18 Top Colorado Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

FAQs about taking a trip to Colorado

• 1. What is the weather like in Colorado?

  For the most part, the weather in Colorado is marked by hot summers, cold winters, and lots of sunshine. In the mountains, you can expect even more snowfall in the winter and cooler temperatures year-round. Outside of the mountains, including in Denver, average summer highs are in the low-90s, while average lows are below freezing from November through March. Most of Colorado has a semi-arid climate, but it does get rain in the spring and summer.

• 2. When is the best time of year to visit Colorado?

  The best months to go to Colorado will depend on what you’re planning to do there. For ski trips, the season typically lasts from mid-November through early-April, but exact dates vary significantly among the different resorts. In any case, March is generally the best month for skiing in Colorado, because temperatures are warmer and snow conditions are still good. However, it’s also the most crowded; if you can stand colder weather, February has great skiing conditions and far fewer crowds to contend with. Otherwise, summer is the busiest time in Colorado, thanks to the warm temperatures and optimal conditions for outdoor activities. If you visit in the late-spring or early-fall instead, you’ll be able to enjoy good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

• 3. How can I get around Colorado?

  The vast majority of visitors to Colorado either drive there or fly in and rent a car. Winter driving conditions notwithstanding, Colorado is fairly easy to drive around, and it’s the perfect state for a road trip. But there are quite a few options for getting around without a car. In Denver, the public bus and light rail system provide access to much of the city, plus the six surrounding counties. Long-distance buses also serve Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Durango, Breckenridge, Pueblo, Keystone, and many other areas. Lastly, two Amtrak lines pass through Colorado, stopping in Denver, Grand Junction, Lamar, and elsewhere.

• 4. What are the best places to go in Colorado?

  There are more places to visit in Colorado than you could ever get to on one trip, but no matter where you go in this state, you’re in for a treat. Denver and neighboring Boulder are hip, trendy cities full of great food, culture, and nightlife. Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge are iconic ski resorts with charming towns that are fun summer destinations, too. Colorado has four national parks that are all worth a visit, but if you only have time for one, Rocky Mountain is probably the most impressive (although Great Sand Dunes is certainly the most unique). Other incredible natural wonders include Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, and Broadmoor Seven Falls, all near Colorado Springs.

• 5. What are the best things to do around Denver?

  There are seemingly endless things to do in Denver, Boulder, and the surrounding area. Stroll through the popular Larimer Square, relish in nature at the Denver Botanic Gardens, or have a picnic in City Park. Lots of places in the area offer interesting tours, including the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder, the Coors Factory in Golden, and the Denver Mint. You could spend days touring all the museums in the Denver area, but start with the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, and the Molly Brown House Museum. For music lovers, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is right outside of the city and has a busy summer schedule of concerts and other events. Lastly, you can’t visit Denver these days without eating at one of its hip food halls like Avanti or The Source.

• 6. What are the best ski areas in Colorado?

  Deciding on the best place to ski in Colorado is a big task – there are a whopping 32 hills to choose from. Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge are by far the most famous, but Keystone, Telluride, and Steamboat aren’t far behind. All of them offer unparalleled terrain, but iconic resorts come with big crowds and high price tags. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a dream ski trip, try a local favorite like Winter Park, Arapahoe Basin, or Crested Butte instead.

• 7. What national parks are in Colorado?

  Colorado has four national parks – Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde. Rocky Mountain is by far the biggest, most popular, and most accessible, at just an hour and a half from Denver. It has over 350 miles of trails, is home to the highest paved road in the country, and has tons of spots for kayaking, cycling, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, on the other hand, is one of the least visited national parks in the country. Most visitors drive, camp, and hike along the rim, although experienced backpackers can obtain a wilderness permit to explore the inner canyon. In Great Sand Dunes, you’ll seriously question whether you’re in the U.S. or the Sahara. The main things to do in the park are to climb up the sand dunes and hike, sled, or sandboard back down. Backcountry permits are also available for hiking and camping among the dunes. Mesa Verde exists primarily to protect the 5,000 Pueblo archeological sites in the area, which are among the best-preserved in the country. Scenic drives and hiking trails pass by cliff dwellings and other archeological sites, some of which can be visited on a guided tour, and the park also has its own museum.

• 8. What are the best breweries in Colorado?

  With over 400 breweries, the Colorado beer scene is nearly unmatched. It’s nearly impossible to choose the best breweries in the state, but really, you can’t go wrong. In the Denver area, some of the best options include Denver Beer Co., Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Dry Dock in Aurora, Cannonball Creek in Golden, and 4 Noses in Broomfield. But the rest of the state has just as much craft beer enthusiasm. Broken Compass in Breckinridge, Odd13 in Lafayette, and Ska in Durango are all breweries worth seeking out.

• 9. What kinds of wildlife does Colorado have?

  Colorado is one of the best states for spotting wildlife. Some of the most memorable animals you could see on your trip include bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bison, elk, moose, antelope, and black bears. If you’re lucky, you could spot a bald eagle or wild horses. But it’s important to be smart about wildlife viewing. Do not approach any wild animals, and lock up all your food and scented items if you’re camping.

• 10. How can I save money when visiting Colorado?

  Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses on most trips, so take some time to price out different options. Camping part of the time, choosing a vacation rental instead of a hotel, or staying away from the tourist areas will cut down on expenses as well. You can also plan to pick up groceries and prepare some of your own food instead of eating out all the time, which will make a big dent. Prices in most places will be lower in the off-season and consider going to the more touristy places during the week, which will usually be cheaper than the weekends. Colorado ski trips tend to be particularly pricey, but you can save by heading to a less touristy ski area and choosing accommodations away from the hill.