Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

What Not to Miss on Your Next Trip to Colorado

Colorado Insider Guides
by Tim Wenger Dec 15, 2016

Everyone knows about Colorado’s ski resorts and national parks. The tourism industry in the state is booming, and by doing a little research it is more than possible to put your next visit to the Centennial State over the top. With live music, a rich and growing food scene, relaxing hot springs, and epic hiking, here are eight solid ideas.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

Continental Divide Trail

 Continental Divide TrailGunnison County, United StatesThe Continental Divide Trail runs from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide, thoroughly bisecting Colorado. There are many points to join throughout the state to do a day hike and get photos like this, if you don’t have an entire summer

Wolf Creek Ski Area

 Wolf Creek Ski AreaPagosa Springs, United StatesWolf Creek Ski Area is a family-run operation which offers some of the best terrain (and views) in the state. Do the hike up Alberta Peak to get photos like this one.

Little Saigon

 Little SaigonDenver, United StatesThe area of Federal Boulevard surrounding Alameda and south past Mississippi houses some the best Vietnamese restaurants in the country. If you love pho and Banh Mi as much as I do, this area in west Denver is a must.

Avalanche Ranch

 Avalanche RanchCarbondale, United StatesAvalanche Ranch hot springs is a small destination off the beaten path in Redstone, outside of Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Lodging options range from cabins to this small shepherds wagon, where my wife and I stayed a couple days after we got married.

Colorado National Monument

 Colorado National MonumentGrand Junction, United StatesThe Monument, just outside of Grand Junction, offers a great scenic drive with views of the Grand Valley as well as hiking opportunities. There are many spots to pull over and take photos, have a picnic, and look at the canyon and the beautiful valley in western Colorado.

Collegiate Peaks

 COLLEGIATE PEAKS (recgovnpsdata)Salida, United StatesCatch a music festival in the mountains. They happen all summer and during spring break, primarily, and can be found in just about every happening mountain town. Whether it’s just a few bands playing at a ski resort or a multi-day bonanzas, there is just something about watching live music with stunning natural backdrops – it’s so refreshing!

Flat Tops Wilderness

 Flat Tops WildernessSteamboat Springs, United StatesAwesome weekend camping at Flat Tops Wilderness. Easily accessible hikes,
Waterfalls, and lakes. Fishing readily available. #camping #hiking #colorado

Steamboat Lake State Park

 Steamboat Lake State ParkClark, United StatesSnowshoeing at Steamboat Lake State Park is a great way to get out into nature during winter with no one else around. Be prepared to pack your own trail if you go right after a storm!

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