Are you sick of fighting crowds at amusement parks and big cities? Do you want to vacation somewhere peaceful and enjoyable?

Colorado tourism has been increasing for six years straight. More than 80 million people visit the state every year, but there’s never a sense of being crowded or rushed.

Colorado attracts so many visitors because they have such beautiful, pristine outdoor destinations. They also offer friendly, genuine hospitality to tourists.

The best places to visit in Colorado include a stunning mountain road, a famous outdoor concert hall, and an exciting river. You can go to art museums and eat world-class food. You can even take a ride on a vintage train and see some ancient fossils!

We’ll take you through the major Colorado attractions and give you some tips on planning your visit. Read on to find out how you can skip the crowded cities and have a real adventure!

1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Some of the most famous concerts ever staged went down at Red Rocks. It’s an outdoor theater that is made entirely of stone. The seats are arranged in a semi-circle, looking down at a gorgeous stage.

You’ve probably seen it on television, but being there in person is an entirely different experience. The acoustics are so pure that you will never want to see a music performance indoors ever again! Red Rocks is one of the most famous places to visit in Colorado.

The most famous concerts at Red Rocks include performances by the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, Blues Traveler, and Radiohead. The theater also offers an Easter sunrise service that you can attend no matter what your religion. Take a trip to Red Rocks and enjoy the stunning beauty of nature.

2. Hang out with Dinosaurs

One of the best things to do in Colorado is to take a gander at Picketwire Canyonlands south of the town of La Junta. You can wander along an educational trail that has more than 1,000 dinosaur footprints.

There are also museums near the town of Grand Junction where you can see actual dinosaur bones and tracks. The entire state of Colorado used to be underwater, so you’ll find some spectacular fossils along the way.

In the town of Morrison, there’s a “dinosaur highway” that you can drive along and see tons of fossils. If you’ve got a young traveling companion, take some time and indulge their interest in giant Allosaurs and Apatosaurs. The dinosaur trail is best in the fall but fun any time of year.

3. Drive the Highest Paved Road in America

If you like to drive, you should definitely take a whirl on the highest paved road in America. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway has a parking lot at 14,000 feet. That’s above the tree line! You can then walk up a trail that peaks at 14,264 feet.

There’s also the Independence Pass near Aspen, but that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s about 12,000 feet high and is open from June to September. If you’re a nervous driver, you should probably skip this one.

But if you’re brave, you can see sweeping vistas and beautiful mountain flowers. There isn’t a gift shop up there yet, but bring your camera and snap some memorable shots.

The best Colorado attractions are the mountains and the scenery. It’s perfect for people who love the outdoors.

4. Shoot the Rapids on the Arkansas River

Are you ready for a true adventure? The Arkansas River has got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a white-knuckle, Class 5 rapids experience or a leisurely dinner cruise, the Arkansas River is ready to greet you.

Most riverboat companies are open from June to September, but you can find some exciting rafting options for the beginning of May. That’s when the snow is melting and the waves are at their highest.

If you’re thinking of booking a river adventure, make sure you do your research first. Look around at different rafting businesses and see if you can spot a great deal.

You can find trips that range from half a day to a full week. You’re never going to find this kind of adrenaline rush in those overcrowded big cities. Welcome to Colorado!

5. Step into the Old West

Whether you’re traveling with your family or planning a trip for your work colleagues, Colorado has something fun to do.

You can take a trip on a historical train. You’ve got the Durango & Silverton providing outings every day, all year round. There’s the Cumbres Scenic Railroad in the town of Antonito, and there’s the Georgetown Loop.

When you step onto these refurbished trains, you’ll be swept back into Colorado’s past. Cowboys once traveled the exact same trails and fought off train robbers. Miners worked in the canyons and slept in the open air.

There are so many things to do in Colorado that it’s hard to narrow down your itinerary. If you’re thinking of visiting for a few days, you might want to expand your trip into a week or longer.

Finding the Best Colorado Attractions

Colorado is such an attractive destination because there is such a wide range of activities. If you enjoy the outdoors, you can take a camping trip for a few days. If you’re more into hunting, you can find a local company that organizes hunting trips.

There are dozens of museums in Denver including a numismatics museum that discusses the history of money. You can find art museums and outstanding food anywhere you go in the state. Colorado attractions offer visitors a world of adventure.

If you’re thinking of going to Colorado, start planning about six months before your vacation starts. Make sure that you have warm and cold weather clothing, because the temperature in the mountains can drop in the evenings.

See if you can get a good package deal that includes hotel and airfare. Don’t over-plan your trip: you can always come back again! If your New Year’s resolution was to travel, take a week or two and see what Colorado has to offer!

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