Are you a lifelong Coloradan and want to see something new and exciting? If you are a native, you may think that you have seen all there is to see and experienced all the things, which is why we are excited to introduce you to this ultimate Colorado hidden gems road trip that will take you to 7 must-see spots:

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To follow along with the route, check out our interactive map.
1. Crystal Mill (Marble)
JahnyBravo/Wikimedia Commons
If you're looking for "hidden gems near me," check out this beautiful place. You have probably seen a picture of two of this stunning scene, but did you know that it is both a real place and that it is right here in Colorado? Welcome to Crystal Mill, a once wooden powerhouse built in 1892 and - though deserted - still stands proudly over the Crystal River.
2. Dotsero Volcano (Dotsero)
Lee Siebert, Smithsonian Institution/Wikimedia Commons
Psst... Did you know that Colorado is home to an ACTIVE volcano?! It's true! Sitting at the Colorado and Eagle rivers' junction, Dotsero is a 2,300-foot wide,1,300-foot deep volcano that first erupted 4,200 years ago, which technically still means it's active. In addition to the volcano site, visitors to the area can also see the remnants of the volcano's 2-mile-long lava flow.
3. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (Florissant)
Flickr/Photo_Hiker_Dave
You have heard of the larger-than-life Redwood Forest in California, but did you know that Colorado happens to have a few of our own ancient trees, too? To see them, visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, which has 34-million-year-old trees, fossils, plants, and more. 

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4. Skyline Drive (Canon City)
Jeffrey Beall/Wikimedia Commons
Finally: a place that you can experience without having to leave your car! Billed as one of the scariest roads in Colorado, Skyline Drive may have steep drops and zero guard rails, but it also offers some of the most jaw-dropping 360-degree views in the Centennial State... just make sure to drive slow and safe! 
5. Colorado Gators Reptile Park (Mosca)
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
...because where else can you see hundreds of different reptiles, touch or hold several different creepy crawlies, AND wrestle an alligator?! Colorado Gators Reptile Park is definitely one of the best little-known places in Colorado.
6. Wheeler Geologic Area (Creede)
Brian W. Schaller/Wikimedia Commons
Do you think that geology rocks? So do we, which is why we love living in the Centennial State and experiencing places like the Wheeler Geologic Area: a collection of highly eroded volcanic ash from an explosion nearly 25 million years ago! Boasting volcanic tuff and debris blown into the air post-eruption, the Wheeler Geologic Area is a true Only in Colorado attraction that has to be seen to be believed.
7. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (Cortez)
Bob Wick, BLM/Wikimedia Commons
You have visited the extraordinary Mesa Verde National Park more times than you can count, but did you know that there are more historical ruin sites around the Centennial State? Case in point: the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which houses 6,000+ Ancestral Puebloan archeological sites.

What did you think of this Colorado hidden gems road trip? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For even more Centennial State road trip inspiration, check out this Colorado waterfalls road trip.

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More to Explore

Colorado Hidden Gems

Elisa Regulski | May 26, 2022

What’s the most beautiful hike in Colorado?

There’s no shortage of amazing hiking trails in Colorado, but one of the best ones sits inside Mount Falcon Park in Morrison. This awesome hike in Colorado leads you to an abandoned castle! And best of all, you don’t have to endure a strenuous workout to get there. The pathways are easy to follow, and the natural beauty will astound you. When you reach the castle ruins, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a fairy tale. But why are they there? Architect John Brisben Walker built the structure for President Woodrow Wilson’s summer home. Sadly, due to World War I, the funds never came through. Today, only ruins remain. 

What food trails can I take in Colorado?

Feeling hungry? Discover some of the best hidden gems in Colorado on this green chile trail. This fun road trip will lead you to the most delicious, spicy grub you’ve ever eaten. Looking for something sweeter? Then this Colorado ice cream trail will fit the bill. Of course, you can never go wrong with breakfast pastries! For even more sweet treats, embark on this donut trail through Colorado.

What are the coolest attractions in Colorado?

There are so many magnificent attractions in Colorado. If you love looking at animals, pay a visit to Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. It’s one of the largest animal refuges in the country, and admission is free! If you want to feel your adrenaline rush, visit Soaring Eagle Zipline inside Glenwood Taverns State Park. For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, visit Stedman’s Sodas. This retro soda shop will take you back to the good ‘ol days.

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