Essential tips for exploring Colorado on a budget

Colorado, the darling of the Rockies, is a destination that highlights the stunning natural beauty of the West, featuring everything from towering mountain peaks and aspen groves to river valleys and arid high-desert mesas.

While some of Colorado's top attractions can be quite pricey—a ski trip in the Rockies can really add up—the state offers numerous budget-friendly activities, with many costing nothing at all. You can also find affordable lodging options and snag deals on pricey experiences if you know where (and when) to search.

Here are our top recommendations for budget-friendly travel in Colorado.

Flying into Denver is typically the most economical option for entering the state

Denver International Airport (DIA) serves as the region's main hub and ranks among the busiest airports in the nation, offering direct flights to countless destinations. Thankfully, the sheer volume of flights provides ample opportunities for deals, especially with low-cost carriers like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit.

If you're traveling further into the state, several smaller commercial airports are available. While flights from these locations tend to be pricier (often requiring a connection through DIA), they can save you the expense and hassle of renting a car or taking a shuttle from Denver. It's a good idea to calculate the total door-to-door cost before finalizing any flight bookings.

Avoid renting a car at the airport

Exploring Colorado by car offers a delightful experience, with stunning mountain views and charming historic towns around every corner. However, car rentals can be pricey, typically starting at around $60 to $70 per day from many Colorado airports. Booking a pickup in town can lead to significant savings, as it eliminates substantial airport taxes and fees.

A quick taxi ride to the nearest town’s rental agency can save you hundreds during a week-long trip.

Take a shuttle to ski resorts from Denver International Airport

If you're traveling alone or with a small group, taking a shuttle to the mountains is often more economical than renting a car. Services like Epic Mountain Express and Summit Express offer door-to-door shuttle transport from DIA to Aspen and major resort towns along I-70, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper, Breckenridge, and Keystone.

Resorts offer complimentary bus services around town and to nearby ski areas. If you need a vehicle for a day or two, rentals are available on-site.

The best times to visit Colorado for budget travelers are in the spring and fall.

From April to May (often referred to as mud season), prices drop as Colorado's ski season comes to a close. Similarly, October and November signal another slowdown as temperatures cool and fall foliage fades. In mountain towns, this low season can lead to significant discounts—sometimes as much as 50% off—on everything from accommodations and guided tours to spa services and even pints of beer.

Nevertheless, the sun continues to shine brightly, allowing for outdoor enjoyment without the crowds or high costs. Don’t overlook the state's cities—while discounts may not be as steep, hotel prices do decrease in the low season, and cultural events are available throughout the year.

Best times to visit Colorado

Cut costs by opting for a hostel in Colorado

An increasing number of cities and mountain towns in Colorado are home to modern hostels that appeal to budget travelers while offering chic designs and boutique amenities. Most hostels provide private rooms with shared bathrooms, but if you're seeking the ultimate savings, dormitory-style accommodations are the way to go.

Many rates include breakfast, and hostels typically feature kitchens for preparing your own meals, which can significantly reduce food expenses. For hostel options in Colorado, visit Hostelworld.

Try car camping

Car camping is one of the simplest and most budget-friendly ways to enjoy Colorado. What better way to immerse yourself in the state's beauty than to be surrounded by it?

With numerous private and public campgrounds providing affordable overnight options, travelers can easily drive up and pitch a tent in many locations throughout Colorado. Most campgrounds feature shared bathrooms and fire pits, and some even include showers and convenience stores.

Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on summer weekends, so it's wise to book your spot in advance for both federal lands and state park campgrounds.

Head into the backcountry with your tent

For those who prefer solitude and the absence of amenities, dispersed camping is ideal. This no-frills camping approach is completely free and allowed on federal lands away from established campgrounds. With nearly 23 million acres of public land in Colorado, there are endless possibilities in national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas.

Visit ranger stations or a BLM office for maps. Most dispersed camping locations are reachable via dirt roads and marked with tent symbols. Remember to pack out everything you bring in and bring a WAG bag or shovel for waste disposal!

Stunning views without the price tag: the top free activities in Colorado

Stay in a hut

For those who cherish the great outdoors yet prefer a roof overhead (and possibly some electricity), consider spending the night in a hut. Colorado boasts a vast network of backcountry huts that are accessible throughout the year via trails and fire roads. Options range from simple dry cabins to more luxurious setups featuring solar lighting, wood stoves, and composting toilets.

Explore options at the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association and San Juan Hut System, and be sure to book in advance for winter stays.

Shop at grocery stores and local farmers markets

Dining out in Colorado can get pricey quickly, so consider preparing your own meals. If your lodging lacks a kitchen, don’t worry—you can find ready-made meals, snacks, and fresh fruit at local grocery stores and farmers markets. It’s surprising how satisfying a simple meal of sliced salami, pre-packaged salad, and a baguette can be, and it will save you quite a bit of money.

Inquire about discounts

Don’t hesitate to ask about discounts. Tickets for museums, tours, and public transport usually have lower prices for kids—sometimes up to half the regular cost; the same goes for students, seniors, and military personnel. If you're visiting Denver, think about buying a CityPASS, a prepaid ticket bundle that provides significant savings at some of the city’s best attractions.

Many museums across the state frequently host a monthly free admission day.

Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass

Colorado boasts four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison – each offering breathtaking views, wildlife watching, geological wonders, and remnants of ancient cultures. While each park has its own unique features, all are essential for their hiking paths, scenic routes, and outdoor adventures.

Entry fees range from $25 to $35 per vehicle. If you plan on visiting more than two national parks, consider investing in an America the Beautiful Pass ($80), which grants access to all national parks nationwide for a full year. This pass also covers entry to all federal recreation areas, including Colorado's eight national monuments.

The top spots to discover your own slice of Colorado

Discover deals for skiing and snowboarding

Colorado ranks among the priciest ski destinations nationwide, with some resorts charging nearly $225 for single-day tickets. If you're planning a brief ski trip, buying your tickets online can help you save a bit.

Visiting midweek or later in the season typically results in lower lift ticket prices. Additionally, many resorts provide half-day tickets as an option.

If you're planning to ski or snowboard for three days or more, consider purchasing a multiday 'pack' (typically valid for three to five days) or even a full season pass. It might seem like overkill, but single-day passes can add up quickly.

Explore the various options from Epic and Ikon, which are usually valid at several resorts, but be sure to check for any restrictions and blackout dates. For the best prices, make your purchase before Labor Day (the first weekend in September).

Best ski resorts in Colorado for everyone from beginners to powder enthusiasts

Daily expenses

Ski-town shuttles: Free Lift tickets: $85–225 State park campsite: $18–28 Hostel (dorm bed): $35–85 Basic room for two: starting at $90 Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at $100 Cup of coffee: $3–5 Sandwich: $8–14 Dinner for two (excluding drinks): $30–100 Pint of craft beer: $6–12