No matter your whereabouts in the state (Plains, Front Range, or Slope), you are guaranteed to be close to one of several Colorado natural wonders — isn’t that great? To experience the most of these outdoor marvels at once, we have curated a memorable natural wonders road trip just for you. Are you ready? Good… Let’s go!

And don’t forget to check out the original map for more details.

Google Maps
1. Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs)
Hanging Lake, 70 County Road 125, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
First up on our trip to see the most stunning natural wonders in Colorado is none other than Hanging Lake. The pristine lake, which is composed of travertine, giving it its distinct turquoise color, is home to one of the most popular hikes in the state. Hanging Lake faces the threat of ecological disruption due to litter, swimming dogs, and the oils from contact with human skin. To visit, you will need to first obtain a permit. To catch a glimpse of what makes Hanging Lake such an incredible natural wonder in Colorado, watch the brief video below:

2. Maroon Bells (Aspen)
Maroon Bells, Colorado 81611, USA
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Speaking of popular hikes, the stunning Maroon Bells feature unsurmountable beauty that deserves to be experienced at least once every season. Maroon Bells is consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it's no mystery why!

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3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Alamosa County)
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USA
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Quite possibly one of the most surprising natural wonders in Colorado is that of the Great Sand Dunes, which is comprised of 44,246 acres of soft sand, flowing creeks, and a unique climate that you won't find elsewhere. Truly, exploring the dunes is a bit like being on another planet. Watch the brief video below to explore the Great Sand Dunes virtually:

4. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Flickr/Dixie Lawrence
These magnificent red rock formations, which were created millions of years ago, contain unique sedimentary beds of deep-red, pink and white sandstones, limestone, and conglomerates. When it comes to the most stunning of Colorado's natural wonders, Garden of the Gods is high on the list.

5. Rainbow Falls (Manitou Springs)
Flickr/mark byzewski
Sadly; Rainbow Falls are tainted with the graffiti of those who do not respect nature... however, if you can look past the less-than-impressive markings, you will discover one of the most lovely waterfalls in the entire state.
6. Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison)
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Flickr/- Adam Reeder -
Not only is Red Rocks made up of 290-296 million-year-old vibrantly colored rock, but it is also considered to be one of the best concert venues in the world. To see a show at Red Rocks is to experience something bucket-list-worthy.

How many of these Colorado natural wonders have you experienced before? Which ones would you add to the list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!

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colorado natural wonders

Beth C. | February 07, 2023

What are the most beautiful hikes I can take in Colorado?

Colorado is positively teeming with natural beauty, and gorgeous hikes are located in practically every square mile of the state. Below is a list of some of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado:

  • Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs)
  • Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride)
  • Fox Run Park (Colorado Springs)
  • Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
  • Three Lakes Loop (Crested Butte)
  • Paint Mines (Calhan)
  • Devil's Kitchen Trail (Grand Junction)
  • Chasm Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)
  • Echo Lake (Idaho Springs)
  • Sugarloaf Mountain (Boulder)
  • Bear Canyon (Boulder)

 

Learn more about hiking these epic trails in Colorado!

What are the tallest mountains in Colorado?

Colorado is famous for its tall peaks, often referred to as 14-ers because many of them are about 14,000 feet in altitude. Below are some of the tallest mountains in Colorado:

  • Mount Elbert, 14,440 feet
  • Mount Massive, 14,428 feet
  • Mount Harvard, 14,421 feet
  • Blanca Peak, 14,351
  • La Plata Peak, 14,343 feet
  • Uncompahgre Peak, 14,321 feet
  • Crestone Peak, 14,300 feet
  • Mount Lincoln, 14,293
  • Castle Peak, 14,279 feet
  • Grays Peak, 14,278 feet
  • Mount Antero, 14,276 feet
  • Mount Evans, 14,271 feet
  • Longs Peak, 14,259 feet

 

Longs Peak is one of the most beautiful mountains in the state, but it's also one of the most dangerous hikes in Colorado.

 

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