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The Best Places to Visit in Colorado — National Parks, Small Towns, and Hot Springs Included

From stunning national parks to quirky small towns, these are 20 of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

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Colorado is perhaps best known for the Rocky Mountains that stretch across the state and offer up hiking and biking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. But what most people don’t know about Colorado is that the state also has beautiful red rock formations set in the dry desert, ancient cliff dwellings, and alternative towns that dance to the beat of their own drums.

The one thing that binds everyone who lives in or visits Colorado is a love of nature and the outdoors — be it river rafting, climbing 14,000-foot peaks, or wildflower viewing. And as someone who grew up in the state (and lives here now), I’ve spent several decades exploring the vista-rich Centennial State. These parks, monuments, towns, and sites showcase the variety of experiences the state offers. Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Related: 10 Best Small Towns in Colorado

Rattlesnake Canyon Arches

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Utah’s Arches National Park has the world’s highest concentration of natural arches, but right across the border in Colorado is the world’s second-highest concentration. And in Colorado, you don’t have to pay a national park entry fee (or battle the crowds) to see them. Rattlesnake Canyon Arches boasts 35 natural arches tucked in a canyon on a 123,400-acre preserve. 

Related: 10 Best Colorado National Parks and Sites

Larimer Square

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Colorado may be known for its natural beauty, but the draw of downtown Denver is impossible to overlook. Larimer Square was the city's first designated local historic district for good reason — the city block is perfectly picturesque with shops and eateries that round out the Colorado experience. The square is a short 10-minute walk from the heart of the city: Union Station.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

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It doesn’t get more Colorado than watching a golden eagle soar above a steep gorge. The sighting is part of the experience at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado. The national park is marked by a deep, river-carved gorge with sheer walls. For the coolest view, check out the Painted Wall cliff that looks as if it was painted with giant stripes.

Colorado National Monument

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When you think of the American West, chances are you imagine something like the Colorado National Monument , which sits high on the Colorado Plateau and includes natural wonders like sheer canyon walls, towering monoliths, herds of bighorn sheep, and soaring eagles. In this grand landscape, there is plenty to keep you busy — including the beautiful Rim Rock Drive, year-round camping, and hiking and biking.

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Aspen is by no means a hidden gem, but it’s popular for a reason. The beautiful mountain town has four ski areas (that you can access with one lift ticket) and a surprising amount of culture for a town of around 7,000 people. And it wouldn’t be a trip to Aspen without a stop by the Maroon Bells , the most photographed mountains in North America.

Mesa Verde National Park

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This national park in southwestern Colorado is considered to be one of the state’s most sacred places. It was once inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people who built their homes in the sandstone cliffs. That heritage (and architectural wonder) is protected within this park, which is also a World Heritage Site and an International Dark Sky Park.

Amache National Historic Site

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One of the most significant moments in Colorado’s history is not known by many. The Amache National Historic Site , also called the Granada Relocation Center or Camp Amache, is where thousands of Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Today, the eastern Colorado site shares the stories of the more than 10,000 people who passed through the camp — the majority of whom were U.S. citizens.

Pagosa Springs

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There are plenty of natural hot springs throughout the state (just check out the state’s hot spring loop ), but one of the best is found in Pagosa Springs, a small town that sits over the world’s deepest hot spring. I’d argue the best spot to soak is The Springs Resort & Spa , which has terraced tubs set along the river, but if you want to save a buck, you can also soak in the totally free “ hippy dip ” across the river.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s most visited national park. It is just over an hour’s drive from downtown Denver and is unique in that it spans the Continental Divide. In the fall, the Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road are particularly colorful drives, while mountaineers come to summit Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain.

Remember when I said that Colorado was home to “alternative towns that dance to the beat of their own drum”? I was talking about Crestone, a tiny town of just under 150 people that is committed to sustainable living and spirituality. Throughout the town, you’ll find a variety of off-the-grid homes and spiritual centers and sites like the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and the Tashi Gomang Stupa .

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

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Just west of Denver, you’ll spot giant red rocks that seem to shoot out from the earth. This rock structure was long ago harnessed to create a natural amphitheater that has become world renowned for its unique sound quality. In fact, playing at Red Rocks has become a goal performance for many big-name artists.

Glenwood Springs

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When it comes to mountain towns with all-around appeal, it’s hard to top Glenwood Springs. The “larger” mountain town (just over 10,000 people), is set on the interstate making it easy to access from Denver (2.5 hours away). The town has three developed hot springs, a mountaintop adventure park that can only be accessed by gondola, and a river that provides opportunities for paddlers and fishers.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

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The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of those places that you might not expect to find in Colorado. The park protects a natural phenomenon: giant mounds of sand that were collected at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and the mysterious “surge flow” of Medano Creek . 

Crested Butte

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Like every other Colorado mountain town , Crested Butte has wonderful hiking and biking trails and great skiing, but what sets it apart is the abundance of wildflowers that earned it the nickname “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” There’s even an annual 10-day festival celebrating the blooms.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

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In the dry, red rock canyons of southwestern Colorado is this archaeological wonder. The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument encompasses a whopping 174,000 acres that contain clues to the daily lives of ancient Indigenous people, including more than 8,300 recorded villages, cliff dwellings, shrines, kivas, petroglyphs, and other historic sites. 

Steamboat Springs

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Steamboat Springs is yet another Colorado hot spring and ski town, but unlike the others on this list, Steamboat has a unique American West feel. Here, cowboy hats are just as common as Chacos, and the landscape lends itself to people who like to get outside. There are two ski areas, geothermal hot springs, and a state park directly to the north. 

Denver Union Station

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Many cities have a train station, but Denver has turned their transportation hub into the heart of the city. The 1914 Beaux-Arts train station , which is also a historic landmark, consists of 10 chef-owned restaurants and bars, a boutique hotel, and a handful of unique shops (and there are four bee hives on the roof). Once you’ve shopped and eaten your fair share, you can hop on the bus, light rail, or Amtrak to your next destination. 

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The city of Durango is perched where the mountains meet the desert, providing a landscape that has a little of everything. There are hot springs, ski areas, mountain biking trails, and plenty of fun to be had on the Animas River that runs through town. In the summer, a top to-do is riding the 19th-century Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to Silverton, Colorado over a mountain pass.  

Dinosaur National Monument

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Like dinos? Colorado has you covered. At this national monument , which straddles the Colorado-Utah border and passes into both states, there’s endless proof that dinosaurs once roamed the Colorado landscape. The monument includes dinosaur remains that are embedded in the rocks, petroglyphs from early humans, and plenty of outdoorsy things to do including river rafting, hiking, and camping.

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Boulder is a college town with easy access to Denver and the mountains. To the west of the city sit the Flatirons, rock formations lined with trails, while the downtown neighborhood of Pearl Street Mall has everything from art galleries to inventive eats and unique boutiques.

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16 of the best things to do in Colorado

Sep 7, 2023 • 10 min read

Experience the beauty of Colorado with these top things to do © gcosoveanu / Getty Images

With more than 300 glorious days of sun and majestic landscapes to match, it’s no wonder Colorado beckons to outdoorsy types .

You'll find adventures to be had in just about every corner of the state, from hiking trails and white water rapids to world-class mountain resorts and towering sand dunes.

But Colorado offers more than adrenaline rushes and Instagram moments. It’s also known for its layers of history, its vibrant art and music scene, its cowboy culture and tasty craft brews. Here are the best things to do in Colorado that showcase the variety the state has to offer.

1. Enjoy the fall colors in Aspen

Just beyond the cowboy-meets-Hollywood glam of Aspen , the twin Maroon Bell mountains rise dramatically over a long mirrored lake. Surrounded by thick aspen groves, fall brings a sea of fluttering yellow and orange leaves. It’s sublime, a dream and one of the best places in the state to see fall colors .

Planning tip: The trail near the lake can get crowded this time of year, especially in late September when the leaves are at their peak. Arrive before 8am for a parking spot, some solitude and the best chance at seeing wildlife. Otherwise, take the shuttle from town and hike deep into the aspen groves towards Crater Lake to take in the beauty without the crowd.

2. Explore ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is a one-of-a-kind place, the largest and best-preserved Native American archaeological site in the US. Nestled in a stunning landscape of canyons and mesas near the  Four Corners region, Mesa Verde is home to more than 5000 Ancestral Puebloan sites that developed over hundreds of years before being abruptly abandoned in 1300CE for reasons still unknown.

What remains is one of the most exhilarating adventures in the West: clambering down ladders, crawling through tight tunnels and peering into elaborate cliff dwellings, all to puzzle over what life was once like here.

3. Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

If there’s any place that’s quintessentially Colorado, it’s  Rocky Mountain National Park . Every view is a picture postcard: a vast landscape of granite peaks and shimmering lakes, flower-filled meadows and dense forests.

But it’s no secret that RMNP can get jam-packed, especially in summer. Lose the crowds by leaving the roadside viewpoints and lacing up your hiking boots instead.

The park has 300 miles of trails catering to all levels of ability and ambition, from an easy stroll around Bear Lake to an epic trek up Longs Peak. Impressive vistas and perfect solitude also can be found on hundreds of thousands of acres of backcountry, areas home to herds of elk, scattered bighorn sheep, black bears and more.

4. Visit the ghost town of St Elmo

Following a bumpy dirt road to the abandoned mining settlement of St Elmo, it’s easy to imagine the prospectors who plied this same roadway, following tales of precious metal found deep in the Rockies. Tucked into the base of the Collegiate Peaks, St Elmo is Colorado’s best-preserved ghost town.

More than 40 buildings are still standing, most dating to the 1880s when the town hit its apex. Wandering past the saloon, billiards hall, courthouse and jail, visitors get a peek into Colorado’s past, when gold and silver ruled these hills. It serves as a modern-day reminder of the quick riches and busted dreams of the past, the making and breaking of the West. 

5. Throw back a Colorado craft brew

Colorado takes its beer seriously, treating craft brewing like a high art. Almost any town you visit – from tiny Del Norte to beer-centric Fort Collins – has a favorite local brew or two (or 20). One thing’s for sure: you won’t go thirsty for an IPA in Colorado.

Planning tip: If you’re here in September, try to score tickets to the  Great American Beer Festival . Held in Denver, the festival draws more than 1000 master brewers from across the nation, vying for Best of Show medals in categories like Best Coffee Beer, Best Barrel-Aged Strong Beer and many more. Best of all is the camaraderie of you and 60,000 beer buddies, all tasting outstanding beers one ounce at a time.

6. Catch a concert at Red Rocks

There’s something about attending a concert at  Red Rocks : the sounds of instruments and song, the sight of people dancing, an umbrella of dark sky above and the iconic 400ft-high red sandstone monoliths standing guard on either side. Once a sacred gathering place of the Ute tribe, today Red Rocks is world renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning beauty, a one-of-a-kind amphitheater.

It’s no surprise big name bands like The Beatles, U2, Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead have played and recorded albums here and that the venue continues to draw the world’s best musicians and performers. Just 15 miles from Denver, it’s easily accessible, too.

Planning tip: Do like locals do and catch the sunset before the show.

7. Soak in Glenwood Hot Springs

Perched at the end of a gorgeous canyon at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, present-day Glenwood Hot Springs have been treasured for their healing properties for centuries. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Ute bathed in these same steamy thermal waters, which they called yampah (great medicine).

Today, a historic resort sits on the site, the hot springs pumping out 3.5 million gallons of mineral water a day, flowing through two pools, one a whopping 400ft long.

Planning tip:  Temperatures range from 93°F to 104°F, warm enough to soak in even on a snowy January day. Bring your swimsuit and, if need be, your ski hat.

8. Drive the Million Dollar Highway

Deep in the San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway connects the towns of Ouray and Silverton, is a mind-blowingly scenic drive, and one of Colorado’s best road trips . Twenty five miles of hairpin turns and tight S-bends cut through the Uncompahgre Gorge, whose steep mountainsides loom large and close, rising into lofty, mist-shrouded peaks, while the valley floor lies far below, dotted with fir trees and wildflowers.

Planning tip: Drive with caution. The road is formidable, even in good weather, and the lack of guardrails doesn’t help. Take advantage of pullouts. The Red Mountain Pass (11,018ft) is a favorite for its 360-degree views.

9. Hula hoop in Telluride

It supposedly all started back in the '90s when Colorado ski-bum band String Cheese Incident started chucking hula hoops into the crowd at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Festival-goers turned the toys into dance partners, and the fad stuck. You can count on a large contingent of "hoopers" at every Telluride Bluegrass Festival show.

It’s just one of the many odd-ball pleasures of this amazing celebration of folk music and mountain life, held in  Telluride every summer and drawing big-name bands and thousands of revelers. Telluride itself is stunningly beautiful, nestled in a narrow box canyon, surrounded on three sides by rugged peaks and even a waterfall. It's not easy to get to, but it's well worth the effort.

10. Surf down the tallest dunes in North America

Great Sand Dunes National Park sits like a surreal work of art next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, an undulating dune field covering more than 30 square miles, its sandy peaks reaching hundreds of feet above the brush-covered valley floor. Climbing the dunes can be slow going – one step forward and a half step back in the ever-shifting sand – but that makes sand surfing down all the sweeter.

Special wood boards definitely make for the best ride, and they can be rented from the  Great Sand Dunes Oasis just outside the park or in nearby Alamosa. Sport your ski goggles and long socks, if you got ‘em – the sand gets everywhere.

Planning tip: If you’re here in late spring, count yourself lucky. The Medano Creek emerges temporarily alongside the dunes, creating a beach for water play, tubing and, of course, sandcastle-making.

11. Discover Denver’s street art

Unexpected and totally fabulous, Denver ’s trendiest neighborhood, RiNo (River North) – a one-time industrial wasteland that's now the heart of cool – is draped in murals covering every sort of surface, from restaurant doorways and parking lot walls to alleyways, power boxes and garage doors.

Bright, opinionated and ever-changing, the artwork stops you in your tracks, speaking volumes about Denver’s diversity of people and thought, and its history and day-to-day life. Prepare to be wowed.

12. Paddle the Arkansas River

Brace yourself for icy waters as you paddle into a roaring set of waves on the Arkansas River, one of the longest and wildest rivers in the state. With more than 150 miles of open water running from Leadville to the scenic Royal Gorge, the Arkansas has everything from extreme rapids to mellow ripples and includes the iconic class-II run through Browns Canyon National Monument.

Planning tip: The best paddling happens between late May and early July. Pick up a trip in Buena Vista or Cañon City.  

13. Ski Vail, the state's best ski resort

You might think  Vail is merely a playground for the rich and famous, and not a serious ski resort. Think again: beyond the glitz and glam (and shocking prices), Vail is truly one of the world’s finest ski resorts, boasting more than 5000 skiable acres, 195 trails, and some of the best on- and off-piste terrain anywhere.

The front side is a paradise of silky corduroy – Vail’s groomers are artists indeed – ranging from mellow greens to long rowdy black diamonds like Blue Ox. But don’t miss the backside, especially the legendary Blue Sky Basin and seven – count ‘em, seven – bowls. There’s so much steep ’n deep that you’ll lose track of what you’ve skied or ridden. Colorado has many outstanding ski resorts, true, but Vail will steal your heart. 

14. Touch dinosaur bones

A must-see stop for dinophiles is  Dinosaur National Monument , located in the desolate northwest corner of Colorado. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can actually reach out and touch a dinosaur skeleton, snarling in its final pose, petrified eternally in rock and stone.

Home to one the largest fossil beds in North America, the dinosaur quarry here also shows off some 1500 prehistoric bones embedded in a cliff face. You’ll see everything from allosaurus to stegosaurus.

Planning tip: Ranger-led walks, talks and tours explain the site, and a bunch of hands-on exhibits add to the fun.

15. Summit a fourteener

Standing at the peak of a 14,000ft mountain, taking in the view from the top of the world, is practically a rite of passage in Colorado. The state’s 50-plus " fourteeners " offer access and challenge to all levels of hikers, from those reachable only with technical climbing expertise to the two peaks with roads right to the top.

Whether you decide to drive to the top of  Pikes Peak (or take the cog train), hike the 3-mile trail to Quandary Peak near Breckenridge or make a run at Mt Elbert (the tallest of them all), they all deliver big.

16. Sport your Stetson at the National Western Stock Show

Saddle up for one of the country’s biggest stock shows – the  National Western Stock Show – a Denver tradition since 1906. Held every January, come here for more than 20 rodeos, 15,000 farm animals, dancing horses, dog shows and even yoga with baby goats.

Don’t miss the iconic kick-off parade, when dozens of Longhorn cattle are herded right through downtown Denver, high heels and power suits giving way to cowboy hats, chaps and impressive belt buckles.

This article was first published Jun 18, 2021 and updated Sep 7, 2023.

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20+ Best Colorado Lakes & Reservoirs

The Centennial State contains an astounding number of bodies of water to explore, from high-alpine natural lakes to urban reservoirs. Take the time to visit one of Colorado’s best lakes on your next Rocky Mountain adventure. These are 21 of Colorado’s largest and most interesting, historical, and recreational lakes and reservoirs for your reading pleasure. …

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Explore These 5 Colorado Halls Of Fame

The hall of fame is a uniquely American creation. Other cultures have honored their famous artists and statesmen in museums. But it was the Americans, steeped in democratic tradition, who began voting on fame, actually electing men and women to immortality. The first Hall of Fame was for Great Americans in the Bronx, New York …

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The 18 Best Neighborhoods in Denver

It’s no surprise to locals that Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. There’s a lively neighborhood lurking around every corner, with plenty of top areas to live and visit in the Mile High City. The Rocky Mountains set one of the most beautiful backdrops of any city, offering Denverites easy access …

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8 Great Denver Museums

While most think of New York City or San Francisco as a cultural hub of top museums and shows, Denver, Colorado has quietly become its own epicenter for art, science, and architecture. Over the years with Denver’s rapid expansion and continued growth, local museums have upped their game with world-class exhibits. They range from Christian …

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Uncover Colorado Travel Guide

From world-class ski resorts to primitive natural hot springs, Colorado caters to everyone. And since there are so many sunny days to see it all, we created this free online Colorado travel guide to help you out.

Use our travel guide to plan activities , events , towns , hotels , restaurants , and transportation . We also showcase made-in-Colorado products , perfect for that gift or souvenir from your favorite state. They are either entirely made locally, partially made, or just the company is based here. Our travel blog is updated regularly with valuable posts on all things CO.

Are you excited about an upcoming Colorado trip? Let our colorful online guide be your itinerary assistant. We publish original blog posts and expand our travel guide pages regularly. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram , to stay updated on the latest shenanigans.

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From the epic highs of the Rockies to the rolling prairies and bluffs of the east, Colorado is a land of contrast and opportunities for adventure. This is a look at all the favorite activities available here, such as skiing, hiking, visiting a haunted ghost town or soaking in natural hot springs.

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Famous annual events like the X-Games, Telluride Film Festival and National Western Stock Show bring fans from all the country and world. There are a wide array of festival types, including Art, Beer, Film, Food, Heritage, Holiday, Music, Sport and Wildlife.

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Everybody needs a place to lay their head at night when visiting a new place. This is a curated look at Colorado’s top hotels, cabins, vacation rentals, B&Bs, and other unique accommodations. Each one is clean, comfortable and special enough to provide the memory and home base you desire.

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Hundreds of Colorado communities, towns and cities exist around the state; along with sixty-four counties. Some are growing fast in population, others, are not so much, but overall Colorado is booming. There are so many charming places to visit with welcoming locals and unique spots to discover.

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We all gotta eat, so might as well make it a fun memory. These iconic Colorado restaurants are worthy of your tastebuds. Experience local delicacies like Palisade peaches and Pueblo green chile, available at markets during the season, or visit one of the state’s many home-grown restaurants.

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Colorado’s public transportation is improving every year. Hop on a train from Denver International Airport and get all the way to downtown Denver, or continue to California via an Amtrak if you wanted. Methods include airports, buses, bikes, trains, taxis, ride-hailing, car rentals and private shuttles.

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Something about the dry mountain air and inspirational Rocky Mountain peaks fuels innovation. A myriad of companies has gotten their start here. This is a look at some local brands that at least are based in Colorado, and some even make their products within the borders.

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Colorful colorado’s top spring travel guide.

Spring is a terrific time of year in Colorado. By the third week in March, most locals are ready for spring and the coming heat. Go for a spectacular hike or visit far-off hot springs. There’s so much to do and see in Colorado and spring is a special season full of change. Make use of the state parks  during the weekdays for more seclusion.

After the spring equinox, on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, spring is officially underway. There are warming temps in the Rockies and snow that’s melting and fueling the rivers in the high country. Once you visit, it’s easy to see why most locals cherish their springtimes, it’s an unmatched wonderland. This travel guide shows you all the most popular pastimes for your itinerary planning.

Our digital publication highlights the most popular pastimes for your itinerary planning. Sort by tourist attractions or outdoor recreation .

It’s spring! Time to toast the season and savor the changing weather. Find top things to do this season. While the warming weather is upon us, take advantage of these fun activities to enjoy.

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Colorado’s a broad topic with so much beauty to uncover. We publish exciting, new articles on our travel blog throughout the week. Topics range from the best ski towns or hot springs, to how to find free camping. There is so much to see and do in Colorado that you’ll never be short on adventure.

Stay tuned for regular updates on our Colorado travel blog. The Colorado Travel Blog showcases local: attractions, recreation, entertainment, lodging, dining, transportation, companies, and everything in between. Learn some fun facts about Colorado . We have a talented writing team of regular contributors from across the state, and beyond. Each one has a knack for sharing the travel wisdom that they’ve learned.

Iconic adventures are just around the corner in Colorado. Be inspired to get out there and try something new, like tent camping in the Rockies, or spending the night at a historic hotel. All year round you can find a special event or reason to visit a particular Colorado gem. This spring, try something you’ve never done before and cross something off your bucket list.

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GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. — Officials with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) are trying to offer more travel options for commuters to get between Gunnison and Montrose.

The US 50 bridge connecting the two towns has closed after inspectors found cracks in the bridge. Drivers had limited access to County Road 26 to get between the towns.

Starting Friday, the dirt road will be open four times a day. Openings will be staggered throughout each day because traffic will only be able to move one way on the narrow road.

CDOT says it's coordinating with Gunnison County officials, a contractor, and the Federal Highway Administration to expand the road.

Below is a list of the travel times:

• 6:30 to 7 a.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26
• 7:30 to 8 a.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26
• Noon to 12:30 p.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26 - starting Friday
• 1 to 1:30 p.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26 - starting Friday
• 6:30 to 7 p.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26
• 7:30 to 8 p.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26
• 8:30 to 9 p.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26 - starting Friday
• 9:30 to 10 p.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26 - starting Friday

To learn more about the expanded travel, visit CDOT's website . ____

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Transportation | Trains, drivers stuck in traffic are likely winners as Colorado lawmakers reach finish

Front range passenger rail authorities will ask voters for tax hike — and may “go bigger”.

The momentum is driving a debate over train frequency and speed among passenger rail proponents who are planning the routes with a hub at Denver’s Union Station and stops in Berthoud, Boulder, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Longmont, Loveland, Pueblo and Trinidad.

While Gov. Jared Polis has prioritized starting service within three years, unexpectedly strong public support exists for “going big” with a more expensive system using separate tracks for passenger trains, according to initial polling done by the Front Range Passenger Rail District . Follow-up polling in the coming weeks will test the public appetite for rail transit and whether voters would prefer a system costing $13 billion instead of state leaders’ proposed $2 billion to $6 billion “starter service” using existing tracks shared with freight trains.

“We can definitely go bigger. I don’t want to have a ‘starter service’ or a bare-bones beginning service. At the same time, we also want to right-size our project,” said Andy Karsian, manager of the passenger rail district, a taxing district that lawmakers launched in 2021.

“The risks are in losing the momentum. People are interested in this right now. We have state-supported dollars coming through the legislature. There are federal dollars available. All of this leads toward action,” Karsian said. “If we wait, then we possibly lose that momentum over the next couple of years.”

It’s been 53 years since passenger rail trains rolled between cities along Colorado’s Front Range. Historically, commercial freight hauling has dominated passenger rail transit in the United States. But Amtrak’s rail ridership has increased from 15 million riders a year in the 1970s to a peak of about 31 million in 2014 and 28 million last year, federal transportation data shows.

“Congestion fee on car rentals”

Colorado lawmakers are poised to approve Senate Bill 184, which would raise $50 million to $60 million a year to re-establish Front Range passenger rail service by charging a “congestion fee” of $3 a day on car rentals.

Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie have guided the push for state funding.

American Rental Car Association lobbyist Gregory Scott objected at a recent House Finance Committee hearing, questioning how the fee would benefit people who rent cars, threatening a possible lawsuit. Colorado’s senior transportation advisor John Putnam, who returned in September after a stint as chief legal counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation, testified that 43 states have imposed similar fees. McCluskie testified that Colorado’s rental fees remain relatively low.

A separate legislative deal to shield the oil and gas industry from voter-driven ballot measures would give the state an additional $138 million each year from fees imposed on fossil fuels production, with 80% allocated for transit including rail service linking the state’s growing cities.

Voters will face sales tax proposal

In addition, FRPRD board members plan to decide this month whether to introduce a ballot measure in November, or wait until 2026, asking voters to approve a sales tax hike — likely by 0.23% (23 cents on a $100 purchase). Their initial poll showed 61% would be willing to pay a 0.5% tax hike (50 cents on a $100 purchase) to ensure a better system running 12 to 24 trains per day between cities.

A Regional Transportation District account holds around $190 million more, from a .4% tax metro area voters approved in 2004 to fund “FasTracks” train service between Denver and Boulder . That money also may be available for a coordinated push for intercity Front Range rail. RTD’s manager Debra Johnson sits on the FRPRD board. The RTD’s own elected board could prioritize other transit projects around metro Denver.

Colorado lawmakers’ anticipated approval of annual state funding aligns with a strategy strongly supported by Polis to leverage a share of the $66 billion in federal funds approved for spending on rail projects. These infrastructure funds have created what lawmakers cast as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Colorado because, without hundreds of millions from the federal government, launching rail transit appears potentially too costly.

“It’s within reach”

Polis devoted roughly one-tenth of his Jan. 11 State of the State speech to his vision for re-establishing passenger train transit. “We have the planes, and we have the automobiles, we just need the trains,” he said. ““Yes it’s big, and yes it’s bold, and I’m here to tell you it’s within reach.”

A detailed service plan, developed using $500,000 in federal seed funds, is due from the passenger rail district — based on an initial state proposal to use existing tracks, sharing rail time with freight trains.

However, public transit advocates are prioritizing frequency and speed as the key factors in allowing more residents to ride trains as an alternative to driving. Greater Denver Transit members were leaning toward a system costing more than $6 billion and less than $15 billion and watching for the results of the follow-up polling to test public sentiments, GDT co-founder James Flattum said.

“We support a vision of Front Range Passenger Rail that is fast, frequent, reliable, and accessible. That means building infrastructure. If we ask for too little, a .1% or .2% sales tax, then we get trains without the dedicated tracks needed to support reliable service that we can build on for the future. We need closer to .5% to get that.”

Colorado travelers can ride Amtrak trains from Grand Junction to Denver. The trip takes eight hours, twice as long as driving, due in part to sharing tracks with freight trains.

The Front Range passenger rail service that ended in 1971 carried passengers from Pueblo to Denver in about four hours, about twice as long as driving, said Erin Schmitz, director of collections at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.

“People are always trying to find a way to alleviate traffic, especially on the I-25 corridor,” Schmitz said, pointing to past projects to widen clogged metro Denver highways where traffic in recent years increased “back to where it was.”

Rail transit as seen in Britain and France, including high-speed options, seems superior, she said. “The ability to get on a train and go from city to city, even if it takes the same amount of time as driving in a car, is so much better. You can sit in an observation car and see the scenery.”

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Authorities are now investigating a deadly overnight shooting at a Colorado Springs park

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A deadly shooting investigation is underway at Dorchester Park in downtown Colorado Springs. Officers with the Colorado Springs police department say they got the call last night around 9:30 p.m. 

Police say the incident began as a "scuffle" between two individuals that escalated into a shooting. The victim was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds where we've learned he's since died. 

At this point, there have not been any suspects arrested as police continue to investigate the case. This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.

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Local detour route around U.S. 50 bridge closure will be open for more time slots starting Friday

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Additional times will be added to a local detour around the bridge closure on U.S. 50 over Blue Mesa Reservoir to allow local traffic to reach work, school and medical care four times a day, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

Starting Friday, County Road 26 will be open four times a day between Montrose and Gunnison. 

A  pilot car will guide traffic at the following times:

• 6:30 to 7 a.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26
• 7:30 to 8 a.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26
• Noon to 12:30 p.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26
• 1 to 1:30 p.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26
• 6:30 to 7 p.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26
• 7:30 to 8 p.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26
• 8:30 to 9 p.m. for westbound travel beginning at CO 149 and CR 26
• 9:30 to 10 p.m. for eastbound travel beginning at US 50 and CR 26

The added times will allow residents in Montrose, Gunnison and Hinsdale counties to travel between Montrose and Gunnison after the sudden and indefinite shutdown of U.S. 50 bridge on April 18. The closure came at the urging of federal highway officials after crews found a 3-inch crack in structural steel on the bridge at Dillon Pinnacles.

☀️ READ MORE

Gunnison students take boat ride across blue mesa reservoir to get to class around bridge closure, u.s. 50 bridge closure is an “immediate 911 deal” for gunnison valley hospital, bridge over blue mesa reservoir closed indefinitely due to 3-inch-long crack in steel beam.

The journey from Montrose to Gunnison over the bridge typically takes about an hour. The unexpected shutdown has left people stranded on either side of the closure, forcing them to take detours between six to seven hours to reach home, work or school, and likely will significantly impact the upcoming summer tourism season and the area’s agricultural industry.

The County Road 26 detour adds about an hour of driving time between Gunnison and Montrose. The detour is 87 miles. 

CDOT opened County Road 26 , also known as the Lake City cutoff route, days after the bridge was closed, but the rugged dirt road was not designed to handle heavy traffic. To accommodate the increased use due to the bridge closure, crews with Kiewit Infrastructure Co. will continue to improve the road when pilot cars are not guiding traffic across it, including patching up “hotspots” or softer areas of the road that need addressing, Inzeo said Wednesday. 

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In the past week and a half since the detour opened, crews have dumped more than 13,300 cubic yards of gravel along 10 miles of road, Inzeo said. (A cubic yard is roughly the size of a washing machine.)

“What it’s designed to do is make sure that what is normally, basically a seasonal Jeep road, can handle much greater traffic loads than it normally needs to,” Inzeo said. “This obviously isn’t going to get it to U.S. 50 standards, nor should we, but we do need to have much more regular travel across the road at a time of year when it’s normally still snow covered.”

No other public travel will be allowed on the county road outside of the designated times, and trailers and large trucks are not allowed to use the detour. 

CDOT engineers are still assessing damage to the bridge and considering a variety of options to repair it. A timeline for reopening is still unclear.

Crews have cleared a path through Kebler Pass, a mostly dirt road that connects Crested Butte with Delta County, but “significant melting” still needs to happen before it’s safe for traffic to safely pass, Inzeo said. The road is about 30 miles and tops out at 10,007 feet.

“We should be able to have time frames coming relatively soon,” he said.

In the meantime, CDOT is still recommending that all other drivers take alternative routes — Interstate 70 and U.S. 160. Both routes add hours in travel time. The northern route is 354 miles and requires about six hours. The southern route is 331 miles and requires nearly seven hours.

Type of Story: News

Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Olivia Prentzel General Assignment Reporter

Olivia Prentzel covers breaking news and a wide range of other important issues impacting Coloradans for The Colorado Sun, where she has been a staff writer since 2021. At The Sun, she has covered wildfires, criminal justice, the environment,... More by Olivia Prentzel

Search ongoing for man who may have taken homemade raft down Colorado River

Authorities are searching for a man and his dog after they disappeared at Grand Canyon National Park, possibly while trying to travel the Colorado River on a homemade wooden raft.

Thomas Lee Robison, 58, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, "may have attempted to go down the Colorado River with his dog, who is a Welsh corgi, on a self made raft,” the National Park Service said in a statement and in a missing person flyer Wednesday .

Robison’s dog was described as a 25-pound corgi that is 11 years old.

The park service included a picture of the raft, which appeared to show three wooden boards crudely held together, as well as a paddle and a life vest.

A champagne-colored 2001 Toyota Tacoma belonging to Robinson was found abandoned Sunday at Lee’s Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, according to the park service.

Robison, who stands about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes, the park service said.

Anyone who may have seen him is urged to contact Grand Canyon Dispatch at 928-638-7805.

Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado: 2024 Comparison

Expert advice comparing specs and reviews of the 2024 chevy colorado and 2024 ford ranger.

Midsize trucks have never been better. They’ve also never been newer at the same time, as three of the best sellers have been completely redesigned within two years of each other (four if you count the Colorado’s GMC Canyon twin ). In this comparison of specs and impressions from Autoblog reviews, we look at the 2024 Ford Ranger and 2024 Chevrolet Colorado , including their performance off-road versions, the Ranger Raptor and Colorado ZR2 .

Ultimately, which one of these midsize trucks is better for you probably comes down to personal need – are you looking for a work truck , a smaller and more maneuverable daily driver than a full-sizer, or a bad-ass, gorge-jumping off-road truck? Maybe something in between? Whatever the answer, there’s a decent chance the Ranger will be a better choice for one while the Colorado is better for another. It can also come down to your budget or how much equipment you’re looking for.

We take a look at various attributes below to see which of the Colorado and Ranger might be better suited to different priorities and preferences.

Which is more powerful?

Winner: ford.

The Ranger’s standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Colorado Work Truck and LT trims have a 2.7-liter turbo-four good for 237 hp and 260 lb-ft. If you’re looking at lower trim level trucks, the Ranger has a big advantage. The Trail Boss and Z71 “high-output” version of the 2.7-liter cranks things up considerably to 310 hp and 391 lb-ft. The ZR2 produces 430 lb-ft. That’s obviously a considerable advantage over the Ford, but the Ranger will soon be available with a 2.7-liter turbo V6 good for 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. We didn’t know which trim levels this will be offered with or how much it will cost at the time of this writing, especially relative the high-output Chevy trim levels.

Ultimately, then, this is a hard one to answer, but considering Chevy has no real answer for the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-liter turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft), we’re giving this one to Ford on the whole.

Which gets better fuel economy?

The Ranger’s standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder returns 22 mpg combined regardless of whether you get a rear- or four-wheel-drive truck. Opting for the 2.7-liter turbo V6 lowers fuel economy to 20 mpg combined. The Colorado’s standard 2.7-liter turbo-four manages 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with 4WD. Its high-output 2.7-liter engine upgrade lowers fuel economy to 19 mpg combined (4WD only) or 16 mpg with the ZR2. Even the Ranger Raptor achieves 17, so advantage Ford across the board.

Which tows more?

Winner: colorado.

The Ranger’s max tow rating is 7,500 pounds, regardless of engine and drivetrain. The Colorado is 7,700 pounds, so it eeks this one out.

Which has a nicer interior?

Winner: ranger.

In terms of design, we would probably say the Colorado has the more attractive interior. That’s especially the case in upper trims that add padded simulated leather to interior surfaces and colorful contrasting stitching. That said, the Ranger has more consistent materials quality throughout its trim level lineup. There is a much bigger difference between the hard plastics found in a Colorado LT and the ritzier trappings in a Z71. Of course, if you really want a nice truck interior, checking out the Colorado’s GMC Canyon sibling is a good idea, especially the Denali .

Which has better infotainment technology?

Winner: tie.

This is really hard because both trucks have impressive touchscreen infotainment systems. Every Colorado has an 11.3-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen running a user-friendly interface with Google Built-in software that runs Google Maps and offers up additional apps from the Google Play Store. That’s in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ranger has two touchscreen size options, 10- and 12-inches, both of which are portrait-oriented. It’s actually a bit difficult to tell them apart. We like that you can split the screen between a new, square-orientation Apple recently devised for CarPlay along with an additional native Ford menu screen. We’re going to call this one a tie, because both Ford and Chevy systems are quite good, and it would really come down to personal preference.

Which has the bigger back seat?

Both trucks are now only offered with crew cab body styles. They also have virtually the same amount of legroom on paper at 34.6 inches for the Ranger and 34.7 inches for the Colorado. The Ranger has 1.5 inch more rear headroom, but we’ve had someone 6-foot-3 in the back of both and his head wasn’t touching the ceiling in either case. This is a tie.

Which has more cargo capacity and functionality

Winner: chevrolet.

The back seats may offer the same space, but the Colorado’s is more versatile. Its seat bottom is split 60/40, making it easier to carry luggage or other cargo on one side while still keeping a seat open. The Ranger has a one-piece seat bottom that flips up, or a one-piece seatback that folds down to store cargo on top. Basically, you’re choosing between people or cargo.

The Colorado’s bed is 5-foot-1-inch long. It features a clever tailgate design that includes a storage compartment and a support cord that can be hooked in such a way that the tailgate stays propped open half way. We also like the Colorado’s corner steps that make it easier to step into the bed. The Ranger has side steps between the bumper and wheel, but it’s more intended for leaning over the side of the bed. The bed itself is also a whisker shy of 5 feet long, so it is technically smaller. Both trucks offer a 120-volt power outlet in the bed.

Clockwise from top left: Power outlets and side step of the Ford Ranger; corner step and tailgate storage bin of the Chevy Colorado

Which is safer?

Winner: inconclusive.

Both the Colorado and Ranger come with a large suite of driver assistance systems as standard equipment including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking , auto high-beams, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot warning is included on all Rangers but the base XL. That feature is included in the Colorado’s optional Safety package along with enhancements not available on the Ford: blind-zone steering assist and rear cross-traffic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is optional on both.

Neither the Colorado nor Ranger have been crash tested by a third party. As such, the Colorado may have an advantage here if you check the Safety package box, but otherwise this is inconclusive without crash test ratings.

Which is better to drive?

We haven’t had a chance to drive this pair directly back-to-back, but in our experience, the Ranger is the more refined truck. It still has the usual body-on-frame wiggling and jiggling over bumps, but its damping is spot-on, sopping up bigger bumps while controlling rebound exceptionally well. It feels sophisticated. Chassis response and body motions on winding mountain roads are also very good for a small truck, but the steering is too numb, especially on center, and is a letdown given the rest of the dynamic package.

The Colorado is impressive in its own right by small truck standards with better steering than the Ranger, but we don’t think its ride and handling are quite as impressive. We also find its high-output engine to be very whistly and gravelly in the noises it makes, while its base engine is a tad gutless.

Ford Ranger XLT and Chevy Colorado Trail Boss

When was the last time they were redesigned?

The Ranger is new for 2024, whereas the Colorado was all new for 2023. The Ranger’s frame dates back further, though, so we suppose it wasn’t literally all -new. We’re not sure how much that matters. Their newness is similar, this isn’t a defining factor.

Are there versions that stand out more than others?

Both the Colorado and Ranger offer off-roader models that are extremely capable and extremely cool. The Ranger Raptor (pictured below left) boasts more power and a coil spring rear suspension, while the Colorado ZR2’s DSSV spool-valve dampers work wonders off-road and on. The ZR2 Bison (pictured below right) then takes things even further as the unquestioned rock-crawling mountain goat of the group. We’re not sure how you objectively pick among them. Depends on taste and what you want to do.

Which provides better value?

This is complicated given engine choices and differences in optional packages and trim levels. Apart from the similarly priced entry-level trims, the Colorado and Ranger trims don’t really align. In general, though, it’s cheaper to get into the Colorado. Even the ZR2 is about $7,000 less expensive to start than the Raptor.

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Texas man takes legal action against ex-partner who travelled to Colorado for abortion

The woman reportedly travelled out to colorado for the abortion earlier this year, article bookmarked.

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A Texas woman who travelled out of the state to get an abortion is being threatened with legal action by her ex-boyfriend, who also wants to target those who helped her.

The unnamed woman reportedly sought the abortion, legally, in Colorado in late February and when her ex-partner Collin Davis found out about her plans, he retained anti-abortion attorney Jonathan Mitchell.

The lawyer threatened a full investigation, The Washington Post reported, should the woman proceed with the abortion — which she did.

“People need to understand that it is not a crime to leave Texas or any other state in the country for an abortion,” Molly Duane, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights , told the Post .

However, that hasn’t stopped Mr Davis and his attorney from pursuing legal action against the woman and those they claim were  “involved in the killing of his unborn child,” a letter seen by the outlet said.

Mr Davis’ argument appears to be that those who helped his ex-girlfriend are the ones who broke Texas’ strict abortion laws, which do allow citizens to sue anyone who “aids or abets” an illegal abortion, even if the woman herself cannot be sued.

Crossing state lines to get an abortion is still legal nationwide, however, so there remains a challenge for Mr Davis and his attorney Mr Mitchell. District attorneys told the Post that many abortion laws are difficult to enforce.

The Independent has approached the lawyer, who was instrumental in ensuring Texas’ current abortion ban, for further comment but he is yet to respond.

He told the Post that “fathers of aborted foetuses can sue for wrongful death in states with abortion bans, even if the abortion occurs out-of-state”.

Mr Mitchell has had experience in a similar case, where a man is suing three women over an abortion which took place in the weeks after Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022.

In that case , the woman’s friends are accused of helping her get hold of abortion medication, with text messages between the women used as evidence.

The Center for Reproductive Rights claims these cases show growing attempts by anti-abortionists to restrict women’s rights even further.

“Across the country, we are seeing attempts to trap people in states where abortion is criminalised,” Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center, said.

“The anti-abortion movement wants to deny abortion access nationwide, and this is a terrifying step in that direction.”

Abortion remains a big issue heading for the 2024 election, with multiple states seeing fights over near-total bans.

A federal judge recently ruled that some of North Carolina’s policies on abortion pulls were illegal, while in Arizona a Civil War-era ban will be overturned but it could be months before restrictions are removed.

Around half of US states have heavily restrictive abortion laws, with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris vowing to fight these rules heading into November’s election.

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