Top 5 Places to Visit in Colorado
If you’re here, you’re likely searching for a little epic travel inspiration for your next adventure!
And guess what?
And you have landed in the right place.
One such destination is Colorado, known for its stunning mountains and vibrant urban areas that make it an excellent choice for singles looking for a combination of adventure, culture, and nature.
Discovering Colorado isn’t about checkboxing places off a list.
This is about experiencing amazing natural scenery, challenging yourself in another level of wild sports in the nature, and enjoying rich cultural vibes.
There’s something for everyone in Colorado, whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a history lover or a foodie.
I remember my first trip to Colorado alone like it was yesterday.
Nothing matched the beauty of the landscape or the feeling of freedom or the evolution I went through as a person.
That experience deepened my love of solo travel and led to the writing of this article.
So in order to maximize your solo trip to Colorado, I wanted to give you the lessons I learned and tips to help.
So, what are the top five places you need to visit in Colorado?
This guide will showcase the best you shouldn’t miss from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver to the surrounding areas with local insight and travel tips, exploring whether this is a solo trip, and everything in between.
First of all, we need to start this journey!
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
a. Overview
Rocky Mountain National Park covers more than 415 square miles in northern Colorado.
It is famous for its beautiful alpine scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
If you enjoy nature and adventure, this is the park for you.
b. Highlights
Its comprehensive trail system is among the main attractions of the park.
Popular choices include Bear Lake and Emerald Lake, which feature stunning scenery and different degrees of difficulty for different levels of hikers.
Then you have the Trail Ridge Road, (Pictured from up top) one of the highest paved roads in North America, which offers incredible panoramic views.
There are also countless opportunities for wildlife spotting, including elk, moose, and several types of birds.
c. Solo Travel Tips
The weather at Rocky Mountain National Park is at its best from June to September, making this the best time to visit.
But it’s also the busiest time, so do your hikes early to avoid crowds.
Do not forget to check the weather forecast and be ready for sudden changes.
Consider bringing essentials (water, snacks, a map) as well as informing someone of your plans for added safety.
d. Personal Anecdote
This was one of my all time greatest day hikes — to Emerald Lake.
The hike was tough, but so worth it.
Surrounded by the lake, the serene, rippling blue, and the peaks immersed in crystal made my jaw drop.
It’s a moment of solitude and accomplishment I’ll never forget.”
2. Denver
a. Overview
Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is a lively destination that marries city culture with outdoor fun.
Known as the “Mile-High City” because of its altitude, Denver has a unique blend of attractions for solo travelers.
b. Highlights
Denver is bursting with art and culture.
Art lovers should make a point of visiting the Denver Art Museum and the RiNo Art District.
And for outdoor lovers, City Park and Cherry Creek State Park offer plenty of options to get your heart pumping.
There are also many fantastic food and drink establishments, with plenty of solo-friendly restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
c. Solo Travel Tips
Denver navigation on your own is super-simple due to excellent public transportation.
Look for free or low-cost events in the city, and make use of parks, museums and markets.
Plus, Denver has a very inviting community and is excellent for making new connections as a solo traveler.
d. Personal Anecdote
One in Denver, one of my favorite days was spent exploring the local markets and breweries.
The craft beer scene in the city is excellent, and I enjoyed trying nearby different brews and talking to the locals. It was a nice balance between relaxing and catching up.
3. Aspen
a. Overview
Aspen is a lovely destination that’s enjoyable no matter the season.
Though it’s perhaps most well-known for winter sports, Aspen is host to many activities and attractions for the solo traveler during the summer as well.
b. Highlights
Aspen is ideal for skiing and snowboarding during the winter.
And in the summer the hiking trails, especially around Maroon Bells, are lovely.
Adding to its charm, Aspen is home to numerous cultural events, including the Aspen Film Festival.
c. Solo Travel Tips
Accommodations in Aspen cater to solo travel, there are hostels or boutique hotels, the choice is yours.
Traveling off-season may allow you to avoid crowds and find better deals.
Local event calendar: be sure to check for your visit.
d. Personal Anecdote
Surrounded by beauty and wonder, my days in Aspen were filled with great fun and bonding with other travelers in a local café while hiking in the mountains.
The town itself and setting were one of my favorite parts of visiting Colorado!
4. Colorado Springs
a. Overview
Colorado Springs is a destination full of natural wonder and historical significance.
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.
Another gem of a city, Colorado Springs combines magnificent views and small-town charm.
b. Highlights
Another site you can’t miss is Garden of the Gods, with its dramatic red rock formations.
It’s ideal for hiking, rock climbing or just enjoying the scenery.
If you’re looking for dazzling views, Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain,” is accessible by road, by hike and even by a scenic railway.
Nearby Manitou Springs, with its quirky shops, mineral springs and vibrant art scene, was a fun town to explore solo.
c. Solo Travel Tips
Colorado Springs offers public transportation, rideshares and bike rentals.
If you are going to travel alone, you want to chart transportation accordingly so that you won’t waste time getting from one must-see to another.
(Also don’t miss the sunrise at Garden of the Gods, a peaceful spectacle worth the early rise.
Also consider timing your visit during the shoulder seasons, when you’ll beat the crowds and set off on a more tranquil adventure.
d. Personal Anecdote
Seeing the sunrise at the Garden of the Gods was one of the best moments for me on this trip.
The park was nearly deserted, and the morning light gave the red rocks a magical quality.
A moment of serenity that felt like a gift from nature.
5. Boulder
a. Overview
Boulder is the perfect destination for solo travelers, with a combination of outdoor adventure and a relaxed, but fun, vibe.
Famous for its progressive atmosphere and breathtaking views, Boulder is the perfect backdrop for anyone wanting to get out, unwind, and meet like-minded explorers.
b. Highlights
The iconic “Flatirons” are a must-see for those who hike, and Chautauqua Park is the best place to start.
The Pearl Street Mall, the main drag of Boulder’s downtown, is lined with shops, street performers and restaurants.
Boulder is also known for its local breweries and cafes where you can kick back and socialize with locals.
c. Solo Travel Tips
There are many solo traveler-friendly accommodations in Boulder, ranging from hostels to charming bed-and-breakfasts.
Getting around the city is easy, thanks to a great public transport system and excellent cycling infrastructure.
Just don’t forget to enjoy and go out outdoors make the most of your staying be touching the local scene joining parties and events.
d. Personal Anecdote
So, one of my favorite outings in Boulder was a last-minute hike of the Flatirons.
Somewhere along the way I met another solo backpacker and we spent the day exploring together.
It was a reminder of how travel can connect people in the oddest of ways.
Final Opinion, Top 5 Places to Explore in Colorado
The state of Colorado has it all, from towering mountains and outdoor fun with a ton of activities, cities with a vibrant culture, and a variety of dynamic attractions.
Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, exploring the city in Denver, hitting the slopes in Aspen, or taking in the natural beauty of Colorado Springs, or if you’re vibrant Boulder culture, there is something for every solo traveler at every turn.
Discovering Colorado alone — a solo trip of adventure, and self-discovery.
It’s an opportunity to explore your limits, make new friends, and experience unforgettable moments.
So, pick up your bags, lace up your walking boots, and prepare to experience the best of Colorado in your own terms.
