Colorado is a stunning state with a lot to see and do. There is something for everyone, depending on their interests. Hiking, road or mountain biking, fishing, rafting, climbing, and other activities are available. The options are limitless. But, with so much natural beauty and so much to see in such a large state, how do you decide where to go for the finest scenic views after you've arrived?
While we couldn't include everything, we've compiled a list of the top ten stunning natural marvels in Colorado.
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Colorado's Most Beautiful Natural Wonders
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Incredible vistas of the Rocky Mountains may be had by driving up a winding mountain road to 12,183 feet above sea level. The park preserves a variety of habitats, from low marshes to high alpine tundra, allowing visitors to see a variety of species. Aside from the cold, every season has its own unique beauty. The alpine flowers bloom in the spring and summer, while the aspens turn yellow and the elk rut in the autumn.
The drive up and over the mountains provides excellent views of the park, but there are also many short treks within the area. Hikes vary in difficulty and duration, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
www.nps.gov is the website for the National Park Service.
2. The Gods' Garden
Garden of the Gods is a natural marvel located near Colorado Springs, south of Denver. A stunning scene fit for the gods is created by 300-foot towers and fins cut out of the brittle sandstone. The park serves as a natural divider between the plains and the mountains. A wide range of flora and animals may be found in the park.
The park is an excellent location for outdoor activities. Around the park, there are many paths for hiking, road and mountain biking, and equestrian riding. Climbing is permitted in the park, however owing to the fragile nature of the rock, specific permissions are needed.
1805 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Garden of Gods website: www.gardenofgods.com
3. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde's cliff homes are remarkable in their own way, despite not being a true natural marvel. Using the mesa tops and ultimately descending down into the cliff houses, ancestral Puebloan people inhabited the region around 700 years ago, between 600 and 1300 AD. While many of the mesa top houses have deteriorated over time, the cliff dwellings have remained safe. Rain and other erosion preserve the cliff housing buildings, which are built-in alcoves.
Mesa Verde National Park provides guided ranger excursions to view the cliff houses. This helps to preserve vulnerable archaeological sites while also informing tourists about the site's natural history. Tours may fill up quickly and sell out, particularly on popular weekends, so arrive early. There are also many excellent walks and self-guided excursions available around the park and on the mesa top.
Mesa Verde, Colorado
www.nps.gov is the website for the National Park Service.
4. Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs, located along the southern Colorado border, is called for the many sulfur springs in the region. The Ute term for the hot sulfur pool is pah gosah, which means "smelly water" or "healing water," depending on who you ask. The world's deepest geothermal hot spring is located in the town. The 144-degree pool is used to heat a couple of the town's bathing pools.
A moderate climate and 300 days of sunlight are created by a mix of high alpine deserts and the Rocky Mountains. Summer is a good time to come since the temperature is surprisingly pleasant for being in the southwest. Hiking, road and mountain biking, fishing, and rafting are all popular summer activities.
Address: 81147 Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Visit www.visitpagosasprings.com for more information.
5. Lodore's Gates (Dinosaur National Monument)
The lost jewel of the Gates of Lodore is located in the northwest corner. The gates are where the Green River pours into the Canyon of Lodore for the next 18 miles in the northernmost section of Dinosaur National Monument. This is a popular put-in site for rafters, as well as a campground directly adjacent to the river. Gates of Lodore and Browns Park in Colorado's northwest region is a wonderful location to visit if you want to get away from the crowds.
Gates of Lodore, Colorado 81640 is the address.
www.nps.gov is the website for the National Park Service.
6. Glenwood Canyon
You'll pass through Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River if you're traveling west of I-70. This deep canyon, which stretches over 16 miles and has walls as high as 1300 feet in some places, is a sight to see. A well-kept bike route goes along the river through the canyon, providing a wonderful way to spend the day seeing the canyon and river. There are additional trails that go to smaller side canyons that drain into the Colorado River.
Glenwood Canyon is where you'll find the trailhead for Hanging Lake. To get to the lake hanging in the cliffs above, climb 1000 vertical feet over 1.6 kilometers. From the cliffside, this walk provides magnificent vistas of Glenwood Canyon.
Address: Dotsero, CO 81637, Interstate 70
7. Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are a famously beautiful spot in Colorado that offers breathtaking views of the landscape. Two 14,000-foot peaks rise over a glacier valley and Maroon Lake. Hike up to the foot of the Maroon Bells from the lake.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Maroon Bells when the aspen turns to gold. Because the bells are so popular, it's better to go on a weekday to escape the weekend throng. Without a crowd of people hanging around, photos of the Maroon Bells reflected in the lake come out considerably better. Because there are a limited amount of vehicles permitted up to the lake, it is recommended that you use Aspen's bus service to get there and back.
Aspen Highlands is located at the end of Maroon Creek Road in Aspen, Colorado.
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