Top 12 Must-Visit Spots in Colorado for Every Season

You could spend a lifetime—just like I have—discovering Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and premier attractions, yet there’s always more to explore. One trip simply can’t encompass all that makes this state a traveler's paradise. Dinogo’s list of activities to enjoy in Colorado provided 16 suggestions to kickstart your adventure, such as driving the scenic peak-to-peak highway, exploring the Denver Art Museum, and relaxing in Iron Mountain Hot Springs. If you're looking to cover the highlights, here are the key destinations categorized by season.

Top Spots to Experience in Colorado During Autumn

Colorado dazzles throughout the year, but the vibrant hues and pleasant weather of fall create an especially enchanting time to visit.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

A trip to the dunes often involves staying overnight at the park’s campground, as there are limited accommodation options near this remote location about 230 miles south of Denver. Campers are treated to stunning light displays at dusk and dawn, with the sand dunes shimmering beneath the jagged Sangre de Cristo mountains. Summers can be quite hot, but the sand remains pleasantly warm during the fall. Climb the dunes or rent a sandboard to glide down the slopes like surfing on waves.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton is the perfect Colorado escape for those who can afford it ($1,400 per night is the norm). Guests relax in handcrafted log cabins that blend historic charm with western art and modern comforts, including sustainably sourced beds and linens. Rates cover meals that make dining feel extraordinary—think roasted pork with charred leek grits followed by poached rhubarb panna cotta—but the hot springs are the true essence of this retreat. The rustic yet luxurious bathhouse offers views of aspen trees that turn golden in autumn, and one guest cabin (Well House) features its own spring-fed soaking tub.

Rocky Mountain National Park

During the summer, this park attracts around 4.3 million visitors, so I prefer to visit in September to avoid traffic jams on Trail Ridge Road, a must-see drive through the stunning alpine tundra. Fall is also the elk mating season, and hearing the bulls' unique bugles adds a magical touch to any hike. I often spot elk along the Moraine Park Loop, a 5.5-mile trail that can be adjusted to fit your preference.

Top Destinations to Explore in Colorado During Winter

Winter blankets much of the state in snow, transforming urban areas into enchanting winter landscapes and offering a range of world-class outdoor activities.

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

In autumn 2023, Denver unveiled its captivating immersive art space featuring Sips (With a Z), a cocktail lounge designed as a “chill sanctuary amid the chaos of quantum travel.” Reflective walls showcase a blend of classical sculptures and graffiti, while vintage furnishings offer numerous spots to contemplate the experiential art. This bar is exclusively accessible to Meow Wolf Denver visitors and event attendees. Unlike previous installations that engaged sight, sound, and touch, the new lounge also tantalizes our sense of taste.

Telluride is a winter paradise.

Though it's remote from major urban areas, I believe only the Alps have winter retreats with mountain views that can compare to those in Telluride. The stunning southwestern Colorado slopes offer such breathtaking scenery that I am consistently amazed, regardless of the snow conditions. Several mountaintop restaurants further enhance the experience. At 11,966 feet, Alpino Vino holds the title of North America's highest restaurant, serving Italian cuisine and exquisite wines in a charming stone and log cabin setting. More scenic dining awaits at Allred’s at 10,551 feet, featuring impressive table views and an award-winning wine selection.

Silverthorne is a vibrant destination.

Once merely a pit stop for travelers on Interstate 70, Exit 205 has transformed into a charming base for three nearby Colorado ski resorts (Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge) and stands as an attraction in its own right. Book a stay at Hotel Indigo, the first mountain location for the chain, featuring an upscale tequila bar and an indoor pool. Experience snowshoeing or Nordic skiing at Raven Golf Club (open to the public; gear rentals available at Gore Range Sports) and unwind at the Bluebird Market food hall, where live bands perform at the central bar on weekends.

Top places to visit in Colorado during spring

While visitor numbers may decrease in spring, Colorado still dazzles with blooming flowers and a vibrant arts scene that captivates guests.

Casa Bonita is a must-visit.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of the South Park animated series, invested $40 million to revitalize this Denver landmark known for its Mexican cuisine and lively performances. The long-awaited reopening in summer 2023 welcomed diners (with a capacity of up to 2,100) who eagerly line up for meals crafted by James Beard–nominated chef Dana Rodriguez. The iconic cliff diving continues in the waterfall-fed pool, while the multi-level dining area offers more entertainment than a serene dining experience.

Aspen is a renowned destination.

As the crowds thin, great deals emerge during this shoulder season. April and May are when Aspen's acclaimed restaurants often feature special discounted menus and drink offers. With the Snowmass base village perched at 8,104 feet, snow covers the slopes well past the mid-April closure of the resorts, ensuring excellent skiing conditions and lively parties. At Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, the springtime tradition involves popping open impressive amounts of champagne on the outdoor deck surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

Fruita is a charming locale.

With perfect weather and blooming cacti, spring is my favorite season to explore Colorado’s canyon country, and Fruita serves as the ideal home base. It’s just a 15-minute drive to the striking red rock formations of Colorado National Monument and only 5 minutes to renowned mountain biking trails. Fruita’s downtown is easily walkable, featuring the Hot Tomato, known for its authentic Jersey-style pizza. The pedestrian block often comes alive with live music, and for refreshments, Palisade's wineries are just 30 minutes to the east.

Top destinations to explore in Colorado during summer

During the warmer months, Colorado’s hiking and biking trails truly shine, and road trips provide a fantastic way to experience much of the state—especially in an EV along many of the scenic byways.

Crested Butte is a breathtaking gem.

After 25 years in Colorado, I’m still in awe of Crested Butte’s stunning beauty. In a state filled with picturesque views, this town stands out. Majestic peaks rise alongside the street grid, where vibrant, mining-era Victorian homes line the sidewalks. There’s no highway noise to disturb the mountains' tranquility, only cheerful sounds from the bars and restaurants on main street. The surrounding trails meander through aspen groves and meadows, renowned for their spectacular wildflower displays in July.

Bachelor Gulch is a vibrant destination.

In the summer, the Bachelor Gulch base area of Beaver Creek ski resort transforms into a lively lawn and pool party, showcasing the best of Colorado. Enjoy views of aspen-clad mountains while exploring trails that lead to wildflower-filled meadows. Engage in a friendly game of cornhole on the lawn, then head to Wyld’s patio for dishes featuring fresh, locally sourced produce. For a refreshing escape, stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (recently renovated in 2022) and unwind by its outdoor pool with a glass of rosé in hand from the nearby loungers.

Fort Collins is a delightful city to explore.

If you visit during Colorado State’s summer break, you can enjoy this city’s renowned breweries without the crowds. (Crooked Stave produces some of my favorite sour beers.) Each August, the nationally recognized New Belgium Brewing hosts the Tour de Fat, where 20,000 wildly dressed cyclists parade through the streets. I like to make the historic Armstrong Hotel my downtown home base, allowing me to easily walk to local shops like Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar, which serves drinks crafted from apples grown by local residents.