A First-Timers Guide to Colorado

Whether it's your first time or you're a local showing friends and family around, here's the top five places to check out if you're new to Colorado.  Don't forget the list of must-know tips below!

Photo by Zach & Rosalie 

Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park, CO)

RMNP is home to Trail Ridge Road, the highest road in the country. Although it's only open during the summer months, you still have 265,769 acres to explore the rest of the year that's full of wildlife, sights, and trails.

Photo by Cara Jo

Chautauqua Park (Boulder, CO)

Scale the Flatirons from Chautauqua, which is conveniently located in the city of Boulder's backyard. Expect great views of Boulder and the rest of the Front Range on this 40-mile trail park. 

Photo by Barry Dale Gilfry

Lookout Mountain (Golden, CO)

If you happen to check out Coors Brewery, Lookout Mountain is right up the road. (Safely) drive up to to the Buffalo Bill memorial site where you can check out Denver from afar. 

Photo by Claire Lardizabal

Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison, CO)

Book a concert (or a movie night) at this natural-made wonder nestled in Morrison. Spend your day hiking up to the amphitheater or along Red Rock's easy to moderate trails. 

Photo by Claire Lardizabal

Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, CO)

Get the best of both worlds with views of Pike's Peak and red rock formations at Garden of the Gods. 

Helpful Tips

• Bring a car & fill up your tank. You have a lot of ground to cover.

• Carry a backpack to hold all your essentials.

• Stay hydrated. Most visitors are not acclimated to our high and dry altitude. 

• Altitude sickness is a real thing - prepare for headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. (Pro tip: Buy bottled oxygen.) 

• Expect to pay for park entry and parking (on this list, this counts for Rocky Mountain National and Chautauqua Park.)

• Wear sunscreen. The sun here is strong.

• Leave no trace: Please don't litter or touch the wildlife. 

• Enjoy Colorado's greenery responsibly.