コロラド州 holidays

World-famous ski slopes, epic mountain trails and an unrivalled apres-ski nightlife. Welcome to Aspen, Colorado’s year-round adventure playground.

With the Colorado Rockies as its backdrop and a main street straight out of an old Western, Breckenridge inspires a spirit of wild adventure no matter the season.

This nature-loving city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Come for the world-class hiking and biking, and stay for the rooftop bars.

Outdoor recreation and mountain adventure mingle with art and culture in Denver. Enjoy big-city excitement in sports, music, restaurants and the nightlife scene in the ‘Mile High City’.

From its bowls and backcountry to its apres-ski parties and alpine aesthetic, discover why Vail is one of the world’s most iconic mountain resorts.

Nestled among ranches and mountains, Durango balances nature and history. And it’s also a great base for exploring the ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park.

This state claims 58 mountain peaks above 4,267 metres (14,000 feet). Exploring some of these ‘14ers’, as they’re called, is one of the most memorable things to do in Colorado. Ambitious hikers can summit on foot, with Mount Elbert, Pikes Peak and Longs Peak being the most popular choices. Backcountry skiing is also possible, but it’s safest to join an organised tour.

The scenery in Colorado switches from towering sand dunes to snow-capped mountains, grassy plains and sun-drenched rock formations. One of the best ways to soak in this diverse landscape is on a classic American road trip. Routes not to miss include the San Juan Skyway, Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway and the US-50 at the Royal Gorge Bridge and through the Colorado National Monument.

Mountain culture thrives in Colorado. The state’s ski towns offer much more than easy access to the slopes. Aspen and Vail are both famous for their elite apres-ski nightlife, luxury shopping and arts scenes. Snowmass Village, Crested Butte, Breckenridge and Leadville all offer incredible skiing in winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking come summer.

Colorado proves you don’t need a coastline to have a great selection of beautiful beaches. With the snowmelt comes a flowing tide at Medano Creek. Summer revellers sit in the shallow waters or sandboard the Great Sand Dunes, which frame the pretty beach. Golden sands and calm waters draw visitors to South Bay in Horsetooth Reservoir, also a popular spot for trout and bass fishing.

Colorado’s abundant natural beauty is crowned by the Rocky Mountain National Park, but there’s also hiking and rafting galore at Indian Peaks Wilderness. Dreaming of fresh powder? You’ll find some of the best downhill conditions at Vail and Steamboat Ski Resorts. Chasing mighty rock formations? Look no further than the Garden of the Gods Park and the Colorado National Monument.

The best restaurants in Colorado celebrate seasonal meat and produce in a big way. Check menus for standout ingredients like trout, lamb, bison, Palisade peaches and Pueblo chillis. Don’t pass up classic state dishes like the hulking Colorado pizza and Colorado-style green chilli served over burgers, enchiladas and tacos. And there’s no better way to start your day than with a sturdy Denver omelette.

The museums in Colorado are worth your time. Get your fine art fix at the Denver Art Museum and Aspen Art Museum. For a glimpse into local Indigenous culture, visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which details the architecture of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. See what it takes to be one of the world’s top athletes at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs.

The best time to visit Colorado depends on your itinerary. June through October is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and touring Rocky Mountain National Park. From January through March, the big ski resorts draw crowds to their world-class runs. Spring is the best season for wildflowers in the eastern part of the state, and from mid-September to mid-October, autumn colours shine through.

While you can plan a cheap holiday to Colorado by travelling outside of summer and winter, the weather can sometimes be unreliable. But booking well in advance can help you save on flights and accommodation. Once here, an inexpensive meal costs around 20 US dollars ($) and a short taxi ride is about $9.