Colorado

Region · 🇺🇸 United States

Population 5,773,714

Area 269,381 km²

Time zone America/Denver

Official website www.colorado.gov

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Featured Lists

John Fowler / CC BY 2.0

Colorado Must-Sees

Colorado's landscape includes geological formations ranging from the 1,341-acre Garden of the Gods red sandstone to the 14,440-foot summit of Mount Elbert. The state preserves ancient history at Mesa Verde's Cliff Palace and fossilized remains at Dinosaur National Monument. Natural features include the tallest sand dunes in North America and the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls. Engineering feats like the Royal Gorge Bridge and high-altitude routes such as Independence Pass provide access to rugged canyons, while the Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint where four states meet.

14 places

RichieB_pics / CC BY 2.0

Iconic Peaks & Rock Formations

Colorado’s diverse topography is defined by these geological landmarks, ranging from the 14,440-foot summit of Mount Elbert to the massive sand dunes of the San Luis Valley. This selection includes the historic Mount of the Holy Cross, the high-altitude peaks of the Mosquito Range, and the distinct red sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods. In the south, Mesa Verde’s Sun Point and Pictograph Point offer views of ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, while the Pawnee Buttes rise from the northeastern grasslands.

12 places

Photo by Scott Bauer. / Public domain

Scenic Lakes and Reservoirs

Colorado's diverse landscape is home to essential water bodies ranging from the high-altitude Dillon Reservoir in Summit County to the expansive McPhee Reservoir in the southwest. This collection features Barker Reservoir near Nederland, a key Front Range water source, and Lake Nighthorse near Durango, created by the 270-foot-high Ridges Basin Dam. These sites serve critical roles in the state's water management while providing recreational access to the Blue River and the plains of Crowley County near Lake Meredith. Each location offers distinct mountain or prairie vistas across the Centennial State.

6 places

WhisperToMe / Public domain

Colorado Parks & Nature

Colorado’s diverse terrain spans the red sandstone spires of Garden of the Gods and the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park. This collection includes millions of acres of protected wilderness across the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, alongside unique geological sites like the colorful clay formations of Paint Mines and the fossil trackways at Dinosaur Ridge. From the geothermal waters of Strawberry Park to the historic grounds of Camp Amache, these locations highlight the state’s natural history and outdoor recreation opportunities.

15 places

Jeffrey Beall / CC BY 4.0

Historic Places of Worship

Colorado's spiritual landscape is reflected in these diverse sites, from the 1889 Moorish Revival architecture of Temple Aaron to the serene Tibetan stupas of Crestone. The collection includes the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Walburga and the Haidakhandi Universal Ashram, representing Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian traditions. Many of these locations are architecturally significant or situated in remote mountain settings, offering insights into the state's religious history and the varied communities that have established roots in the Rocky Mountains.

8 places

Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0

Historic Ruins & Ancient Sites

Explore the architectural legacy of the Ancestral Puebloan people across Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park and Canyons of the Ancients. This collection features the largest cliff dwellings in North America, including the 150-room Cliff Palace and the defensible Balcony House. Beyond residential sites, the list covers ceremonial structures like the Sun Temple, intricate rock art at Pictograph Point, and early subterranean pithouses. It also includes 19th-century industrial remains, such as the charcoal kilns and the ruins of the Walker Home.

15 places

Milan Suvajac / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scenic Viewpoints & Towers

Colorado’s diverse topography is showcased through these high-altitude vantage points and historic structures. The selection includes the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world's highest suspension bridges, and multiple overlooks in Mesa Verde National Park featuring Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. High-altitude mountain passes like Independence and Monarch offer vistas across the Continental Divide, while the American Eagles Overlook provides insight into the region's active gold mining history and the Sangre de Cristo Range.

15 places

Ahodges7 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Stunning Colorado Waterfalls

Colorado's diverse topography creates a variety of waterfall types, from the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride to the unique triple falls of Rifle Falls State Park. These sites feature geological highlights like limestone caves, rocky crevasses near the Great Sand Dunes, and historic hydroelectric power plants. Many are accessible via hikes in the San Juan and Rocky Mountains, offering views of seasonal flows and permanent cascades across the state's national forests and parks.

10 places