When to Visit Colorado
Colorado has something different to offer year round, so when to visit really depends on what you’re looking for! Colorado is extremely popular for skiing in the winter, and great for hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking in the summer.
The fall is a great time to enjoy fall foliage, such as the vibrant yellow aspen trees. Spring can be nice, but is also referred to as “mud season,” due to the lingering of snow and wet trails. Personally, I love vsiiting in the summer and fall!
Colorado Travel Tips
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If you’re headed into the wilderness to hike, make sure to download offline maps, check the weather forecast and check current conditions. The mountains can have a mind of their own, and you’ll want to be properly prepared.
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If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, keep in mind that reservations are required during the peak summer months.
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During winter storms, CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) has a Traction and Chain Law in place on state highways. This means that 4WD or AWD vehicles, or chains, are required when driving.
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Traffic can get extremely backed up on i-70, especially during a winter storm. Sometimes portions of the highway will close completely for hours. Check the @ColoradoDOT Twitter/X page for updates.
Colorado Travel Resources
Heading to Colorado soon? Here are some resources to help you plan!
- If you're hiking in Colorado, I recommend the All Trails Plus Membership! This will allow you to download offline maps and take advantage of other features that will help keep you safe.
- Use Discover Cars to find a rental car in Denver
- Search for hotels in Denver on Booking.com
- If you're visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, download the Guide Along Audio Tour! This tour is great to listen to while you're driving and will teach you all about the park.
Colorado National Parks
Colorado is home to 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde. Each one is incredible, but Rocky Mountain is by far the most popular. Read my Rocky Mountain National Park guides to help plan your visit!
Colorado City Guides
Colorado has some great cities with refreshing craft beer, nearby hiking trails and other fun activities. Check out these outdoorsy city guides and add them to your Colorado itinerary.
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