1. Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway is one of the Rocky Mountains' most stunning scenic drives, showcasing a number of gorgeous mountain summits that reach more than 14,000 feet above sea level, including lovely Mounts Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. The Collegiate Peaks mountain range is named for its mountain summits that are named after prestigious American and international universities. Visitors can begin the scenic drive in the charming small town of Granite and head up to Salida along United States 24, viewing bighorn sheep in their native cliff habitats. During the autumn months, the mountains are known for their stunning red, orange, and yellow leaf colors. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation at areas such as Lost Canyon, Buena Vista River Park, and Cottonwood Lake.
2. The Colorado Capitol Building
The Colorado Capitol Building is home to Colorado's executive and legislative branches of government, including the offices of the state's General Assembly, governor, and lieutenant governor. The lovely capitol building was opened to the public in 1894, designed by renowned architect Elijah E. Myers and meant to evoke the character and style of Washington, D.C.'s United States Capitol Building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique design elements, which are created with rare Colorado rose onyx marble. Inside the capitol, lovely elements such as stained-glass windows depicting civic events in the state's history are on display to the public. More than 30,000 annual visitors participate in free tours each year with advance reservation, showcasing the workings of the state's government. Visitors are also welcome to peruse the building as part of self-guided tours during regular business hours.
200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, Phone: 303-866-2604
3. Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is one of the most renowned dinosaur fossil sites in North America, originally excavated in 1877 as part of the major paleontological dig efforts that resulted in the discovery of some of the world's most recognizable dinosaur species today, including the Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Allosaurus. The ridge is located within the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark in Jefferson County, just outside of the city of Morrison, within the Dakota Hogback natural unit. It has been overseen by the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge nonprofit organization since 1989 and is open to the public for free access throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the lovely Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall at the site and view informational exhibits on dinosaur species uncovered at the site. Interpretive trails offer informational panels detailing the region's geology and paleontology.
Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark, Jefferson County, CO
4. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is located on an area of land in Colorado Springs that is believed to have been inhabited by humans for over three millennia. Though it was known as Red Rock Corral by early area European settlers, it gained its current name in 1859, after land surveyors Rufus Cable and M.S. Beach deemed it "fit for the Gods to assemble" in. It was declared a public park by the City of Colorado Springs in 1909 to preserve its unique former namesake red rock formations. Today, it is one of the most popular hiking and rock climbing destinations in Colorado, attracting over two million annual visitors for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the park's 15 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails or watch for more than 130 native and migratory bird species in their natural habitats. A free-admission visitor center showcases natural history exhibits and documentary showings.
1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
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5. Manitou Springs Incline
Manitou Springs Incline, commonly referred to as the Incline, is a unique hiking trail rising above the city of Manitou Springs, formerly operated as a funicular service incline providing gravity-fed water pressure for the city of Colorado Springs. The incline operated as part of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway until a 1990 rock slide, when it was put out of service rather than repaired. Today, it is open to the public as a popular hiking and fitness route, known for its stunning views of the area's skyline and natural wonders. Its steep grade, which averages 45% and can reach up to 68% in some places, makes it a popular fitness challenge for Colorado Springs area residents and visitors. It gains 2,011 feet of elevation throughout its route, showcasing approximately 2,744 steps from its trailhead to the top of its summit.
6. Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a delightful United States National Wildlife Refuge within the beautiful San Luis Valley, located near the town of Monte Vista in Rio Grande County. The refuge was originally established by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission in 1953 as a habitat for native San Luis Valley waterfowl and wildlife, located on the site of a former agricultural area. It is known as a major stopover point for migrating greater sandhill cranes traveling between southern Canada and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, seeing approximately 20,000 cranes migrating each spring and fall. Each year in March, the refuge hosts the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, celebrating the return of the beautiful birds.
6120 CO-15, Monte Vista, CO 81144, Phone: 719-589-4021
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7. The National Center for Atmospheric Research
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is the United States' premiere facility for meteorological, environmental and climate science studies, overseen as part of the National Science Foundation's research and development initiatives. The center is home to a wide spectrum of laboratories that study various aspects of Earth's atmosphere, ranging from climate change to weather prediction to atmospheric study. Visitors can explore several free-admission facilities overseen by the center throughout the Denver area, including its beautiful Mesa Laboratory and Visitor Center building, which was designed by internationally-renowned architect I.M. Pei. Program staff are on hand at the visitor center, which is open to the public daily with the exception of major national holidays, to answer questions related to the facility's research and give guided tours with advance registration.
1850 Table Mesa Dr, Boulder, CO 80305
8. Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of the most unique open spaces in El Paso County, named in honor of the colorful clays found at the site that were once used by indigenous tribes to create paint colors. The mines have been a site of human activity for at least 9,000 years, known for their gorgeous brightly-colored bands of clay that are created by oxidized iron compounds. Today, the mines are known as one of Colorado's hidden natural wonders, located along the state's gorgeous eastern plains. Visitors can explore unique geological formations such as hoodoos and spires, which showcase vibrant rock colors like orange, purple, gray, and chocolate brown. Four miles of hiking trails are offered at the park, along with interpretive signs detailing the region's natural wonders and public restrooms.
29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, Phone: 719-520-7529
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