Colorado is crammed with Instagram-worthy sights. Here you’ll discover tall aspens, hikes to sparkling waterfalls, natural hot springs, and majestic, snow-capped mountains. To help you explore the state, here, in no specific order, are the 12 most beautiful places in the state.

1. Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods is a popular natural landmark in Colorado Springs. It’s known for its physics-defying towering rock formations. The huge red rocks seemingly precariously perched on a fault line were unearthed and thrown about during the earthquake that created both the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak.
Visit this free, 1,367-acre park. It features hiking trails, spires, and boulders that look like praying hands and kissing camels. Stop at the nearby Cave of the Winds, too.

Next is Mesa Verde National Park situated in Mesa Verde, not far from Durango, in southern Colorado. It has a stunning appearance and interesting history.

Mesa Verde is home to some of the best-preserved ancestral Pueblo sites in the nation. See the dramatic ancient cliff dwellings carved into the sides of the mountainsides and the underground “kivas,” at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over 5,000 archeological sites and plenty of places to hike too.

The impressive Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is ensconced in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. Here you’ll find an amazing mix of purple Sangre de Cristo mountain peaks and tall sand dunes. In fact, you will find the country’s tallest sand dune here. It’s called the Star Dune and stands 750 feet high. You can also rent a snowboard or sled and go “sandboarding” down the high peaks.

There are four different national parks in the state. While they’re all unique, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a consistent favorite stop of travel bloggers. It’s near Gunnison and Montrose.

The black mountains that wall in this narrow gorge are unreal. Don’t miss the Painted Wall either. It is named thusly after the detailed white-pink markings that span the 2,300-foot-tall cliff. It’s the state’s official highest vertical rock wall.

There are many great places to stop in the southwestern part of Colorado. Luckily, the Million Dollar Highway crosses a lot of them. Driving on this highway you’ll discover many Instagrammable sights.

It’s a winding road with hairpin turns but is less than 25 miles in length. Stop as often as you choose. See ancient hot springs, the historic mining town of Silverton, the Box Canyon waterfall, and the ghost town of Animas Forks!

Not to be confused with Maroon 5, you’ll find Maroon Bells near Aspen. Maroon Bells are two of the state’s most well-known mountains. Additionally, they are reported to be among the nation’s “most photographed mountains.”

They offer visitors memorable views and are highlighted by alpine lakes, forests, and mountain meadows. If you like colorful foliage the best time to visit is in the fall when you can cruise along Independence Pass Summit. This popular high mountain pass will not disappoint you.

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park are close to Canon City. Here you can take a stroll over the nation’s highest suspension bridge. Try not to be afraid because veteran visitors say that the views you’ll enjoy from the center of the bridge that stretches from both ends of the valley are “unreal.” You can also experience the gorge from a gondola, a train, or even white-water rafting on the Arkansas River.

Bridal Veil Falls is situated near Telluride. It is the state’s tallest waterfall. Bridal Veil Falls pours 365 feet down the canyon. The hike to reach this spot is reportedly “not extreme.”
Most hikers can do the less-than-four mile hike in less than two hours. Upon your return from the fall drive into Telluride and take in this Victorian mining town too. Visit in the winter and you can even enjoy some great skiing.

The Hanging Lake Hike is one of the most scenic hikes in the state. The hike to Hanging Lake, near Glenwood, is not long but it is said to be “fairly rigorous.” If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the offseason.

The Hanging Lake itself is a true geological phenomenon. Some call it “magical” because it appears to hang off the edge of the mountain as waterfalls spill out of an adjoining cliff into its waters.

Trail Ridge Road is right outside of popular Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. This road is North America’s highest, continuous paved road. It is also the highest paved road in any US national park 12,000 feet above sea level.

Furthermore, it’s also above tree level. In fact, if you stand at the very top, you can actually see Wyoming to the north. Lastly, Trail Ridge Road is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Famous Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs is 14,115 feet high. The views from the top are nothing less than incredible.  However, not everyone can access it on foot. It is a very difficult hike and certainly not for beginners. Still, if you still want to see some of the jaw-dropping views here you can always climb aboard the planet’s highest cog train.

Finally, the popular Broadmoor Seven Falls in Colorado Springs is the state’s most famous waterfall. Here you will discover seven different waterfalls pouring 181 feet down from the South Cheyenne Creek. Visitors access the falls through the luxurious Broadmoor resort. A specific bus will take you from the resort to the trailhead since no public parking is available. Be sure to see the Pillars of Hercules which rise 900 feet over the canyon. Don’t forget you can dine, hike, zipline and even shop at this privately-owned place too.