Colorado is the Rocky Mountain state: more than 50 peaks rise above 14,000 feet (4,267 m). People come in summer for the national parks, hiking and mountain pass roads, and in winter for skiing at resorts such as Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge. Denver, the capital, is the gateway. This Colorado travel guide helps you choose your parks, your season and your budget.
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Colorado at a glance
- Arrival Denver International Airport; many international travelers connect through another US hub, so check current nonstop options from your home airport
- Ideal length 10 days for Denver, Rocky Mountain and a mountain loop; 2 weeks with the southwest (Mesa Verde)
- Best time mid-June to late September for the parks; December to March for skiing
- Time zone Mountain Time, UTC−7 (UTC−6 in summer): 7 hours behind London and 2 hours behind New York most of the year
- Altitude Denver sits at about 1,600 m (5,280 ft), most resorts between 2,400 and 3,000 m (7,900 to 9,800 ft)
- Entry US citizens: domestic travel; UK citizens: approved ESTA or US visa before travel (GOV.UK)
What to see in Colorado: the highlights
Denver
Nicknamed the « Mile High City », Denver sits one mile above sea level, about 1,609 m: a step of the State Capitol marks the exact height. Highlights: the LoDo district and Union Station, the 16th Street pedestrian mall, the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Nature & Science. Half an hour to the west, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, set between two red sandstone monoliths, hosts concerts from May to October.
Rocky Mountain National Park
About 1 h 30 min from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited site in Colorado. Trail Ridge Road crosses it from east to west and climbs above 3,700 m (12,100 ft): it is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It runs through alpine tundra, where you meet elk and marmots, and is only open in the warmer months, usually from late May to October depending on snow. The best-known hikes start from Bear Lake. Estes Park, at the east entrance, is the base town. In 2026, a timed entry reservation is required from May 22 to October 12 between 9 am and 2 pm, and from 5 am to 6 pm on the Bear Lake Road corridor until October 18, booked on Recreation.gov ($2 fee, park pass still required), according to the National Park Service (nps.gov, checked 26 October 2026). Rocky Mountain is also one of the parks where non-US residents aged 16 and over pay a $100 fee on top of the entrance fee (NPS).
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak
About an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs has two flagship sites. The Garden of the Gods is a free city park where red sandstone spires rise in front of the mountains; easy trails and a road run through it. Pikes Peak (4,302 m / 14,115 ft) can be climbed by car on a toll road or by cog railway from Manitou Springs.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
In the San Luis Valley, in the south of the state, Great Sand Dunes National Park has the tallest dunes in North America, backed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You can climb them freely or slide down on a sandboard. In summer, the sand becomes scorching in the afternoon: go early in the morning or late in the day. These dunes, among the tallest on the continent, are just one facet of a trip to North America, which our overview page presents country by country.
Mesa Verde
In the far southwest, Mesa Verde National Park protects cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans in rock alcoves, roughly between the 12th and 13th centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest complex, Cliff Palace, and Balcony House can only be visited with a ranger, on tickets bought in advance during the visiting season; other sites can be seen from overlooks reached by car.
The southwest: Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride
Southwest Colorado brings together several old mining towns in the San Juan Mountains. The Durango & Silverton steam train climbs a mountain valley in the warmer months. US 550 between Silverton and Ouray, the « Million Dollar Highway », crosses passes above 3,000 m (9,800 ft), with few guardrails: drive it in daylight. Ouray has hot springs, Telluride a resort at the head of a box canyon.
The ski resorts
Several resorts are less than two hours from Denver on the I-70: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail, one of the largest ski areas in the country. The season generally runs from late November to April depending on snow. Lift tickets bought at the window are very expensive: buying online in advance or a multi-resort pass brings the cost down.
Itinerary ideas for Colorado
10 days: Denver and the Rockies
- Days 1 and 2: Denver and Red Rocks, to acclimatize to the altitude
- Day 3: drive to Estes Park via Boulder
- Days 4 and 5: Rocky Mountain National Park (Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road)
- Day 6: cross to Grand Lake, then drive to Breckenridge
- Days 7 and 8: Breckenridge and Vail, hiking or mountain biking; possible detour to Glenwood Springs
- Day 9: Colorado Springs (Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak)
- Day 10: back to Denver and flight home
2 weeks: the big loop with the southwest
- Days 1 to 5: Denver, Boulder and Rocky Mountain, as above
- Days 6 and 7: Glenwood Springs and its hot springs, then drive south
- Days 8 and 9: Ouray, the Million Dollar Highway, Silverton and Telluride
- Days 10 and 11: Durango and Mesa Verde
- Day 12: Great Sand Dunes
- Days 13 and 14: Colorado Springs, then Denver
When to go to Colorado?
Colorado has a semi-arid, continental climate, with big differences depending on altitude. In Denver, summers are hot and dry and winters cold but often sunny, with snow melting quickly in town. In the mountains, it is much cooler: temperatures generally drop by 6 to 7 °C per 1,000 m (about 3.5 °F per 1,000 ft). For the parks and hiking, aim for mid-June to late September; for skiing, December to March.
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.1 °C (47 °F) | −8.0 °C (18 °F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | ⚠️ Skiing; cold and dry in town |
| February | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | −7.1 °C (19 °F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | ⚠️ Skiing; cold |
| March | 13.6 °C (56 °F) | −2.7 °C (27 °F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | ⚠️ Skiing, heavy snowfalls possible |
| April | 16.9 °C (62 °F) | 0.9 °C (34 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | ❌ Shoulder season, pass roads closed |
| May | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 6.3 °C (43 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | ⚠️ Wettest month, passes not yet open |
| June | 28.9 °C (84 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | ✅ Mountain roads open |
| July | 32.3 °C (90 °F) | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | ✅ Peak season, afternoon storms |
| August | 31.1 °C (88 °F) | 14.0 °C (57 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | ✅ Peak season, afternoon storms |
| September | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 9.0 °C (48 °F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | ✅ Golden aspens, fewer people |
| October | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 2.1 °C (36 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | ⚠️ Passes gradually closing |
| November | 12.7 °C (55 °F) | −3.6 °C (26 °F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | ❌ Shoulder season, ski season starts |
| December | 7.7 °C (46 °F) | −7.9 °C (18 °F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | ⚠️ Skiing, holidays |
Summer (mid-June to August)
This is the season for the national parks and mountain pass roads, such as Trail Ridge Road, which only open once the snow is cleared. Denver is hot in the afternoon (an average high of 32.3 °C / 90 °F in July), but nights stay cool in the mountains. In July and August, thunderstorms often break out in the early afternoon at altitude, with a real lightning risk above the tree line: set off on hikes at dawn and come down before noon.
Fall (September-October)
September is often the best month: dry, stable weather, fewer people and, usually between mid-September and early October, the aspens turn golden on the slopes, especially around Aspen, Telluride and along the pass roads. The first snow can fall at altitude as early as September, and some roads close in October.
Winter (December to March)
Ski season. Mountain roads are well maintained but require a suitable vehicle: according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (codot.gov, checked 26 October 2026), the traction law applies on the I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero from September 1 to May 31, or whenever conditions require: tires with at least 3/16″ of tread rated all-weather or winter (M+S or mountain-snowflake), or chains or an approved traction device. CDOT also strongly recommends an AWD or 4WD vehicle.
Altitude: precautions
Altitude is the main pitfall of a Colorado trip; GOV.UK notes that altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the US. Acute mountain sickness can appear from around 2,500 m (8,200 ft), the altitude of many resorts and mountain towns: headaches, nausea, fatigue, poor sleep.
- Spend one or two nights in Denver or Boulder before sleeping higher.
- Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol in the first few days: its effects are stronger at altitude.
- Climb gradually and go back down if symptoms get worse; see a doctor before you leave if you have heart or breathing problems.
Where to stay in Colorado?
| Base | Best for | Type of accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Denver: LoDo, Union Station, RiNo | Arrival, city life | Chain and boutique hotels |
| Boulder | Acclimatization, hiking | Hotels, B&Bs |
| Estes Park | Rocky Mountain | Motels, cabins, lodges |
| Breckenridge, Vail | Skiing, summer hiking | Resort hotels, condos |
| Durango, Cortez | Mesa Verde, the Silverton train | Motels, historic hotels |
| Ouray, Telluride | San Juan Mountains | Small hotels, lodges |
Getting around Colorado
- Car: essential for the parks and the mountains. Rent at Denver airport. In winter, ask for a four-wheel-drive vehicle with suitable tires. UK travelers: GOV.UK says a UK photocard licence can be used, but you may also need the 1949 international driving permit, depending on the state and the rental company.
- From the airport: RTD’s A Line commuter train links Denver International Airport with Union Station, downtown, in about 37 minutes (rtd-denver.com, checked 26 October 2026).
Budget for a trip to Colorado
Indicative amounts per person per day, excluding international flights:
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (based on a shared double room) | about US$45 to 85 (camping, motel) | about US$125 to 280 |
| Meals | about US$30 to 45 | about US$60 to 100 |
| Transport (shared car, gas) | about US$20 to 40 | about US$40 to 65 |
| Activities, entrance fees | about US$10 to 30 | about US$35 to 80 (train, Pikes Peak) |
| Total per day | roughly US$105 to 195 | roughly US$255 to 525 |
Add national park entrance fees, including the $100 nonresident fee for non-US residents at Rocky Mountain (National Park Service).
Who is Colorado for?
Our verdict depending on how you travel, based on the information in this guide:
- Hiking and parks: ideal: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, the San Juan Mountains.
- Skiing: yes: Breckenridge, Vail or Telluride, but lift tickets at the window are very expensive.
- Road trip: yes: Trail Ridge Road, the Million Dollar Highway (in daylight), the Durango to Silverton train.
- Families: yes: the easy trails of the free Garden of the Gods and sandboarding on the dunes; plan one or two nights in Denver for the altitude.
- Tight budget: difficult: roughly US$105 to 195 per person per day in motels or campgrounds, plus park entrance fees.
- Travelers sensitive to altitude: caution: mountain sickness can appear from 2,500 m (8,200 ft); get medical advice if you have heart or breathing problems.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: a trip to Colorado is domestic travel, with no entry formalities.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026), you need an approved ESTA (only via the official ESTA website or ESTA Mobile app) or a US visa before you travel; some travel histories (Cuba since 12 January 2021, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011) and arrests or criminal records can make you ineligible. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
- Health: medical treatment is expensive and some hospitals ask non-residents for a deposit; UK prescriptions are not valid in the US (GOV.UK). Take out insurance covering medical costs. Emergency number: 911.
- Driving: GOV.UK says you can use a UK photocard driving licence, but you may also need the 1949 international driving permit (IDP), depending on the state, and car hire companies may set stricter conditions.
- Mountains: GOV.UK warns that off-piste skiing is very dangerous and can invalidate your travel insurance, and that avalanches are a risk in some areas (check the National Avalanche Center); in summer, watch for lightning above the tree line.
- Wildfires: according to GOV.UK, wildfires are a danger in many dry areas, particularly canyons, hills and forests. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
- Safety: GOV.UK notes that violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but advises taking care in unfamiliar areas and not leaving items on display in your car.
Practical tips for Colorado
- Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep a few bills for tips (about 18 to 20% in restaurants). Our currency converter helps you convert prices.
- Mobile data: coverage is patchy in the mountains and parks: download offline maps. A US eSIM avoids roaming charges.
Further reading
For local time and other states, see time differences in the United States and our California guide. To compare with the same range further north, see our guide to the Canadian Rockies.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Colorado?
Ten days let you see Denver, Boulder, Rocky Mountain, a mountain resort and Colorado Springs. With two weeks, you can do the southwest loop with Ouray, Telluride, Mesa Verde and Great Sand Dunes.
What is the best time to visit Colorado?
Mid-June to late September for the parks and hiking, September being the quietest with golden aspens. December to March for skiing. April, May and November are shoulder seasons.
Is altitude sickness a risk in Colorado?
Yes, from about 2,500 m (8,200 ft). Spend one or two nights in Denver before going higher, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol. Go back down if symptoms get worse.
Do you need a visa to visit Colorado?
US citizens need nothing: it is domestic travel. According to GOV.UK, UK citizens need an approved ESTA or a US visa before travelling.
How much does a trip to Colorado cost?
Excluding international flights, in summer, allow roughly US$105 to 195 per person per day on a budget (camping, motel) and US$255 to 525 for comfort, based on a shared double room. In winter, lift tickets and equipment rental add significantly to the bill.
Which towns should you visit in Colorado?
Denver is the base, Colorado Springs gives access to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, and the southwest brings together the small mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. To compare, see our guides to Texas and California, or their northern cousins, the Canadian Rockies.
Our sources
- Entry, safety and health information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for the USA (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026)
- Climate normals: NOAA (National Weather Service) 1991-2020 normals, Denver International Airport station; values converted to °C and mm
- National Park Service: Rocky Mountain timed entry and nonresident fees; Colorado Department of Transportation, traction law; RTD, A Line; all checked 26 October 2026
- European Central Bank euro reference rates, 23 October 2026 (budget conversions)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
For other regions, see our United States travel guide, our California guide and, further north, our guide to the Canadian Rockies.
