Colorado’s diverse and colorful culture, nature and history continues to amaze the residents and visitors.
You will not run out of places to explore in Colorado, and as you know more about the country, you will enjoy living there more. Now, what is the best place to explore the culture, history and nature of a place? Well, the answer is definitely landmarks.
To help you explore Colorado to your heart’s content, here is a list of the famous landmarks in Colorado that you must visit.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most popular national parks in the US is situated in Colorado, and it is none other than the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is located a few miles from the mountain town of Estes Park.
The park is abundant with wildlife, along with beautiful meadows and alpine lakes. You can hike to the soaring mountain peaks and enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit. A Trail Ridge Road goes through the park, which has an altitude of over 12000 feet.
The incredible terrain of the park enchants the visitors, making it the top biggest landmark in Colorado. It is perfect for horseback riding, camping, fishing, hiking, bouldering and more.
2. Rifle Falls
Riffle Falls is one of the notable landmarks, and for nature enthusiasts, this place is the ultimate beauty to explore. With a parking area nearby, and moderate hiking trail, visiting this place will be a treat each time. There are hidden caves along the waterfall. Not only are the views spectacular, but also the 80-foot-high falls offer an unforgettable experience.
3. Garden of the Gods
Encompassing 1,300 acres, the Garden of the Gods is recorded as a National Natural Landmark of the US. In the area, a wide range of sandstone formations are scattered and some of them are very rare.
Some sandstone rocks are even as big as 300 feet. It is believed that this landmark is as old as the dinosaurs because it is found that the area was an island 250 million years ago.
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4. Browns Canyon National Monument
In Colorado, visiting the Browns Canyon National Monument is a must because it is a favorite attraction among visitors. The white water gushing mile after mile is the best for rafting tours. If you are seeking an adrenaline rush in Colorado, then this place is the best one for you.
You can also hike and walk along the trail and enjoy bird-watching or sight sightings. Some rare species in the area are black bears, eagles and falcons. So watch out for these species and remember to take pictures.
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Home to the highest dunes in the state that reach up to 230 m height, Great Sand Dunes National Park is the landmark you would want to visit multiple times.
Besides the impressive dunes, you can see the variety of fauna in this incredible place. Some rare species found in the park are puma, golden eagle, antelope and marmot.
6. Colorado National Monument
To enjoy the scenic views of Colorado, Colorado National Monument is the right place. This national park is located in Grand Junction, Colorado. Red rock formations, loop drives, deep canyons and other beautiful natural wonders fill this famous landmark. For mountain bikers, this is a must-go-top place.
Make sure to also check out the scenic national parks in Colorado.
7. Durango and the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
Located in southern Colorado, a famous landmark is the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway in the town of Durango. The area has an ancient vibe, but recently it has been restored.
Many hotels and high-quality restaurants are also constructed for visitors. The old buildings are well maintained, and you can enjoy the vintage vibe as much as you like.
Moreover, the trail leading to the railway is the best to explore on foot. Here, you can enjoy taking pictures of the preserved natural and cultural aspects of the town.
8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A fabulous landmark located near the Gunnison River is the Black Canyon. The rugged-looking canyon is magnificent and has a depth of over 2000 feet. The dramatic views and narrow way through the canyons are breathtaking.
For those who are looking for a remote landmark to explore, this park is the best choice. There are several short hiking trails and walking paths around the canyon, and you can make your way from any of them effortlessly. Actually, the adventurous side of Colorado can be explored in this landmark.
9. Guanella Pass
Located in Arapaho National Forest, Guanella Pass is a mountain pass that starts from the former mining town and proceeds to ascend by 11,669 feet. You can view the Alpine tundra from the landmark.
You can also enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I would recommend visiting between June and September as that is the best time to explore and see the utmost beauty of the place.
10. Chatfield State Park
One of the famous landmarks as well as one of the most liked tourist attractions is Chatfield State Park. The park is home to the Chatfield Reservoir. It is best to visit the park in the summer seasons as the water sources will cool you down and relax you.
The enchanting views of the surrounding areas add to why people enjoy exploring the place so much. For those who want to enjoy a fishing trip, you will find perch, catfish, walleye and rainbow trout in the park waters. So remember to take your fishing rod when you visit this gorgeous landmark.
11. Mount Sopris
Part of the Elk Mountains, Mount Sopris is a magnificent landmark where you will find rock formations of 30 million years ago. There are two summits of the landmark – West Sopris and East Sopris. The contrasts of the rocks will enchant you, and you can even observe the lush green vegetation of the area.
12. Colorado River
Running through parts of seven US states, the Colorado River remains one of the most famous landmarks in Colorado. The impressive carvings of the amazing canyons are truly wonders of nature. You can even kayak and fish in the waters of the river. Overall, the peaceful views will transport you to the serenity of paradise.
13. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
A place where both natural landscapes and innovative design come together is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. It is a wonderful landmark where you can enjoy the awe-striking beauty of a 1,200-foot canyon on the Arkansas River. The innovative part is the stunning bridge, which is the highest suspension bridge in the world.
14. United States Air Force Academy
A landmark which is beautiful as well as a part of the pride of Colorado is the United States Air Force Academy. It is situated in Colorado Springs and the campus is elevated in a range of 2,500 feet to 9,000 feet.
Here, you can witness the awesome view of clouds floating. By visiting the visitor center, you can join a guided tour which is directed through the nature trails.
15. Dinosaur National Monument
Colorado has it all and why leave the landmark that has evidence of the ancient times. One of the fabulous landmarks is the Dinosaur National Monument, where you can explore and touch dinosaur bones. Along with the dinosaur evidence, you can also explore the gorgeous wilderness. You can also camp, swim and kayak in the area.
16. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, renowned for its amazingly preserved cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans, is one of the most famous sites in Colorado. Located in Mesa Verde, one of its most notable archeological sites is the Cliff Palace.
The Ancestral Puebloan people built communities in Mesa for around 700 years, and their remains are still well-preserved and protected here, making Mesa Verde National Park one of the most intriguing historical sites in Colorado.
17. Pikes Peak
Perhaps the most well-known landmark in the state of Colorado, Pikes Peak is an incredible 14,115-foot summit. Situated in Colorado Springs, every year this summit has thousands of visitors who come here to witness its awe-inspiring beauty.
First ascended in 1820, Pikes Peak is listed as a historic landmark. Furthermore, this incredible summit, Pikes Peak, dominates the backdrop of Garden of the Gods, a famous public park in Colorado Springs.
18. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Located east of La Junta town, Bent’s Old Fort is one of the most historical sites in the state. This historical site is a fort that was created back in 1833 by a company that was owned by Charles and William Bent.
During the 1840s, this incredible fort played an immense role in trading fur on the Santa Fe Trail. Moreover, Bent’s Old Fort was designated on the National Register of Historic Places.
Each landmark has its own story. As you explore the famous landmarks in Colorado, you should try to know the context of the places to connect with the state and enjoy to your heart’s content.