Colorado is well known for its picturesque mountain towns and soothing hot springs, but there are also some truly unforgettable hidden adventures waiting to be discovered here. Take a tour through lesser-known spots in Colorado to uncover a side that most visitors don’t experience first-hand.
Discover Colorado’s hidden wonders to experience its panoramic vistas and tranquil nooks for yourself – just remember to allow enough time for acclimatisation before venturing to higher altitudes of these serene locations.
1. Bishop Castle
Colorado is an exciting destination, filled with towering mountain ranges, vibrant outdoor culture, charming small towns and offbeat adventures to be found all across its vast terrain. However, some of the most thrilling adventures can be found in less-traveled parts of Colorado.
Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado along the Frontier Pathways scenic byway offers one of the most charming and engaging hidden adventures. This incredible roadside attraction stands as an inspirational tribute to dreaming big and persevering even when obstacles present themselves; often Jim Bishop himself can still be found working on new additions for this magical structure!
The Castle is free to visit and open daily, seven days a week. Inside is an elaborate maze of rooms connected by intricately forged bridges; highlights include grand ballroom, dragon-shaped fireplace that emits smoke, cathedral-like ceilings, grand ballroom and grand ballroom seating arrangements.
While here, take some time to explore and photograph the castle’s charming rooms and staircases – you could just discover hidden nooks with fascinating histories to share!
And for an unforgettable adventure, combine Bishop Castle with exploring San Isabel National Forest and taking a bumpy Phantom Canyon Railroad ride past Victor and Cripple Creek on Phantom Canyon Railroad – you will be rewarded with stunning vistas that embody Colorado’s unyielding spirit!
2. Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is an unparalleled geological marvel and ideal destination for hikers. Situated on El Paso County’s Eastern Plains, it features colorful formations that will mesmerize you. Whispering prairie winds, sandstone-topped spires and hoodoos, vibrant colored clay – not to mention alluring wildlife – draw visitors here from far and wide.
Paint Mines Park encompasses 750 acres with 4 miles of trails for visitors to explore its natural wonders. One of its most striking geological features are its eye-catching hoodoo formations that stand out. Hoodoos are relatively uncommon in Colorado; those at Paint Mines are truly rare; only a select few places worldwide boast such impressive hoodoos as Paint Mines does.
These park’s must-see features include its breathtaking sandstone cliffs. Created through erosion that has incised incised gullies in the rock surface, these impressive cliffs make an eerie and unique backdrop for photography. They make this park truly captivating!
Archeological remains can also be viewed at the park, providing insight into how humans have used this land over time – evidence suggests humans first used this area around 9,000 years ago!
Visit the park during spring and fall when weather is pleasant; avoid going after heavy rainfall as the ground can become treacherous for walking.
Hiking at the park is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, though climbing any of the formations is strictly forbidden. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be mindful of your surroundings; terrain may become uneven at times. Dogs and horses are prohibited as their presence could harm its delicate ecosystem.
3. Mount Elbert
Mount Elbert stands as both the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountains and second-highest peak in continental United States, making it both physically and geographically vast. Uplifted by tectonic forces 28 million years ago, its jagged contours were later smoothed over by glaciers to produce its unique dome-shaped form now evident today.
An easy 14er, this mountain’s ascent may still present risks if not planned properly and executed safely. Gray clouds laden with lightning often gather at its summit between July and mid-August, creating an unpleasant place to be when thunderstorms strike.
Hikers can avoid this issue by starting early, acclimatizing, and following best practices for outdoor safety. Following this path can allow climbers to experience this high elevation peak safely with little risk and maximum comfort.
As with any hike, hiking this mountain should be done carefully, taking note of how your breathing and steps match with a familiar song like “1 and 2, 3, 4,…” Using this strategy can ensure you use energy efficiently while preventing fatigue while making for an easier ascent. Trekking poles may help provide balance and stability on its steep terrain.
Attractions to this Colorado getaway include beautiful foliage reminiscent of fall leaves changing colors and mountain wildflowers at their prime. Hunters frequently frequent this area, and winter visitors can also enjoy snowshoeing or cross country skiing along mountain trails. Hikers can observe migration of elk herds as they pass through on their annual journey during spring and summer hikes.
4. Palisade
Colorado is well known for its towering mountain ranges, raging river rapids and endless hiking trails; but this Centennial State also features charming small towns that provide unforgettable experiences. Palisade is one of these must-visit towns; situated amid blossoming orchards, lavender fields and acres of vineyards it provides wine lovers with an opportunity to experience Colorado’s distinct western culture and delicious cuisine in one go.
Grand Valley Viticultural Area boasts the area’s highest elevation viticultural zone and houses more than 30 wineries with award-winning vintages and tasting rooms, perfect for wine tours or visiting in September for Colorado Mountain Wine Fest (or June through mid July to take part in Lavender Festival!).
Palisade’s charming local restaurants – two James Beard semifinalists included! – have gained the attention of foodies and travelers. Josh Niernberg earned himself a nomination as Outstanding Chef at Foodbar, using local produce for inventive dishes such as blistered shishito peppers with white cheddar fondue or tacos stuffed with smoked chicken, rockfish and avocado aioli.
Make sure to prioritize hydration throughout your trip when visiting wineries, orchards or rafting the Colorado River. Due to high altitudes in this region, dehydration is easily achievable; keep at least a gallon of water on hand daily – particularly during the heat of summer – especially for best results. Skyblue Overland may earn a small commission when purchases made through links on this page – thank you for supporting us and learn more here – All photos provided courtesy of author unless otherwise specified
5. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a remarkable archaeological landscape located in southwestern Colorado. This protected site provides us with a glimpse into an era largely undisturbed by modern humans, housing priceless artifacts of Ancestral Puebloan peoples from Four Corners area who lived there before modern humans arrived.
The Monument is an enormous area featuring thousands of archaeological sites – such as kivas, great kiva and cliff dwellings – along with one of the nation’s highest concentrations of Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs and ruins. Furthermore, the Monument contains rugged canyons and mesas covered by pinyon-juniper, sagebrush and cottonwood covering rugged canyons and mesas that combine to evoke “the very soul of the American Southwest”.
Hiking is an enjoyable way to quickly explore all of the archaeological sites within Canyons of the Ancients’ boundaries, offering visitors an efficient means of seeing these historical gems within a relatively short period. Hikers should visit the Canyons of the Ancients Heritage Center and Museum for maps and guides; guided tours can also be organized through third-party groups; motorized vehicles may only use designated roads in order to protect these precious sites.
Lowry Pueblo is one of the Monument’s more-visited archaeological sites, while others may require longer hikes to access. Discovering one of these lesser-known ruins is exhilarating; hiking trails like Sand Canyon Trail offer easy access and connect multiple ruin sites. Visitors to Canyons of the Ancients should allow themselves a full day for touring this stunning National Monument.
