From the southern end of the Rocky Mountains to the start of middle-America’s Great Plains, the natural wonders of Colorado aren’t hard to find. If you explore the entire state, you’ll find desert sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, deep river canyons and high rocky plateaus. But it's not all about the great outdoors – the state's cities are urban hubs of culture and sophistication.
Cultural Denver
The capital of the state stands with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, but downtown Denver is a forest of skyscrapers and offers some of Colorado's finest cultural hotspots. The city is famed for its impressive architecture, including the acclaimed Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which houses high-tech presentations about science and the universe. There are plenty of opportunities to admire fine art too – inside the striking Museum of Contemporary Art, you can find a regularly changing program of modern pieces.
Capture the spirit of the gold rush era at the recreated Argo Gold Mine, where visitors are invited to try panning for gold themselves. In the heart of the city, the State Capitol Building is a popular landmark and from its viewing platform you can enjoy the sights of the mountains surrounding the city. For an evening of entertainment, head for the Red Rock Amphitheatre just out of the city. This huge open-air venue is created by natural formations of Colorado’s distinctive red rocks, with major bands and acts all performing here.
Exploring the mountains
Make no mistake, Colorado contains some serious mountains. Mount Elbert, at 14,440ft, is one of America’s highest peaks and there are 52 others above 14,000ft in the state. This makes Colorado a major lure for climbers, hikers and all types of winter sports enthusiasts. Mountain resorts include Steamboat Springs, where natural hot springs create open-air hot tubs.
You’ll find Colorado Springs in the foothills of the Rockies to the south of Denver. The famous local mountain, Pikes Peak (14,115ft) is just 12 miles from the city centre. If you’ve got a hire car, you’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to drive to the top thanks the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway. There’s even a visitor centre offering stunning views at the top.
Winter wonderland to summer solace
Deep in the forested mountains to the west of Denver, you’ll find one of America’s favourite ski resorts. Aspen is known for its classy restaurants, shops and hotels. Throughout the winter months, you can take your skis, snowboards or sledges and hit the city's piste – you'll find runs suitable for whatever standard you are. But if sliding down the slopes isn’t for you, relax in one of the chalets dotted around the foot of the mountain and enjoy the warmth of the indoors.
In the summer, Aspen remains a popular resort thanks to its favourable climate. Get your hiking boots out and trek into the mountain range, or for adrenaline junkies, try your hand on some of the finest mountain bike routes in Aspen. In the city itself, look out for Victorian landmarks, like the Wheeler Opera House from 1889 and the local history museum housed in a 19th-century mansion.
Hiring a car is the perfect way to take in this diverse state. From the fast-paced atmosphere in Denver to the tranquillity of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado makes for a great road trip.