Colorado Travelers Recommend

Founded during the heyday of Colorado’s Silver Boom, Aspen is now a year-round outdoor destination famous for its high-end boutiques and glitzy resorts. One day in Aspen gives you time to see both the mountains and town sights. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Aspen. 

Morning: Explore the Aspen Mountains

Kick off your day in Aspen with a an outdoor adventure, in order to experience the town’s natural beauty. Regardless of the season, you can ride to the top of Aspen Mountain on the Silver Queen Gondola for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re visiting in winter, spend your morning at one of Aspen’s four world-class ski resorts, or go for a Nordic ski on several cross-country ski trails. In summer, explore the Smuggler Mountain Trail, which starts conveniently in the town centre, and in fall, take the bus up to Maroon Bells, one of the best spots in Colorado to see fall colors.

Afternoon: Historic Aspen

Reserve the afternoon for visiting historic downtown sights. Take a tour to learn about the area’s rich mining history and hear the town’s legends and stories from a local guide; tours typically cover the Wheeler Opera House, the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, Aspen's Victorian West End, and the John Denver Sanctuary in Rio Grande Park. If you have time, head east out of town towards Independence Pass and visit the Independence Ghost Town, the preserved remnants of a mining town from 1879.

Evening: Saloons and Stargazing

Spend the evening browsing downtown shops and checking out Aspen’s legendary saloons; the historic Red Onion is an Aspen landmark with a colorful history dating back to the silver boom. During the summer months, Snowmass Village puts on a free weekly concert series, while the Wheeler Opera House hosts outdoor-themed films as part of the Aspen Mountain Film Festival.  You can also head back up into the mountains for a nighttime stargazing experience. 

With three days to spend in Colorado Springs, gateway to the Front Range mountains, you’ll have enough time to see its iconic natural attractions, get a feel for local culture around town, and get out of town to see the Royal Gorge. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your three days in Colorado Springs.

Day 1: Great Outdoors

A vast majority of travelers to Colorado Springs come for its abundant natural attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities, and today you’ll sample some of the best. Get an early start for a trip to the top of Pikes Peak, the most famous fourteener in Colorado. Join a guided tour to drive up to the top, or hop aboard the historic cog railway. Active travelers might opt for some front-country hiking in the Pikes Peak area. Grab lunch in artsy Manitou Springs, then head to Garden of the Gods to take in the impressive red sandstone formations. Get off the beaten path on a Jeep tour, zip around the Juniper Loop on a Segway, or practice rock climbing with an experienced local guide. If you haven’t had enough by the time the sun goes down, make your way to nearby Seven Falls for dinner overlooking the illuminated cascades. 

Day 2: Colorado Culture

This morning, learn a bit more about the history of Colorado Springs and its colorful characters during a Segway tour around town. Glide through beautiful Cheyenne Cañon and past the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Starsmore Discovery Center, Penrose House, Pauline Chapel, and the Penrose Heritage Museum. Some tours also include the Broadmoor and Pine Grove areas. Alternatively, consider heading out on an app-guided scavenger hunt, where you’ll learn about the area’s history and culture while searching for clues and completing challenges. In the afternoon, practice the art of Mexican cooking during an in-home cooking class. 

Day 3: Royal Gorge

Head farther afield today to see one of Colorado’s most spectacular regions, the Royal Gorge. Walk across the gorge on the highest suspension bridge in the United States, ride over the gorge in an aerial gondola, or spend an exhilarating day rafting down the Arkansas River between the gorge’s towering walls. Once back in town, freshen up and head to historic Tejon Street in downtown for dinner and some drinks, perhaps sampling Mexican food or a local steak.

A 3-day stay in Denver allows you to venture into districts beyond downtown for a taste of the city’s diversity, including experiencing the outdoors in any season, from ski resorts to hiking trails. You also have time to visit the Rocky Mountains or Colorado Springs. Here’s how to maximize a 3-day trip. 

Day 1: Capitol Culture

From its humble mining town roots, the Mile-High City has risen to new cultural heights, with museums to suit any taste. Get a primer on western expansion at the History Colorado Center, go abstract at the Clyfford Still Museum, or tour the Victorian home of a famous Titanic survivor at the Molly Brown House. A stroll in the Denver Botanic Gardens lets you connect with high-desert blooms right in the heart of the vibrant Uptown neighborhood. If traveling with kids, visit the acclaimed Denver Zoo or Denver Museum of Nature & Science for a surefire way to burn off some energy and keep the whole family happy.  Prebook tickets, discount passes, or tours that include these attractions for an easy day of sightseeing.

Day 2: Be a Rocky Mountain Explorer

Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains is a major draw for residents and visitors alike. From wildlife-watching and leisurely hikes to extreme sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and snowboarding, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and play. In summer, venture into Rocky Mountain National Park for alpine lakes and moose sightings, hike among the Boulder Flatirons, or marvel at the views from the summit of Mt. Evans. Journey south to Colorado Springs to explore the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, Colorado’s most famous “14-er” (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet, or 4267 meters). Winter means ski season, and several resorts such as Winter Park and Copper Mountain are close enough for you to spend a day on the slopes and still get a good night’s sleep in your Denver hotel. 

Day 3: Beers, Bites, and More

Back in the urban mix, treat yourself to a tour of Denver’s expanding dining and brewery scene, with the highest concentration of hot spots in Lower Downtown (LoDo). With options ranging from farm-to-table to hearty western fare (try the Rocky Mountain oysters if you dare!), a food tour offers a great way to hit up several hot spots without any guesswork. The city is also a craft beer haven, so pop into local breweries for a flight of seasonal lagers, stouts, and ales, or join a distillery tour to see how modern mixologists are reinventing Colorado’s prairie whiskey traditions.

Rocky Mountain National Park has long been associated with America’s great outdoors.  Easy access from nearby cities plus wildlife—elk, moose, coyote, eagle, deer, black bear, and bighorn sheep sightings are possible—make it a popular destination. Here’s how to explore the offerings of this diverse natural habitat in the Rocky Mountains. 

Group Tours

Tours to the national park offer an immersive experience in the natural surroundings. Visit in any season to find sweeping views of Rocky Mountain peaks. Stops at the Alpine Visitors Center and Continental Divide are often included along with a lakeside picnic or cafe lunch. Expect to hear commentary on the region’s natural, cultural, and geologic history on coach or minivan tours. Moderately paced hiking tours for small groups are ideal for outdoorsy folks who prefer to hit the aspen-lined trails.

Private Tours

Ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends, private tours to the park provide a more flexible itinerary along with the undivided attention of a personal guide to show you the region. Enjoy the exclusivity of your own vehicle, which allows for better viewing and the opportunity to request photo stops without competing for elbow room.

Things to Know

• Rocky Mountain National Park lies 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Denver. 
• The journey is about a 1.5-hour drive from the Colorado capital, passing Boulder en route.
• The Continental Divide and other points of interest reach upwards of 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) in elevation.
• A guided tour lets someone else do the driving and leaves you hands-free for Instagramming the wildlife.
• Day trips to the destination typically last eight hours, including travel time.
• Most tours offer pickup and drop-off at Denver Union Station or a similar downtown location.

Colorado’s second-largest city and one of America’s first destination resorts, Colorado Springs is part college town, part outdoor adventurer’s playground, and 100 percent beautiful. While you could easily spend a week or more exploring the Front Range, here are some suggestions if you only have a day in town. 

Morning: Pikes Peak

Colorado’s famous fourteener, Pikes Peak doubles as Colorado Springs’ most popular attraction and a must on any visit. Get an early start for a tour to the top of one of the highest points in the Rocky Mountains, or, if you prefer to travel independently, ride the historic cog railway to the top to soak up the views. Stop in the artsy town of Manitou Springs at the base of Pikes Peak for lunch and a bit of window shopping before continuing on to your afternoon adventures.

Afternoon: Garden of the Gods

The red sandstone cathedral spires and towering monoliths of Garden of the Gods date back around 300 million years. Spend some time this afternoon exploring this registered National Natural Landmark. Take an open-air Jeep tour to visit remote areas that few visitors get to see, zip around the Juniper Loop on a Segway as you learn more about the red rock formations, or see the Garden of the Gods from new heights by signing up for a rock-climbing lesson, suitable for beginner or intermediate climbers. 

Night: Downtown Barhop

A day spent outdoors has probably worked up an appetite, so this evening, head to Downtown Colorado Springs for dinner at one of the excellent restaurants. You’ll find options for Mexican, steak, and Continental cuisine to suit all tastes. If you still have energy to burn, pop in to a local brewery for a Colorado craft beer, or make your way to Tejon Street for a late-night barhop. No matter where the night takes you, remember to make a toast to a day well spent. 

Boasting abundant year-round sunshine and quick access to the natural playgrounds of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is an ideal base camp for adventurous travelers. You can easily hit the slopes or trails and be back in the Mile-High City in time for dinner. Here are some popular ways to explore Colorado’s Front Range.

Hiking

The foothills of the Rockies are a hiker’s paradise, with miles of well-maintained trails winding through evergreen forests, canyons, wildflower meadows, and rock formations. Join a hiking tour to take the guesswork out of choosing a route. You can select from group outings or customized options like a challenging full-day jaunt or a more leisurely sunset hike.

Sightseeing

From dinosaur fossils and buffalo herds to Wild West lore, there’s plenty of history as well as modern mountain charm to be found in the Front Range. A sightseeing tour makes it easy to soak up the best of Colorado’s scenery and culture without renting a car. Popular stops include Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Creek Canyon, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, and the resort town of Estes Park.

Fly Fishing

Cast a line for wild trout and other freshwater species that thrive in Colorado’s clean rivers. No need to pack all your gear, as private or small-group fishing tours provide all the equipment, plus the expertise of river guides who know all the most scenic and successful spots for fresh catch.

Winter Sports

The Rocky Mountains truly shine in the wintertime, when ski resorts open and snow seekers flock to the slopes for fresh powder and some of the most spectacular alpine views in North America. Downhill skiers and snowboarders have plenty of options within a few hours of Denver, while snowshoeing or cross-country tours offer a more mellow way to play in the snow.

Mountain Biking

One of Colorado's most popular outdoor activities, mountain biking is an exciting and athletic way to explore foothills scenery and epic routes like the Colorado Trail during warmer months. Guided tours set you up with high-quality rental bikes and offer customized options for skill levels, from novices to advanced riders.

With two days in Denver, there’s time to explore Colorado culture and experience the natural playground of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Take advantage of Denver’s walkable dining and shopping districts packed with history, and get a new perspective on a Front Range day trip. Here’s how to enjoy two days in Denver. 

Day 1: Explore Mile-High History

**Morning:**Denver’s compact downtown is easy to explore on foot or via public transit. Get oriented as you admire the gleaming dome of the Colorado State Capitol building, stroll past Victorian mansions on Capitol Hill, stop for tea at the stately Brown Palace Hotel, or pick up Western-style souvenirs with a ride on the free 16th Street MallRide shuttle.

**Afternoon:**Explore two of Denver’s hottest historic neighborhoods, Lower Downtown (LoDo) and River North (RiNo), on a walking tour. Learn how a former industrial district transformed into a thriving arts scene and take a break for local beer at a craft brewery. 

**Night:**Gold Rush legends meet trendy nightlife in the city’s LoDo district. Check out the renovated Union Station for dinner and drinks in a historic train depot. For an evening chill, encounter the ghosts of Denver’s rollicking past—it started as a Wild West mining camp—on a haunted history pub crawl. 

Day 2: Head for the Hills

**Morning:**Get an early start to venture west of the city for a dose of mountain culture and scenery. Hike and test the natural acoustics at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, look for wildlife in Bear Creek Canyon, and visit Old West showman Buffalo Bill’s grave from atop Lookout Mountain. If you don’t have a car or prefer to focus on the views instead of the roads, guided day trips offer an easy escape. 

**Afternoon:**Colorado’s mountain towns are known for their relaxed, homey atmosphere and mountain-view scenery. Stop for a gourmet coffee and walk around Evergreen Lake, check out Colorado counterculture in Boulder, or browse shops in downtown in Golden, home of Coors Brewery.

**Night:**Maximize your time in the mountains with a sunset hike, watching the changing colors wash over the Front Range. Back in Denver, reward your efforts with a locally sourced meal from the ever-changing restaurant scenes of Uptown or Cherry Creek.

While Colorado Springs may be best-known as a gateway to outdoor adventure in Colorado’s Front Range, it also packs plenty of cultural appeal in its own right. With two days to spend in the area, you’ll have time to see the star natural attractions and spend some time exploring town. Here’s how.

Day 1: Around Town

**Morning:**Get an early start this morning to see Colorado Springs from a different perspective, aboard a hot-air balloon. There’s no better way to get an overview of the region’s scenic beauty than from above, where you’ll get spectacular views of Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and the rocky mountains. Finish off your experience with a Champagne breakfast back on solid ground.

**Afternoon:**Now that you’ve seen Colorado Springs from above, see it from street level. Explore on your own, or, for a fun alternative, opt for an app-guided scavenger hunt that takes you through downtown searching for clues, answering trivia questions, and performing challenges. 

**Night:**This evening, make your way to historic Tejon Street, home to some of the oldest buildings in Colorado Springs, for a night out on the down. Pick one of the many area restaurants for dinner, complemented by a cold Colorado-brewed beer.

Day 2: Great Outdoors

**Morning:**Today is all about exploring the natural wonders of Colorado Springs, starting with Colorado’s most famous summit, Pikes Peak. Take a guided tour to the top of this iconic fourteener, or travel on your own by riding the historic cog railway to the top. Either way, the views can’t be beat. 

**Afternoon:**This afternoon you’ll have time to explore another star attraction, the majestic Garden of the Gods. You have several options for touring the area, including by Jeep, Segway, or on a rock-climbing tour (suitable for both beginner or intermediate climbers).

**Night:**This evening, head to the neighboring town of Manitou Springs, an artsy community at the base of Pikes Peak, for dinner and a stroll. Be sure to taste test the water from the eight different mineral springs—all open to the public—to see which one’s best.

Once a mining boom town, now a modern metropolis, Denver boasts abundant cultural offerings against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Wild West history meets a gourmet palate in downtown bars and restaurants, while parks offer plenty of ways to soak up the famous Colorado sunshine. Here’s how to maximize a day in the Mile-High City.

Morning: Get a Culture Fix

Plan an artsy start to the day at one of Denver’s many museums. Browse Native American and Western collections at the Denver Art Museum, step inside a Victorian mansion at the Byers-Evans House, or ponder modern themes at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Consider a city discount pass if you plan on stopping at multiple museums and attractions. Rest your feet over brunch of a Denver omelette or fresh-baked bagels, snagging a seat at an outdoor patio if the weather’s nice.

Afternoon: Bike the Best of Downtown

Get a great perspective on downtown’s main attractions on a bike tour. Flat streets, generous bike paths, and riverside trails make Denver a bike-friendly town. Ride alongside locals while taking in views of landmarks such as Coors Field stadium, the State Capital Building, 16th-Street Mall, and Platte River. Some bike tours include brewery stops. If not, hop from bike tour to craft beer tour to learn more about the city’s booming microbrew scene. Alternatively, save your legs and join a motor scooter tour.

Night: Mile-High Happy Hour

Reward yourself after all that peddling with a guided bar crawl to a handful of downtown Denver’s hippest watering holes. There’s plenty to explore, with spots specializing in everything from mixed cocktails to locally brewed craft beer. After kicking off the night with drinks, head to historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) for dinner to taste for yourself why Denver’s culinary scene draws top chefs and rave reviews.  

Surrounded by both the San Juan Mountains and the sandstone cliffs of the Anima River Valley, Durango is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Here, opportunities for outdoor adventure are seemingly endless. See below for some ideas on how to make the most out of 24 hours in Durango. 

Morning: Mesa Verde Tour

Durango is the perfect basecamp for exploring nearby Mesa Verde National Park; day trip options are in abundance and save you the stress of hiring a car. Tours typically leave in the early morning and cover the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in the park, which you can only visit as part of a tour. 

Alternatively, spend the morning learning about Durango’s wild western past at the Animas Museum or learn about the region’s colorful railroad history at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

Afternoon: Outdoor Adventures

Opportunities for outdoor recreation in Durango are limitless. The Animas River runs right through town and is a popular spot for white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Choose between family-friendly rafting trips and white-water kayak tours that include a chance to paddle through Durango’s downtown white-water park. For maximum thrills, choose a rafting trip that also includes a ziplining adventure; take a fly fishing lesson; spend the afternoon mountain biking or hiking in the trails around town; or take a ride on the narrow gauge train to the historic mining town of Silverton and back. 

Evening: Sunset Jeep Rides & Wild West Shows

There are many ways to spend your evening in Durango. To see more mountain scenery and catch the sunset, opt for a twilight Jeep tour. Smelter Mountain and the Durango Rim Trail are also popular places to watch the sunset. Kids will enjoy spending the evening at the Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers, a western-style stage show accompanied by a barbecue dinner. You can also enjoy free live music in Buckley Park during the summer months or head out on a self-guided tour of Durango’s award-winning microbreweries. 

With 48 hours in Breckenridge, you can enjoy several activities that highlight the natural attractions of this Rocky Mountain hotspot, located less than two hours from Denver. Here are a few ways to build a 2-day itinerary for either winter or summer adventures.

Day 1: Get Active in the Mountains

**Morning:**If you’re visiting in the winter, get your rental gear together and head to the chairlifts as soon as they open to make the most of your time on Breckenridge Ski Resort’s five peaks, which provide a variety of terrain for all levels. In the summer, try stand-up paddleboarding, zip lining, or hiking to get your Rocky Mountain high.

**Afternoon:**Explore the downtown National Historic District, home to a variety of shops and restaurants. If you want to stay active (while also exploring the town), opt for a bike tour that introduces you to local beer and spirits at venues like Broken Compass Brewing and Breckenridge Distillery.

**Night:**In the winter, skiers and snowboarders head to the many bars and eateries along Main Street for well-earned drinks and dinner. If you’re visiting in the summer, try something different with an evening float on the Arkansas River to a riverside restaurant just outside of town.

Day 2: Discover Alpine Thrills

**Morning:**Whitewater rafting a must-do summertime adventure in Colorado, and Breckenridge’s proximity to both the Colorado and Arkansas rivers provides options that suit most visitors. Sections of the Arkansas River such as the Numbers and Browns Canyon are particularly popular, while the Colorado River offers a calmer experience suitable for beginners.

**Afternoon:**If you’re visiting in winter, take a break from the slopes and enjoy a snowmobiling tour that will give you a chance to enjoy the Rockies from another perspective. Or head to the Breckenridge Nordic Center to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing—two alternatives to downhill skiing that don’t require any experience.

**Night:**Learn about the ghosts of Breckenridge’s Gold Rush past on an evening walking tour. You’ll learn a bit about the town’s mining history, beginning with the events of the 1880s, as you visit a variety of supposedly haunted spots.

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and its lakes, rivers, forests, and waterfalls, the old mining town of Breckenridge is a great place for nature enthusiasts to spend a day. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, there are a variety of ways to enjoy 24 hours in this family-friendly destination.

Morning: Discover the Alpine Environment

The Colorado lifestyle is an active one, so start the day off right with an outdoor activity: Hike to a mountain lake (try the McCullough Gulch Trail), zip line above the Arkansas River, or go stand-up paddleboarding on the Colorado River. Even whitewater rafting—the ultimate summer adventure in this neck of the woods—can be done in just half a day if you choose a morning departure time. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll want to hit the slopes early to get as much time as possible on Breckenridge’s five peaks, which offer skiing and snowboarding terrain for all levels.

Afternoon: Walk Around Town

Breckenridge also boasts a charming downtown, a National Historic District where buildings from the late 1800s house restaurants, bars, and boutiques that provide plenty of places to refuel and relax after a calorie-burning morning outdoors. Stroll along Main Street and the surrounding blocks to find the perfect spot for an alfresco lunch, then browse for souvenirs and outdoor gear in the neighborhood’s many shops. Later in the afternoon, you can get to know the local brewing scene on a bike tour that takes you to both breweries and distilleries, such as Broken Compass Brewing and Breckenridge Distillery, where you can try their vodka, gin, and several whiskeys.

Night: Enjoy unique local experiences

While Breckenridge is chock full of restaurants, you shouldn’t miss the chance to do something a little different for dinner: enjoy an evening float on the Arkansas River. You’ll paddle an inflatable raft through mild rapids to a riverside restaurant. If you’re looking for after-dinner entertainment, opt for a ghost tour to learn a little about Breck’s history, which dates back to the Gold Rush mining days of the 1880s. If you’ve spent the day skiing, enjoy the local après scene at bars and eateries, such as Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant and Breckenridge Brewery, at the base of the mountain.

With three days in Breckenridge, you can get to know the town and its surroundings, and also enjoy outdoor opportunities a little farther afield in the Colorado Rockies through a variety of seasonal activities. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a fun-filled 72 hours in this all-seasons destination.

Day 1: Choose Your Rocky Mountain Adventure

If you’re visiting in the winter, organize your rental equipment and hit the slopes early to make the most of your time on the five peaks of Breckenridge Ski Resort, which offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. If you’re visiting in the summer, start your trip by getting straight into the mountains with an outdoor activity such as ziplining, hiking, biking, or stand-up paddleboarding on the Colorado River. Then head to downtown Breck’s National Historic District for an alfresco lunch and some shopping at the many restaurants and boutiques housed in the neighborhood’s historic buildings. When evening rolls around, avoid the crowded eateries in town with a float trip down the Arkansas to a riverside restaurant.

Day 2: More Alpine Thrills

For summertime visitors, whitewater rafting is Colorado’s must-do activity, and you’ll see nearly every type of group—from families to bachelor parties—out on the rivers. Breckenridge’s location near both the Colorado and Arkansas rivers provides options that suit most visitors. Sections of the Arkansas River, such as Browns Canyon and the Numbers, are famous for their rapids and scenery, while the Colorado River offers a gentler experience for beginners. 

If you’re visiting in the winter and are not planning to ski, you can still get outside and enjoy being in the mountains. Take advantage of alternative snow activities, including snowmobile tours and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Breckenridge Nordic Center. For evening entertainment, learn a bit about Breckenridge’s Gold Rush history, which dates back to the 1880s, on a ghost-themed walking tour of the town.

Day 3: Day Trips to Natural Landmarks

On your third day in Breckenridge, head out to Rocky Mountain National Park, which you can access via the Kawuneeche Visitor Center—located roughly 90 miles (150 km) north of Breckenridge—without having to go through Denver. Visitors from Denver typically enter the park through Estes Park, on the east side, so you’ll avoid some of the crowds by entering from the west side. The park boasts lakes, hiking trails, picnic spots, and Rocky Mountain views from various overlooks along Trail Ridge Road, which reaches as high as 12,000 feet. 

Alternatively, head south of Breckenridge to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, also about 90 miles away, in Cañon City. A narrow canyon on the Arkansas River, the gorge is known for its dramatic scenery and vertigo-inducing bridge and can be explored on a river-rafting tour. Then head back to Breck to enjoy one last evening of the town’s vibrant nightlife. 

Denver’s best museums offer a wide variety of subject matters ranging from art and science to a colorful cast of historic characters. It’s worth setting aside a day—or three—to immerse yourself in the cultural riches of these institutions. Here are some of our favorites.

Denver Art Museum

For art lovers, the Denver Art Museum is home to more than 70,000 pieces of artwork divided between 10 permanent collections—and the building itself is a work of art by architect Daniel Libeskind. See one of the largest art museums located between Chicago and the West Coast as part of a Denver city sightseeing tour or with the multi-attraction Mile High Culture Pass.

Molly Brown House Museum

Anyone who’s seen Titanic will be familiar with one of Denver’s most famous hometown heroes, Margaret Brown—posthumously known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Learn more about the Titanic survivor, including her impact on modern-day cruise and flight safety, at the Molly Brown House Museum. The home is included on many Denver city tours.

Children’s Museum of Denver

Both the young and the young at heart will enjoy the hands-on collection at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Museumgoers are encouraged to interact with everything—climb aboard a real city fire truck, paint your own masterpiece, or climb three stories for spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies.

Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum

Famous Wild West showman William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was laid to rest atop Lookout Mountain in nearby Golden, Colorado—an easy and worthwhile day trip from the Mile High City. The site now includes a museum with exhibits highlighting the life and times of this legendary figure of the American West, including one of his actual Stetson cowboy hats. See the museum on a tour of Denver’s picturesque Rocky Mountain foothills.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The comprehensive collection at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science includes more than a million objects, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Situated in City Park near the Denver Zoo, the museum comprises eight interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to explore themes like prehistoric Earth, ancient Egyptian history, and space exploration.

Mountains in Colorado and Utah attract ski enthusiasts with fresh powder and unspoiled slopes. But not all ski destinations in the Rocky Mountains offer the same experience. Here’s where to find the best skiing in the Rockies 

Breckenridge, Colorado

This former mining town in the Rocky Mountains is a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Home to the highest chairlift in North America, Breckenridge offers challenging skiing in high alpine bowls, along with lots of beginner and intermediate trails that are groomed nightly.

Salt Lake City, Utah

With the nickname Ski City, Salt Lake City is well known among serious skiers for its easy access to several legendary ski resorts including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. Alta is a particular favorite for experienced skiers, as snowboarders are not allowed.

Telluride, Colorado

Located at an elevation of 8,750 feet (2,667 meters), Telluride is surrounded by peaks of more than 13,000 feet (3,963 meters). The town of Telluride’s relatively small size offers a peaceful experience versus larger resort towns and is often a match for skiers seeking a relaxing mountain vacation. A free pedestrian gondola provides a fun extra for visitors seeking stunning views.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen Mountain is renowned for its varied and challenging terrain. While this isn’t a place for beginners (the mountain doesn’t have any beginner runs; try nearby Snowmass for a family-friendly option), experienced skiers flock here to work on turns and fly through glades of fluffy snow.

Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado

Skiers in search of powder often head to the back bowls of Vail, home to over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of unspoiled skiing. Experts seeking steep black diamond runs will find several fun options in Vail. Nearby Beaver Creek also offers some challenging runs but has more family-friendly terrain, too.

Park City, Utah

Once a historic mining town, Park City solidified its place as one of the best skiing destinations in the US when it hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 2002. With a combination of terrain for beginners and bowls with deep powder, there’s a run for skiers of all levels at Park City.