Road Trip in Colorado

On a road trip through Colorado, the scenery along every new bend of road might just take your breath away. The picturesque beauty of this state's natural wonders will have you wanting to explore as much as you can.

Colorado Traffic Rules

Before you get out onto the Colorado roads, make sure you're familiar with the state's traffic laws and driving customs. This is especially necessary if you're visiting from outside of the United States or are a relatively new driver.

• The maximum speed limit:
  • Designated highways—75 MPH.
  • On urban highways—55 MPH.
  • In residential/neighborhood areas—30 MPH.
  • On open mountain highways—40 MPH.
• In bad weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, etc.), turn your headlights on so that oncoming traffic can see you.
• Never text and drive.
• Never drink and drive.

Major Colorado Roads

The following major highways in Colorado provide are a convenient means of transportation, whether you're trying to travel across the U.S. or just within the state.

• I-25.
  • Runs through:
    • Fort Collins.
    • Denver.
    • Castle Rock.
    • Colorado Springs.
    • Pueblo.
    • Walsenburg.
    • Trinidad.
  • Connects to Wyoming and New Mexico.
• I-70.
  • Runs through:
    • Grand Junction.
    • Glenwood Springs (near Aspen).
    • Eagle.
    • Georgetown.
    • Denver.
    • Aurora.
    • Burlington.
  • Connects to Utah and Kansas.
• I-76.
  • Runs through:
    • Denver.
    • Brighton.
    • Fort Morgan.
    • Sterling.
    • Julesburg.
  • Connects to Nebraska.

Things to Do in Colorado

Are you itching to experience the great outdoors like never before? Are you an arts buff looking to expand your palette? Are you looking for something that the whole family can enjoy?

If you answered “yes" to any of the questions above, then Colorado is sure to satisfy.

Colorado's Natural World

With so many scenic options, it's hard to decide where to start your outdoors Colorado adventures. Listed below are just a few of the options that you have when it comes to experiencing Colorado's natural world.

• Rocky Mountain National Park—Estes Park, CO.
  • Sprawling views of the Rocky Mountain meadows, lakes, rivers, peaks, and forests.
  • Drive on Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S.
  • Hiking and biking trails for beginners and experts alike.
  • Wildlife viewing, fly fishing and rock climbing, plus snowshoeing in winter.
  • Cultural activities that include photography classes and a beer garden.
• Golden Gate Canyon State Park—Denver, CO.
  • Campgrounds that offer hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and biking trails.
  • Observe wildlife and enjoy prime stargazing.
  • Cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
  • Views of the Continental Divide, Mount Evans, and Longs Peak.
• Rifle Falls State Park—Rifle, CO.
  • Explore caves made of limestone and see some of Colorado's greatest waterfalls.
  • Campgrounds and RV park.
  • Fishing, hiking trails, and tons of wildlife (great for bird enthusiasts).
• Browns Canyon National Monument—Buena Vista, CO.
  • Popular place for whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
  • Cross country skiing in winter.
  • Boasts native wildlife and some of the tallest mountains in Colorado.
• Colorado National Monument—Fruita, CO.
  • See massive and aptly named rock formations.
  • Hiking and biking trails, guided nature walks, and native wildlife.
• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort—Glenwood Springs, CO.
  • Contains the world's largest hot springs pool.
  • Has water slides, mini golf, and a spa.

Experience Colorado's History

In addition to its rich natural landscape, you can step into the landscape of Colorado's past by visiting historic museums, mines, and train routes.

Museums

• Homelake Veterans' History Museum—Monte Vista, CO.
  • Take a walking tour of the grounds and see the historic chapel, cemetery, and other buildings.
  • Artifacts dating back to the Civil War.
  • Originally established to house the veterans of the Civil War.
• Colorado Railroad Museum—Golden, CO.
  • A large variety of different trains for you and your family to enjoy.
  • Rare locomotive artifacts on display.
  • Model replicas of Colorado mountain railroads.
  • Locomotive restoration/repair area.
• Steelworks Center of the West—Pueblo, CO.
  • Housed in the historic Colorado Fuel and Iron (CF&I) Medical Dispensary.
  • Special exhibits on artifacts from the original CF&I Company.
  • See the last wooden mine rescue car in the United States.
• Morrison Natural History Museum—Denver, CO.
  • Paleontology exhibits on dinosaur bones found in Colorado.
  • Go behind the scenes into the fossil preparation lab.
  • Garden with plants from the Jurassic period.
  • Fossil digging pit for kids.
  • Live reptile exhibit.

Historic Towns & Districts

• Leadville Historic District—Leadville, CO.
  • Situated in the Rocky Mountains, Leadville is Colorado's highest elevated city, and used to be Colorado's largest silver mining town.
  • See the largest opera house west of the Mississippi.
  • Visit a saloon that Oscar Wilde used to frequent.
• Cripple Creek Historic District—Cripple Creek, CO.
  • Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, this district used to be a prominent gold mining town.
  • Plunge into the depths of an actual gold mine for a guided tour.
  • Take a railroad tour on the Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.
• Westcliffe, CO.
  • Originally settled by Chicago settlers in search of gold.
  • Located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it was developed around the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.
  • Horseback riding and rafting opportunities.
  • Enjoy a show at the historic Jones Theatre.
• Breckinridge, CO.
  • Originally founded as a mining town, it later turned into a luxurious Victorian ski town.
  • Has the highest chair lift in North America, which you can take during the winter and enjoy some time on the slopes.
  • Walk along the original main street and explore historic buildings.
  • Go fishing in the Blue River, which runs through the town.

CO Arts & Culture

Are you someone who prefers a day in the art gallery over a day in a history museum? Or are you looking to learn more about Colorado's local culture? If so, the list below will provide you with a few ideas on where to visit.

• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center—Colorado Springs, CO.
  • Home to the award-winning Fine Arts Center Theatre Company.
  • Year round theatrical and musical stage performances.
  • Fine and modern art exhibits with a special focus on Colorado-based artists.
  • Has both permanent and rotating exhibits.
• Art District on Santa Fe—Denver, CO.
  • Art walks every first Friday of the month.
  • Collector's Preview every third Friday allows visitors to meet the artists and gallery owners.
  • Numerous galleries for you to visit with a variety of mediums and specialties.
  • Home to the Spark Theater Company.
• Ridgway Creative District—Ridgway, CO.
  • Historic theater, studios, and various art galleries for you to enjoy.
  • Visit Billings Artworks, which makes the actual Grammy Awards trophies each year.
• 40 West Arts District—Lakewood, CO.
  • Enjoy a variety of artistic styles—from art galleries, to performances, to community projects.
  • Sign up for art classes and workshops.
  • Guided tours available for some studios and historic buildings.
  • Unique selection of restaurants.

For the Kids

If you're road tripping with your kids, there are fun and educational options for the whole family to experience in Colorado.

• Elitch Gardens—Denver, CO.
  • Includes a water park, theme park, and arcade.
  • Rides range from towering and speedy roller coasters to gentle and relaxed rides for the little ones.
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park—Glenwood Springs, CO.
  • Cave and gondola tours.
  • Cliffside swings, roller coasters, zip lines, rock climbing, laser tag, and an alpine slide.
  • Immersive wild west experience.
• Heritage Amusement Park—Golden, CO.
  • Classic county fair rides, plus carnival games and an arcade.
  • Go karts, zip line, and miniature golf.
  • Seasonal, park-wide celebrations.
• Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center—Divide, CO.
  • Center dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation of wolves and other animals that cannot return to the wild.
  • See wildlife like wolves, coyotes, and foxes.
• Colorado Gators Reptile Park—Mosca, CO.
  • Gator wrestling and reptile handling classes.
  • See all kinds of alligators, snakes, lizards, and more.
• Denver Zoo—Denver, CO.
  • Numerous exhibits of animals from around the world.
  • Opportunities for up-close encounters, including animal feedings and shows.
  • Hands on activities for younger children.