When it comes to both beauty and tranquility, there is no topping the wonder that is the state of Colorado. However, if you are looking for a gorgeous oasis that comes with a side of peace and quiet, you are going to want to check out these 11 Centennial State hidden gems:
- Grand Lake
Flickr/Tyler Cipriani While the small mountain town isn’t necessarily a secret, it is one of our favorites not only for its charm, but for the fact that it is MUCH less crowded than other big Colorado resort towns!
- Book Cliffs (Grand Junction)
Flickr/Loco Steve Located in western Colorado, the Book Cliffs are a series of dramatic Cretaceous sandstone cliffs that truly need to be seen to be believed. (How do we recommend experiencing them? By hiking them, of course!)
- Crystal Mill (Marble)
Flickr/Casey Reynolds What is the best part of this historic Colorado mill? It is tucked away so well that it is only accessible via bike, 4x4, horse or by foot.
- Dinosaur National Monument
Flickr/NPCA Photos Okay, so this spectacular landmark (which we share with our neighbors in Utah) isn’t necessarily a huge secret, but it is the perfect place to go if you want to see something extravagant that is sure to give you a little extra perspective.
- Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs)
Flickr/Bryce Bradford Much like Dinosaur National Monument, Hanging Lake isn’t necessarily a secret, but is hidden away none-the-less and a must-see for everyone in the state!
- Conundrum Hot Springs (Aspen)
Flickr/mikeccross Imagine getting to soak your cares away in a natural hot springs with a killer view… Imagine no more by taking the hike to the pristine Conundrum Hot Springs, which is the perfect way to relax after the required 8.5-mile hike! (Psst… don’t be a jerk; when you go, clean up after yourself and don’t leave behind any trash!)
- Mount Goliath (Evergreen)
Flickr/Wally Gobetz Located along the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, this Denver-area treasure is home to not just wide-open spaces, but some of the oldest trees in the state (the pictured bristlecones are estimated to be 1,500+ years old)!
- Last Dollar Road (Telluride)
Flickr/Larry Lamsa Do you have the urge to just get in your car and drive? Then you are going to love the Last Dollar Road; a little-known route on highways 62 and 145 that passes through some of the most vivid colors in the state.
- Pawnee Buttes (Weld County)
Flickr/Shannon Dizmang Shh… what do you hear whilst standing beside these northeastern Colorado wonders? Nothing, right? Isn’t it great?!
- Blue Lakes (Ridgway)
Flickr/Steven Bratman If you think this picture of the bottom Blue Lake (with the majestic Mt. Sneffels pictured in the background) looks amazing, wait until you experience it for yourself…
- Wheeler Geologic Area (Creede)
Flickr/Chris Last but certainly not least on our list of hidden and peaceful Colorado destinations is that of the Wheeler Geologic Area, which features acres upon acres of volcanic ash created by the the La Garita Caldera some 25 millions years ago.
For even more Centennial State secrets, check out these 11 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Colorado Before You Die!
Flickr/Tyler Cipriani
While the small mountain town isn’t necessarily a secret, it is one of our favorites not only for its charm, but for the fact that it is MUCH less crowded than other big Colorado resort towns!
Flickr/Loco Steve
Located in western Colorado, the Book Cliffs are a series of dramatic Cretaceous sandstone cliffs that truly need to be seen to be believed. (How do we recommend experiencing them? By hiking them, of course!)
Flickr/Casey Reynolds
What is the best part of this historic Colorado mill? It is tucked away so well that it is only accessible via bike, 4x4, horse or by foot.
Flickr/NPCA Photos
Okay, so this spectacular landmark (which we share with our neighbors in Utah) isn’t necessarily a huge secret, but it is the perfect place to go if you want to see something extravagant that is sure to give you a little extra perspective.
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Much like Dinosaur National Monument, Hanging Lake isn’t necessarily a secret, but is hidden away none-the-less and a must-see for everyone in the state!
Flickr/mikeccross
Imagine getting to soak your cares away in a natural hot springs with a killer view… Imagine no more by taking the hike to the pristine Conundrum Hot Springs, which is the perfect way to relax after the required 8.5-mile hike! (Psst… don’t be a jerk; when you go, clean up after yourself and don’t leave behind any trash!)
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Located along the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, this Denver-area treasure is home to not just wide-open spaces, but some of the oldest trees in the state (the pictured bristlecones are estimated to be 1,500+ years old)!
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Do you have the urge to just get in your car and drive? Then you are going to love the Last Dollar Road; a little-known route on highways 62 and 145 that passes through some of the most vivid colors in the state.
Flickr/Shannon Dizmang
Shh… what do you hear whilst standing beside these northeastern Colorado wonders? Nothing, right? Isn’t it great?!
Flickr/Steven Bratman
If you think this picture of the bottom Blue Lake (with the majestic Mt. Sneffels pictured in the background) looks amazing, wait until you experience it for yourself…
Flickr/Chris
Last but certainly not least on our list of hidden and peaceful Colorado destinations is that of the Wheeler Geologic Area, which features acres upon acres of volcanic ash created by the the La Garita Caldera some 25 millions years ago.
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