When it comes to the most awe-inspiring natural attractions all in one place, there is no topping Colorful Colorado. From the rolling Eastern Plains to the majestic mountains and beyond, there is truly no shortage of these all-natural wonders. If you are wondering which of our many attractions are a must-visit, take our advice and visit all 12 of these incredible places in Colorado:
Please note, Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool is temporarily closed for renovations.
1. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
When it comes to natural attractions, there is no beating the stunning Garden of the Gods, which is comprised of deposited red, pink and white sandstone, conglomerate, and limestone that were created millions of years ago during a geological upheaval! (Even cooler? Gardens of the Gods was just named one of TripAdvisor’s 2017 "Top 10 Things to Do in the United States.")
2. Island Lake (Silverton)
You aren’t dreaming folks… these photos are of a REAL place in Colorado! Welcome to the stunning Island Lake; a small lake in the beautiful San Juan National Forest that features some of the most turquoise waters in the state.
3. Devil's Causeway (Meeker)
One of the most wickedly named Colorado attractions is also one of the most epic... Located south of Steamboat Springs, the Devil’s Causeway is a jagged and narrow peak that stands at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet and is recommended for only the most skilled of hikers, as some spots are a mere four feet wide.
4. Natural Water Slide (San Isabel National Forest)
The kids may be back in school, but that doesn't mean that summer -- and all the fun that comes with it -- is over! That being said, make plans to take a ride down this all-natural water slide, which is hiding out within the beautiful San Isabel National Forest.
5. Boulder Creek (Boulder)
Speaking of summer not being over yet, have you had a chance to ride along the exciting Boulder Creek? Spanning nearly 32 miles, Boulder Creek was named one of the "10 best lazy rivers for tubing in the U.S." by Men’s Journal and features a slow and steady stream of cool water.
6. West Maroon Pass (Aspen)
Beginning in Aspen and running through Crested Butte (or vice versa), West Maroon Trail is difficult (gaining an elevation of a whopping 2,312 feet and running nearly 13 miles), but is completely worth it to get both a glimpse and a whiff of these colorful and oh-so fragrant blooms!
7. Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool (Eldorado Springs)
Featuring waters fed from an artisan spring, Eldorado Springs Swimming Pool boasts both all-natural (and stunning) blue waters AND a comfortable temperature of 76 degrees (which is warmed to 80 by the pool’s heating system).
8. Manitou Incline (Manitou Springs)
Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? Then you will love the 2,744-step Manitou Incline and its 2,000-foot elevation gain. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricey gym membership.)
9. Molas Lake Park & Campground (Silverton)
Located just outside of Silverton, Molas Lake Park & Campground is a colorful 137-acre campground that sits beside the infamously gorgeous Million Dollar Highway and was named the "Most Scenic Campground in Colorado" by AAA!
10. Last Dollar Road (Telluride)
Have you ever driven through a tunnel of trees? No? Let's change that! Considered to be one of the most stunning drives in the country, the Last Dollar Road is a colorful 18-mile trek that passes through (and under) some of the most amazing scenery in not just the state, but the entire country.
11. Wheeler Geologic Area (Creede)
Colorado rocks (see what I did there?), which is evident at the jaw-dropping Wheeler Geologic Area: a series of highly eroded volcanic ash from an explosion nearly 25 millions years ago.
12. Paint Mines Archeological District (Calhan)
Thought to have once been home to Native Americans some 9,000 years ago, the Paint Mines Archeological District is an incredible area chock full of "a unique blending of geological, archaeological, historical and ecological resources."
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