Top Methods for Getting Around Colorado

With its vast and varied landscape, Colorado is best explored by car.

However, if you plan to remain in one area for the majority of your visit, walking, biking, and utilizing public transportation are excellent options. From Denver, you can also take buses or catch flights to other destinations within Colorado. If navigating the winding mountain roads during snowy or icy conditions feels daunting, consider letting the experts handle the driving. Additionally, the state boasts several scenic train rides that can enhance your travel experience.

As you begin planning your upcoming adventure, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate Colorado.

Cover significant distances while driving.

Covering 103,641 square miles, Colorado ranks as the 8th-largest state in the U.S. Its varied landscapes range from rugged mountains to flat plains and vibrant red rock formations. If your vacation plans include visiting several different areas of the state, driving is your best option—whether you embark on a road trip from home or fly into Denver International Airport to rent a car.

The primary highways in Colorado are Interstate 25, which travels north and south, and Interstate 70, which runs east and west. Many popular Colorado attractions can be reached via these major routes, providing ample services, dining options, and scenic viewpoints along the way. However, be mindful that these busy interstates often experience traffic congestion in certain areas.

For a more tranquil journey, consider exploring one of Colorado’s 26 scenic and historic byways, 13 of which are federally designated. While they may not cover every part of the state, these routes bring you close to many destinations, offering breathtaking views and valuable insights along your travels.

Parking is generally plentiful in Colorado, although a few exceptions exist. In many downtown Denver areas, especially on weekends, you might find yourself circling the block a few times. However, with patience and a willingness to pay, you can usually find a spot in a garage or lot.

Parking can be more challenging in many mountain towns and at ski resorts due to limited space in rugged environments. Most resorts have implemented satellite parking lots and complimentary shuttles to transport you directly to the chairlift, which might extend your ski day slightly. If you plan to stay overnight, be prepared to pay for parking at your hotel, as some only offer valet services.

Enjoy a relaxing ride on the bus

If renting a car isn’t in your budget or if you’re hesitant to drive, taking the bus can be a convenient option. In Denver, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) buses, along with their light rail system, can take you to nearly any destination you have in mind.

From Denver, you can catch buses to various locations throughout the state. The Colorado Department of Transportation runs several Bustang routes connecting Denver to Colorado Springs in the south, Fort Collins in the north, and Grand Junction in the west. Additionally, CDOT provides many routes linking cities like Telluride and Grand Junction, as well as Lamar and Colorado Springs. During winter, CDOT’s Snowstang buses transport skiers and snowboarders to various Colorado ski resorts.

Many mountain towns, such as Aspen and Vail, boast excellent bus systems that are usually free or quite affordable. These buses often provide access to popular trailheads, which can get crowded with cars. Utilizing public transport is ideal if you're not comfortable driving in snowy conditions or simply prefer to park your vehicle at the hotel and forget about it for the duration of your stay. Many ski resort hotels also offer complimentary shuttles to transport guests around town.

Experience the surroundings on foot, by bike, or on a scooter

For a more personalized experience that lets you take in the sights, consider walking, biking, or scootering. These options allow you to immerse yourself in Colorado’s environment, letting you stop for photos, inhale the scent of wildflowers, and feel the fresh breeze on your skin.

Numerous towns in Colorado feature bikeshare programs specifically designed for transportation, such as traveling from your hotel to a museum, rather than for leisurely rides along bike paths. For longer journeys, consider renting a bike for a half-day or full-day from a local shop. In Denver, electric bikes and scooters can be rented through Lyft and Lime, while Aspen’s nonprofit WE-Cycle offers both e-bikes and traditional pedal bikes. In Vail and nearby towns, you can find e-bikes available for rent through Shift Bikes.

If your accommodation is centrally located, you'll have easy access to shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. This remains true even in winter, as many Colorado ski resort villages are designed for pedestrian use, with some featuring heated sidewalks to quickly clear away snow and ice. The state boasts several pedestrian malls, such as Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, Denver’s 16th Street Mall, Aspen’s Pedestrian Mall, and Fort Collins’ Old Town Square, where vehicles are not allowed.

Navigate the area by requesting a ride

Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are available throughout Colorado, with the highest concentration of drivers in urban areas like Denver and college towns such as Boulder and Fort Collins. The same applies to taxi and limousine services. However, in more rural and mountainous regions, you may find it difficult to secure a ride.

Enjoy the stunning vistas of Colorado from the comfort of the train

With its stunning mountain landscapes, Colorado boasts several sightseeing trains that combine transportation with leisure travel.

Amtrak’s California Zephyr connects Chicago to San Francisco, traveling right through the center of Colorado on an east-west route. If you don’t wish to embark on the full multi-day journey, you can board the train in Denver and take it to Glenwood Springs and back. The round trip takes about six hours, making Glenwood Springs a perfect weekend escape, featuring historic hotels and various hot springs pools.

The Canadian rail-tour operator Rocky Mountaineer has also introduced a new itinerary focused on Colorado, traveling between Denver and Moab, Utah, with a stop at Glenwood Springs along the way.

There are some fantastic day trips available by train

Even if you don’t intend to use the train for transportation, Colorado offers a diverse range of train day trips perfect for adding to your travel plans.

In the southwestern part of the state, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad provides scenic journeys between these two towns. This entire trip, especially breathtaking in the fall when the aspen trees change color, takes about nine hours round trip and includes a two-hour stop in the historic mining town of Silverton.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad, on the other hand, offers a distinctive view of the Royal Gorge, a stunning 1,200-foot-deep canyon shaped by the Arkansas River over millions of years in south-central Colorado. The train runs alongside the river at the base of the gorge, allowing you to gaze up at the towering canyon walls. You’ll also pass under the Royal Gorge Bridge, built in 1929, which is the highest suspension bridge in the United States.

Quickly traverse the state by taking a flight

Once you reach the state, flying is a convenient option for quick travel. For example, from Denver International Airport, you can catch flights to Telluride, Cortez, Alamosa, Vail, Aspen, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs, Durango, Grand Junction, Gunnison, and Montrose. Major airlines providing these in-state flights include United, Southwest, Southern Airways Express, and Denver Air Connection.

Transportation accessibility in Colorado

Like many other states, Colorado is actively working to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities across its cities and towns.

Public transportation systems, such as RTD in Denver, CDOT statewide, and local and regional bus networks, are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Bus drivers receive training to assist passengers with boarding and disembarking, securing their devices, and navigating the system. Service animals are allowed, and most buses feature priority seating for those with disabilities. Additionally, personal attendants can ride for free with a person who has a disability on RTD buses and trains.

The state boasts many wheelchair-friendly hiking trails, which travelers can search for using the free Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app and website. Moreover, specialized wheelchairs are available for use in several public areas, including balloon-tire wheelchairs at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and track chairs at Staunton State Park.

Adaptive sports organizations provide a diverse range of activities throughout the summer and winter, including options like downhill mountain biking in Crested Butte and waterskiing at Boulder Reservoir.

For additional information on accessible travel, be sure to explore Dinogo Planet’s accessible travel resources.