There is no arguing that Colorado is the most beautiful state in America, but how does one decide which of our amazing attractions and landmarks to visit? While we obviously suggest seeing every square inch of the state, that may not be plausible, which is why we then recommend seeing these 11 beautiful places in Colorado that you must see before you die:
1. Maroon Bells (Aspen)
What better way to kick off a list of the most beautiful places in Colorado than with the incredible Maroon Bells? Located outside of Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains that are surrounded by the most glorious of landscapes, making for an outdoor enthusiast's (and photographer's) paradise.
2. Crested Butte
While every town in Colorado is beautiful in its own way, there is something extra special about Crested Butte; a town of 1,500 that is aptly nicknamed the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" by the Colorado General Assembly. Need we say more?
3. San Isabel National Forest
Nestled away in central Colorado is the 1.1 million-acre San Isabel National Forest, which is home to colorful trees and mountains, as well as some of the best hiking in the state! (If you think this picture is pretty, you have to see San Isabel in person - a photo still does not do its beauty justice.)
4. Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs)
Home to some of the bluest water in the entire country, Hanging Lake is comprised of delicate carbonate minerals which have dissolved in the lake and given it its distinct turquoise color. Please note: The area has been abused for several years, so you will soon need a permit to visit this natural wonder.
5. Comanche National Grassland
Once a vital landscape for the Native Americans, shortgrass prairies are now nearly extinct... except for Colorado's vast Comanche National Grassland. Located in southeast Colorado, Comanche is 443,081 acres of majestic wildlife, trails, and general openness, making for a peaceful Centennial State retreat.
6. Pawnee Buttes (Weld County)
Also located along the Eastern Plains, the Pawnee Buttes are two 300-foot-tall landforms that stand tall over the otherwise flat prairie... isn't nature amazing?!
7. Eastern Plains
Okay, at this point we should just acknowledge that the Eastern Plains of Colorado are both insanely gorgeous and extremely underrated! When you visit eastern Colorado, you will quickly learn that the area is home to some of the friendliest residents, most stunning farmland, and the most jaw-dropping sunsets in the entire state.
8. Palisade
No, this isn't something from a postcard, but in fact the Peach Capital of Colorado: Palisade! In addition to their mouthwatering peaches, Palisade is home to nearly 3,000 residents, vineyards, AND incredible canyons and plateaus.
9. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Not the garden you were picturing? That's because this garden is comprised of numerous red rocks that were created millions of years ago during a geological upheaval and are comprised of precious conglomerate, limestone, and different types of sandstone.
10. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Alamosa County)
It is hard to put into words just how magnificent the Great Sand Dunes are, so let us just gaze upon this picture of these 44,246 acres of baby-soft sand.
11. Blue Lakes (San Juan Mountains)
Last, but certainly not least on our list of the most beautiful spots in Colorado is the incredible Blue Lakes, which are a must-see for not only their dramatically blue water, but for their surrounding mountains, wildflowers, and cliffs as well.
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