Colorado Official State Vacation Guide - 2025
Sleep Somewhere Cool
2024-12-05 11:37:50
Make your Colorado trip truly unforgettable with accommodations as unique and inspiring as the stunning landscapes and charming towns you’ll explore. Discover intimate B&Bs tucked away in picturesque valleys, funky hostels with a flair for design or even historical hotels that offer a glimpse into Colorado’s rich past. Check out these special places to stay during your visit.
Modern City Hotel
As the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States, the new Populus in Denver combines nature-influenced design with environmentally friendly construction. Its white facade features an eyelet pattern mimicking the bark of the state’s iconic aspen tree (Populus tremuloides) — which is also the hotel’s namesake. The building not only honors Colorado’s great outdoors, but also preserves it through composting practices, carbon offsets, and solar- and wind-powered facilities. On the roof, enjoy a cocktail and conversation at the open-air bar. When you’re ready to wander, take a short walk across Civic Center Park to view collections by Colorado artists at the Denver Art Museum or hop on an e-bike to shop boutique stores at Larimer Square.
Nature Lover’s Retreat
Rest your head in your own private snow globe at the Pagosa River Domes, just minutes from Pagosa Springs’ famous geothermal pools. Insulated and equipped with solar-powered fans and heaters, you can admire nature year-round from your geodesic dome. Relax outside on the hammock and appreciate the vibrant fall foliage or cozy up around the gas-lit fire pit and listen to the sounds of the river on cool summer evenings. Inside, you’ll find a curtained window wall for in-bed stargazing, a mini-kitchen and a private bathroom with a shower. The accessible Queen Dome features a more spacious bathroom with a roll-in shower for easier movement. Though perched on the San Juan riverbanks, the domes have easy access to the delights of town. Sample fried catfish and po’boys at The Lost Cajun Restaurant or pale ale and IPA suds at Riff Raff Brewing Co.
Rustic Campground
Sleep beneath star-filled skies and reconnect with nature at Twin Peaks Campground outside Twin Lakes. Open May through September, this rustic spot sits above the rushing whitewater of Lake Creek, with humbling views of the towering Sawatch mountain range. Sites are first-come, first-served and open to tent camping and camper-trailer use. Here, you’ll find amenities like picnic tables and vaulted toilets, along with oodles of space and tranquility. Watch sly foxes and dappled fawns scamper between trees — always from a safe distance — read a book, meditate in a shady stand of aspens or learn a new card game — rummy, anyone? Once you’re rested, hike the nearby Continental Divide and Mount Elbert trails, or swim and boat on alpine lakes.
Historical Hotel
Get off the beaten path with a stay at the Black Monarch Hotel in the Gold Rush town of Victor. Originally built in 1899 after a fire razed the town to the ground, the Black Monarch embodies Victor’s well-preserved history and Victorian-era roots. Once a brothel and gaming hall, the hotel now welcomes guests with a Western-gothic charm, complete with mounted antlers, faux-fur blankets and pillows and lavish, dark-hued fabrics. The rooms, which are believed to be haunted, are named and themed after famous murderers like Lizzie Borden and Jack the Ripper — except for the Nikola Tesla Room. According to local lore, the famous inventor wired the town — including the Black Monarch — after the fire. Experience cool hikes and historical fun around Victor, or come for an annual festival like the Victor Pack Burro Race.
Family-Friendly Resort
Take your family pack where they can run wild at Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. Kids of all ages will relish time in the humongous water park where they can zip down slides, explore the four-story play fort and trek across the obstacle course. And after drying off, they can spend hours winning games and prizes in the arcade, going on mystical MagiQuest journeys, panning for gemstones and braving treetop heights on the indoor rope course. When it’s time to rest, the kids can stay in themed bunk rooms surrounded by murals of nature and woodland characters. With so many thrills, you may not want to leave the resort; however, those seeking additional adventures nearby can explore tunnels of underground caves and above-ground rides at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park or see mountain goats, moose and wolves up close at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Quirky Hostel
Whether you’re traveling solo, in a group or as a couple, you’ll be welcomed with open arms at The Wanderlust Hostel in Gunnison. Choose a co-ed dorm or a private room, each of which have access to a communal kitchen, dining area and living room. Outside you’ll find a front patio and a spacious backyard, complete with a porch and comfy hammock. Wanderlust’s eclectic blend of vibrant colors, mix-and-match furniture and whimsical decor — especially Abby, the dress-up-loving mannequin — creates a bright and cheery atmosphere that’ll make any traveler smile. During your stay, unwind and swap stories with fellow wanderers or bike down the road to High Alpine Brewing Company or Back Country Cafe. Adventurers can hike through the stunning Gunnison National Forest, mountain bike epic trails at Hartman Rocks and battle whitewater rapids on the Gunnison River.
Cozy Mountain Lodge
Nestled amid aspens and pines atop a 10,200-foot cliff, The Lodge at Breckenridge brings coziness to new heights — quite literally. Marvel at the million-dollar views around every corner, including the Tenmile Range’s lofty peaks with golden leaves in autumn and snow-covered ski slopes in winter. Take a snowy hike on the Moonstone or Barney Ford trails or just relax in a hot tub on the lodge’s massive wraparound deck. Then, retreat to the lobby where you can kick off your boots and warm up by the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Grab a cup of cocoa and embrace the chalet atmosphere with ski-equipment decor and log-cabin-style craftsmanship.
Quaint Bed & Breakfast
Looking for a romantic getaway or a retreat from urban life? Arbor House Inn Bed & Breakfast on the River in South Fork is an ideal high-country hideaway. You’ll love the peaceful, riverside property with its luxurious rooms, lush garden spaces and secluded corners with draping river willows and purple catmint bushes. Breakfasts here are top-notch, with gourmet dishes like Swedish-pancake soufflés topped with maple syrup, vanilla yogurt and fresh berries, or eggs Benedict. While snuggling in your room with your partner is always an option, especially if you’re staying in The Lovin’ Oven Honeymoon Suite, there’s also plenty of fun nearby. Hit the fresh powder at Wolf Creek Ski Area or fish the Rio Grande River at the back of the property.
Be Careful With Fire
Build the perfect Colorado campfire (and avoid sparking a wildfire) by first making sure they are allowed in the area. Then, keep them small, manageable and attended. When it’s time to extinguish, make sure the embers are cold to the touch to avoid reigniting a flame. And remember to buy or gather firewood locally; it’ll save you space in your car, plus it prevents the introduction of any invasive species like the destructive pine beetle.
Colorado Fishing Requirements
Remember, fishing licenses are required to drop a line in Colorado’s lakes and rivers. You can also purchase one-day and five-day passes through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
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