When you think of the word enchanting, it’s possible that visions of fairytales, spells, and perhaps something whimsical come to mind. Personally, I think of Colorado and its magical charm. Our state is positively brimming with beautiful scenery and seemingly undiscovered attractions. Today’s article offers a list of the most magical and lesser-known places in Colorado. Even if you’ve lived in the Centennial State for your entire life, you may not have realized that these places existed.
- Blue Lakes
Flickr/David Kingham It seems only fitting that our list of the lesser-known places in Colorado begins at Blue Lakes. The vibrant blues of the water and greens of the trees may look like something out of a gorgeous watercolor painting, but they are indeed real life! Visit this hidden San Juan Mountain gem to experience it for yourself.
- Grand Lake
Flickr/Don Graham This small mountain town really lives up to its name. From the boardwalk to the various shops and restaurants to the lake itself, Grand Lake is the poster child for a peaceful retreat.
- The Paint Mines (Calhan)
Flickr/John Fowler How did a small plains town wind up with such a unique and colorful treasure? You decide as you hike the winding trails and explore its diverse ecological system.
- Crested Butte
Flickr/Doug Jones As far as I’m concerned, the nearly 1,500 people who call Crested Butte “home” are the luckiest people on earth! In the spring/summer/fall, Crested Butte is surrounded by lively greens, blues, and reds from the mountains and trees; and in the winter, it looks like a picture-perfect town you’d find in a snow globe.
- Maroon Bells (Aspen)
Flickr/slack12 The Maroon Bells need no caption.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Duncan Rawlinson / flickr The last thing you’d expect to find in the mountain and plains state of Colorado are heaping piles of sand… but guess what? We got ’em and they’re spectacular!
- Durango
Flickr/Philms Boarding a train to get from point a to point b is a thing of the past… and that’s really too bad. However, in the Western Slope town of Durango, riding the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad is the norm (as is exploring unique jewels such as Mesa Verde, Chimney Rock, and the Four Corners)!
- Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs)
Flickr/Bryce Bradford Have you ever seen clear, turquoise waters this perfect? Most people haven’t, so please don’t touch or swim in this delicate natural wonder.
- Eastern Plains
Flickr/Bryce Bradford This picture is entitled, “Just Epic” – and we couldn’t agree more! As someone who grew up on the eastern plains, I can also vouch for their unbelievable sunsets and nighttime skies.
- Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Flickr/Bo Insogna, TheLightningMan.com Here’s something you don’t see every day: giant red, limestone rocks springing up among native foliage. #OnlyinColorado. Speaking of red rocks…
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison)
Flickr/P. Lujan Sitting in the “only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world” + rocking out to your favorite band + enjoying this nighttime view of the Mile High City = the very definition of “enchanting.”
- Dinosaur National Monument (Moffat County)
Flickr/Jason Parker-Burlingham This National Monument not only houses (more than 800) paleontological sites and fossils, but incredible rocks formations and landscapes as well.
Which of these lesser-known places in Colorado do you find to be the most enchanting? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Flickr/David Kingham
It seems only fitting that our list of the lesser-known places in Colorado begins at Blue Lakes. The vibrant blues of the water and greens of the trees may look like something out of a gorgeous watercolor painting, but they are indeed real life! Visit this hidden San Juan Mountain gem to experience it for yourself.
Flickr/Don Graham
This small mountain town really lives up to its name. From the boardwalk to the various shops and restaurants to the lake itself, Grand Lake is the poster child for a peaceful retreat.
Flickr/John Fowler
How did a small plains town wind up with such a unique and colorful treasure? You decide as you hike the winding trails and explore its diverse ecological system.
Flickr/Doug Jones
As far as I’m concerned, the nearly 1,500 people who call Crested Butte “home” are the luckiest people on earth! In the spring/summer/fall, Crested Butte is surrounded by lively greens, blues, and reds from the mountains and trees; and in the winter, it looks like a picture-perfect town you’d find in a snow globe.
Flickr/slack12
The Maroon Bells need no caption.
Duncan Rawlinson / flickr
The last thing you’d expect to find in the mountain and plains state of Colorado are heaping piles of sand… but guess what? We got ’em and they’re spectacular!
Flickr/Philms
Boarding a train to get from point a to point b is a thing of the past… and that’s really too bad. However, in the Western Slope town of Durango, riding the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad is the norm (as is exploring unique jewels such as Mesa Verde, Chimney Rock, and the Four Corners)!
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Have you ever seen clear, turquoise waters this perfect? Most people haven’t, so please don’t touch or swim in this delicate natural wonder.
This picture is entitled, “Just Epic” – and we couldn’t agree more! As someone who grew up on the eastern plains, I can also vouch for their unbelievable sunsets and nighttime skies.
Flickr/Bo Insogna, TheLightningMan.com
Here’s something you don’t see every day: giant red, limestone rocks springing up among native foliage. #OnlyinColorado. Speaking of red rocks…
Flickr/P. Lujan
Sitting in the “only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world” + rocking out to your favorite band + enjoying this nighttime view of the Mile High City = the very definition of “enchanting.”
Flickr/Jason Parker-Burlingham
This National Monument not only houses (more than 800) paleontological sites and fossils, but incredible rocks formations and landscapes as well.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Blue Lakes, Colorado 80424, USAAddress: Grand Lake, CO 80447, USAAddress: Calhan, CO 80808, USAAddress: Crested Butte, CO 81224, USAAddress: Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USAAddress: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USAAddress: Durango, CO, USAAddress: Hanging Lake, Colorado 81601, USAAddress: Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, USAAddress: Red Rocks Amphitheater, 303-319 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, USAAddress: Dinosaur National Monument, 11625 E 1500 S, Jensen, UT 84035, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
lesser known places in Colorado October 05, 2020 Beth C. Where can I go in Colorado that only the locals know about? If you’re looking to beat the crowds while exploring Colorado, you can start with any of the 12 lesser-known places outlined in the article above. However, that just begins to scratch the surface of incredible places in Colorado that only the locals know about. Some other destinations include Grand Mesa, Glenwood Canyon, Red Feather Lakes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Browns Canyon National Monument, Roxborough State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Lake San Cristobal, the Chicago Basin Trail, and Arkansas Headwaters State Park. What’s the best hidden gem destination in Colorado? One of the best hidden gem destinations in all of Colorado is Twin Lakes. Sitting at the foot of the highest fourteener in Colorado, Mount Elbert, these beautiful lakes are a must-see. While you’re in the area, you’ll enjoy experiencing a piece of history as you observe several log cabins and other remnants of the mining district. There’s also a town by the name of Twin Lakes that’s worth exploring if you’re looking for an authentic Colorado small town. What is the most scenic place I can go in Colorado? If you’re looking for beautiful scenery in Colorado, you’re in luck; it’s everywhere! You can start by heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most-visited spots in the whole state. There are plenty of hidden gems tucked away within this massive park just waiting to be discovered. One of them is Ouzel Falls, one of the most scenic places in Colorado. The walk to the waterfall is one of the most verdant and lush areas in the entire state. Along the way, you’ll discover smaller waterfalls and cascades that will make you feel like you’ve landed in a fairytale. The main attraction, Ouzel Falls, is an impressive 40 feet and splashes into a boulder-fill pool.
The OIYS Visitor Center
lesser known places in Colorado
October 05, 2020
Beth C.
Where can I go in Colorado that only the locals know about? If you’re looking to beat the crowds while exploring Colorado, you can start with any of the 12 lesser-known places outlined in the article above. However, that just begins to scratch the surface of incredible places in Colorado that only the locals know about. Some other destinations include Grand Mesa, Glenwood Canyon, Red Feather Lakes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Browns Canyon National Monument, Roxborough State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Lake San Cristobal, the Chicago Basin Trail, and Arkansas Headwaters State Park. What’s the best hidden gem destination in Colorado? One of the best hidden gem destinations in all of Colorado is Twin Lakes. Sitting at the foot of the highest fourteener in Colorado, Mount Elbert, these beautiful lakes are a must-see. While you’re in the area, you’ll enjoy experiencing a piece of history as you observe several log cabins and other remnants of the mining district. There’s also a town by the name of Twin Lakes that’s worth exploring if you’re looking for an authentic Colorado small town. What is the most scenic place I can go in Colorado? If you’re looking for beautiful scenery in Colorado, you’re in luck; it’s everywhere! You can start by heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most-visited spots in the whole state. There are plenty of hidden gems tucked away within this massive park just waiting to be discovered. One of them is Ouzel Falls, one of the most scenic places in Colorado. The walk to the waterfall is one of the most verdant and lush areas in the entire state. Along the way, you’ll discover smaller waterfalls and cascades that will make you feel like you’ve landed in a fairytale. The main attraction, Ouzel Falls, is an impressive 40 feet and splashes into a boulder-fill pool.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking to beat the crowds while exploring Colorado, you can start with any of the 12 lesser-known places outlined in the article above. However, that just begins to scratch the surface of incredible places in Colorado that only the locals know about. Some other destinations include Grand Mesa, Glenwood Canyon, Red Feather Lakes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Browns Canyon National Monument, Roxborough State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Lake San Cristobal, the Chicago Basin Trail, and Arkansas Headwaters State Park.
What’s the best hidden gem destination in Colorado?
One of the best hidden gem destinations in all of Colorado is Twin Lakes. Sitting at the foot of the highest fourteener in Colorado, Mount Elbert, these beautiful lakes are a must-see. While you’re in the area, you’ll enjoy experiencing a piece of history as you observe several log cabins and other remnants of the mining district. There’s also a town by the name of Twin Lakes that’s worth exploring if you’re looking for an authentic Colorado small town.
What is the most scenic place I can go in Colorado?
If you’re looking for beautiful scenery in Colorado, you’re in luck; it’s everywhere! You can start by heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most-visited spots in the whole state. There are plenty of hidden gems tucked away within this massive park just waiting to be discovered. One of them is Ouzel Falls, one of the most scenic places in Colorado. The walk to the waterfall is one of the most verdant and lush areas in the entire state. Along the way, you’ll discover smaller waterfalls and cascades that will make you feel like you’ve landed in a fairytale. The main attraction, Ouzel Falls, is an impressive 40 feet and splashes into a boulder-fill pool.
