Colorado

Colorado, the home of the Rocky Mountains is one of the most beautiful states in the Country. It offers a seemingly limitless supply of outdoor activities with varyious climates, alttitudes, and landscapes.

When you first drive into the Front Range of the Rockies, most likely from Denver, you will feel the the enomousmous of the mountains and the true beauty of Rockies. As you keep heading West, the Mountains seem to just get bigger and bigger. If you are able to, head to the San Juan Mountains in the Southwest part of the state. This region offers the most dramatics peaks with the best views.

Cost: Typical Meal: $8 - $18 , Hostel: ~$30 - $50, Beer: $4 - $7

Ease of Travel: Mustang Busses are an option, but this is America... Meaning you will most likely need a car to get the full Colorado experience. Also for the most adventorous, expect a lot of dirt/rocky roads.

Food: You don't go to Colorado for the food.... The first chipotle is in Denver though!

Safety: Quite safe compared to other US states. Just be prepared for hikes and outdoors adventures.

Cultural Friendliness: One of the friendliest states in the US. I believe Denver is the friendlist city, maybe in the world.

Things to do: Just about everything, besides salt water beaches...

Colorado Itineraries

Where to go

Ordered by my personal overall experiences.

  1. Telluride

Wow… this place is beautiful! Located within a box canyon, the town is surrounded by forested cliffs that shoot straight up from the earth. The scenery is in high demand making this town quite expensive. I'd recommend camping in public lands or getting an airbnb outside of the town to avoid the staggering costs.

One thing that is actually free here in the summer is the gondola rides between Telluride and Mountain VIllage. I believe it is the only free gondola ride in the state, and you can bring mountain bikes!

There is plenty to do around here being that it is in the most beautiful part of the state including: backcountry skiing, hiking, and exploring a nice mountain town with a good restaurant/bar scene.

Things to Bring:

2. Ouray

A lesser known town very similar to Telluride is Ouray. Located east of Telluride in the San Juan mountains, it offers a less touristy vibe with views still rivaling those of Telluride. Even just driving you will be amazed by how beautiful it is here.


3. Crested Butte

Located in the middle of the Colorado Rockies, Crested Butte is a luxurious ski and mountain bike town. The 401 Trail is located here and it’s known to be one of the best scenic trails in the world, which I can attest to. The skiing is quite gnarly and offers a lot for high skill riders, but don’t worry if you are a mediocre rider the mountain does have plenty of intermediate runs to offer still. Prices to stay here are quite high and with a 35 minute drive you can stay in Gunnison for potentially half price.

4. Durango

Located in the southwest part of Colorado it is a corridor to most beautiful mountains in the whole state (San Juan Mountains). Durango’s landscape ranges from a desert on its south to a heavy wooded alpine area to its north. If heading north from here you may want to grab gas and go to the last Walmart that you will see for a while.

5. Denver

My favorite city in the US! It has a ton to offer, located at the base of the entrance to the rockies, it pushes people to live life adventurously. From my experience, Denver is the friendliess city in the US. It seems as if everyone there isn't actually from Colorado, and because of this, everyone has an open mind when it comes to making new friends.

When you are here check out:

  • The Red Rocks Amphitheater

  • Wash Park on a weekend for Pickup volleyball and drinks in the park.

  • The First Chipotle

6. Boulder

Just North of Denver, this college town offers quite a different vibe with a wide array of people. Located right on the edge of the front range of the Rockies it is a good entry point to adventurous weekends.

Pearl Street is worth a stroll in the center of town.

7. Steamboat Springs

A really nice part of Northern Colorado that is separated from a lot of other mountain towns. A local inexpensive restraunt that has great views and good food is Sunpie’s Bistro.

Things to do include: mountain biking, river tubing (Need Sandals), skiing (I’ve been told that later in the winter this place gets pounded with powder.)

8. Pagosa Springs

A western style mountain town which offers resort based Hot springs for a price. There are multiple decent hikes around the town including one featuring Chimney Rock.

9. Grand Junction/ Fruita

Some of the best mountain biking in the world! Also, a cheaper place to live in Colorado that has more mild winters due to its low elevation.

10. Silverton

A small town which has strong Wild West vibes. Located with mountain all around it’s worth a stop if driving by.

11. Glenwood Springs (I-70 Drive)

The drive into Glenwood springs from the East is one of the coolest drives I’ve ever been on. With cliffs shooting out of the ground on both sides of you this place really makes you feel like you are on a different planet.