12 Places In Colorado That Are Better Than Anywhere Else In The Country

Do you LOVE waterfalls? Then you are going to love this all-natural wonder, which boasts not 1, not 2, but 3 jaw-dropping waterfalls located side-by-side. Even better? You don't have to take a long and treacherous journey to reach this beauty, as it can be accessed via a short and sweet .25-mile hike!

Do you prefer long hikes and somewhat of a challenge? While we still recommend you also visit Rifle Falls, we must also highly recommend the incredible Conundrum Hot Springs, which offers not only a glorious 18-mile round-trip hike but an opportunity to soak in the pictured, all-natural hot springs.

Seriously, folks: What other city has a city park that is this stunning? Take your time answering - we can wait! 

Not sure what to make of these funky-looking rocks? Believe it or not, what you are seeing is actually 25-million-year-old layers of volcanic ash, which serves as a reminder that Colorado was once home to gigantic volcanoes! In other hard-to-believe volcanic news...

...Did you know that Colorado is also home to an ACTIVE volcano? First erupted 4,200 years ago (making it active, which - in this case - means it erupted less than 10,000 years ago), Dotsero is a 2,300-foot wide, 1,300-foot deep volcano that once produced a nearly two-mile-long lava flow, the remnants of which can still be found on both sides of I-70.

It doesn't get any more gorgeous - or surprising - than a random 44,246 acres of sand smack dab in the middle of Colorado! Agree? If you have never explored this area for yourself, do yourself a favor and check it out, as these enormous dunes are truly one-of-a-kind. 

Often topping lists of the best places to see in America, the Garden of the Gods is arguably the most unique garden in the country, as it is not comprised of traditional flowers and shrubs but rather deposited red, pink, and white sandstone, conglomerate, and limestone that were created during a geological upheaval some millions of years ago. (As if you needed another reason to visit, admission to the Garden of the Gods is free!) 

Located just down the road from the Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Springs Incline is one of the best places to work out in Colorado, as it boasts a steep, 2,744-step incline that burns so good! Need we mention that the views from the top are also downright spectacular? 

If you think all water is blue, you have never seen Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, whose eye-catching turquoise color comes from dissolving carbonate minerals, making it as jaw-dropping as it is extremely fragile.

You have seen this image on calendars, commercials, and paintings, but did you know that it is a REAL place in Colorado?! Often billed as one of the most photographed places in the country, the Maroon Bells deserve to be at the top of everyone's Colorado bucket list, as they manage to be even more lovely in person.

Last but certainly not least on our list of places in Colorado that are better than anywhere else in the country is the innovative Red Rocks Amphitheater, which is hands-down the best concert venue in America! Completed in 1941, Red Rocks is an open-air venue built within a red rock structure that has hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles.