Denver
3 hostels · dorms from $34
The Mile High City and gateway to the mountains.
Points of interest
- Red Rocks
- RiNo
- Union Station
- Denver Art Museum
State guide
Things to do in Colorado
The Rocky Mountains at their highest: Denver and Boulder at the foot of the peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park, ski towns such as Breckenridge and Telluride, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the huge sand dunes of the San Luis Valley.
8
Hostels across its 5 main cities
8.9
Average, from 4,990 reviews
50+
Peaks over 4,267m
5–7
Days to do it properly
The Centennial State
Colorado is the highest state in the USA, with more than 50 peaks over 14,000 feet (4,267 metres), known locally as fourteeners. It is an outdoor state above all: hiking, climbing, mountain biking and rafting in summer, and some of the best skiing in North America in winter.
Denver, the capital, is called the Mile High City because it sits at exactly one mile above sea level. It has a lively food and brewery scene and is the gateway to the mountains. Boulder, half an hour away, is a university town below the Flatirons. Rocky Mountain National Park, around two hours from Denver, has alpine lakes, elk and the highest continuous paved road in the country. In the south-west, the old mining towns of Telluride, Silverton and Durango, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and the Great Sand Dunes are all within reach.
Give Colorado five days to a week. Summer, from June to September, is the best time for the mountains, autumn turns the aspens gold, and the ski season runs from late November to April.
Where to base yourself
Denver and Boulder on the Front Range, and mountain towns for the peaks.
Boulder
1 hostel · dorms from $62
A university town below the Flatirons.
Points of interest
- Flatirons
- Chautauqua Park
- Pearl Street
Colorado Springs
1 hostel · dorms from $40
Below Pikes Peak, with red rock parks.
Points of interest
- Garden of the Gods
- Pikes Peak
- Manitou Springs
Breckenridge
2 hostels · dorms from $35
A ski town with historic streets.
Points of interest
- Skiing
- Quandary Peak
- Main Street
Durango
1 hostel · dorms from $37
An old railway town in the south-west.
Points of interest
- Durango and Silverton Railroad
- Mesa Verde nearby
Regions of Colorado
Denver and the Front Range on the plains, the Rockies through the middle, and canyons and mesas in the south-west.
Denver and the Front Range
City, breweries, Red RocksDenver, Boulder and Colorado Springs on the edge of the plains.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Alpine lakes, wildlifeHigh peaks, lakes and elk, with Estes Park as the gateway.
Summit County and the I-70 corridor
Ski towns, fourteenersBreckenridge, Vail and the mountain towns along the motorway.
Aspen and the Elk Mountains
Luxury skiing, Maroon BellsAspen and the famous Maroon Bells peaks.
South-west Colorado
Mesa Verde, old mining townsDurango, Silverton, Telluride and Mesa Verde.
San Luis Valley
Sand dunesGreat Sand Dunes National Park.
Things to do
Things to do in Colorado
In Denver, explore the RiNo arts district and its murals, Union Station, the Denver Art Museum and the breweries. Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural outdoor venue among red sandstone, or just visit it by day. In Boulder, hike the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, drive Trail Ridge Road, which reaches over 3,700 metres, and hike to alpine lakes such as Emerald Lake. A timed entry permit is needed from late May to mid-October. Climb a fourteener such as Quandary Peak near Breckenridge with an early start.
In the south, walk the Garden of the Gods and ride the cog railway up Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, sandboard at the Great Sand Dunes, visit the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, and ride the steam train from Durango to Silverton. In winter, ski at Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Telluride and many more.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Red Rocks Park is free to visit by day, outside concert times. The Garden of the Gods is free, and so are Boulder's Chautauqua trails and most hiking on national forest land.
Denver's RiNo murals and Union Station are free. The Colorado State Capitol has free tours, and a step marks exactly one mile above sea level.
National parks charge entry, and Rocky Mountain charges international visitors an extra $100 per person from 2026.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Colorado's food is hearty: green chile, often poured over burritos, bison burgers and Rocky Mountain trout. Denver has a strong restaurant scene, especially in RiNo, LoHi and Highlands.
Colorado is one of the great craft beer states, with breweries in almost every town, and the Great American Beer Festival in Denver every autumn.
Cannabis is legal for adults over 21, sold in licensed dispensaries, but it cannot be used in public, and it is illegal to take it across state lines or onto federal land, including national parks.
Nightlife
Going out
Denver has bars and live music in RiNo, LoDo and along Colfax Avenue, and Red Rocks hosts some of the best concerts in the country. Boulder has a student scene, and ski towns have lively après-ski in winter.
At altitude, alcohol hits harder: drink more water than usual.
Bars close at 2am.
Getting around
Getting around
Denver International Airport is a major hub, with a train to downtown Denver in around 40 minutes. Denver has light rail and buses, and the Bustang bus links Denver with mountain towns and other cities.
A car gives the most freedom in the mountains, but mountain roads can close in winter and need snow tyres or chains. Amtrak's California Zephyr crosses the Rockies from Denver, one of the most scenic train journeys in the country.
Shuttles run to ski resorts in winter.
Costs
What Colorado costs
Denver is moderately priced, but ski towns such as Aspen, Vail and Telluride are among the most expensive places in the USA. Dorm beds in Denver start around $35 to $55, and there are hostels in several mountain towns.
Sales tax varies widely by town, from around 3 to over 10 per cent. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Ski passes are a big expense. Rocky Mountain National Park charges entry plus $100 per international visitor from 2026.
Safety
Safety and scams
Altitude sickness is the most common problem: Denver is at 1,600 metres, and mountain towns are much higher. Take it easy for the first day or two, drink lots of water, and go easy on alcohol.
In the mountains, afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and lightning is dangerous above the treeline: start hikes early and be off summits by midday. Avalanches are a risk in winter backcountry.
Denver's tourist areas are generally safe; take normal city care. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Concerts at Red Rocks, beer festivals and ski season.
Staff pick
6–15 November
Denver Arts Week
Denver
Denver Arts Week in Denver, Colorado, USA, is a citywide celebration highlighting the rich arts and culture scene through hundreds of events in creative…
Staff pick
5 December
Parade of Lights
Denver
The 9NEWS Parade of Lights in Downtown Denver, Colorado, is a cherished holiday tradition that has delighted families for over 50 years. This free,…
Staff pick
9–24 January
National Western Stock Show
Denver
Experience 16 days of lifelong memories during the National Western Stock Show. The show features a dog competition, a wild west show, dancing horses,…
Staff pick
9–24 January
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo
Denver
The National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, is a celebrated annual tradition that has welcomed over 750,000 guests, making it one of the…
Staff pick
1–31 October
October is Arts Month
Colorado Springs
Arts Month in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a region-wide celebration that spotlights the creative spirit of the Pikes Peak area. Organized by the Cultural…
Staff pick
22 Oct – 1 Nov
Denver Film Festival
Denver
The Denver Film Festival is Colorado’s premier celebration of cinema, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers from around the world. Showcasing an…
Staff pick
23–25 October
Monster Jam
Colorado Springs
Monster Jam is a live motorsport event tour that began in 1992. The tour, operated by Feld Entertainment, is usually held during winter and…
Staff pick
20 Nov – 10 Jan
Blossoms of Light
Denver
Celebrate the holiday season with dazzling displays of lights for the whole family to enjoy during Blossoms of Light. The event features warm drinks,…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Colorado's main towns, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
Boulder Adventure Lodge
Boulder
Dorms from $62 a night
See dates and book
Fireside Inn & Hostel
Breckenridge
Dorms from $60 a night
See dates and book
RAD Hostel
Colorado Springs
Dorms from $40 a night
See dates and book
The Bivvi
Breckenridge
Dorms from $35 a night
See dates and book
11th Avenue Hostel
Denver
Dorms from $45 a night
See dates and book
Hostel Fish
Denver
Dorms from $39 a night
See dates and book
Sustainable
Ember Hostel
Denver
Dorms from $34 a night
See dates and book
The Junction Hotel and Hostel
Durango
Dorms from $37 a night
See dates and book
When to go
June to September is the best time for hiking and the high mountains. Late September brings golden aspens. The ski season runs from late November to April. Denver is sunny much of the year.
Jan
Ski season
Feb
Ski season
Mar
Spring skiing
Apr
Mud season in the mountains
May
Spring
Jun
Hiking season
Jul
Peak summer
Aug
Wildflowers, storms
Sep
Golden aspens
Oct
Great American Beer Festival
Nov
Ski season opens
Dec
Ski season
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Denver, rounded. Mountain towns are much cooler.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Denver prices.
Treat these as a guide. Ski towns and ski passes cost much more.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Colorado questions
The ones we get asked most.
How many days do you need in Colorado?
Five days to a week for Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park and a mountain town.
Do I need a reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, a timed entry permit from late May to mid-October. International visitors also pay an extra $100 from 2026.
Will the altitude affect me?
Many people feel it. Take it easy at first, drink water and go easy on alcohol.
Can I see a concert at Red Rocks?
Yes, from spring to autumn. You can also visit the amphitheatre for free by day.
Is cannabis legal in Colorado?
Yes, for adults over 21, but not in public, on federal land or across state lines.
When is the best time to visit Colorado?
June to September for hiking, late September for aspens and winter for skiing.
Do I need a car in Colorado?
It helps in the mountains. Bustang buses and the airport train help without one.
Also trending this week
Say yes to hostels, meet the world
Compare hostels across Colorado: live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.
Get the App.