hiking and camping to scenic drives and historical explorations. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply breathtaking scenery, Colorado has something to offer everyone. The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Colorado await!
