Colorado has a bunch of natural landscapes such as rivers, lakes, and the mountains which really highlights Colorado natural beauty. Colorado also has a rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking adventures in the great mountains, this state offers a wide range of options that won’t break the bank. These are the top ten budget-friendly destinations to consider for your summer getaway whether that’s with you friends or family.
Colorado Springs
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs boasts a variety of free and low-cost attractions. If you’re looking to go into the Air Force, Colorado Springs happens to be the school grounds for the U.S Air Force preportery school and the United Air Force academy. There is also the National Museum of World War II aviation.
One of the natural wonders of Colorado Springs is the garden of the gods. This park is free to the public and features the stunning red rocks formation against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks. People who visit can hike, bike, or enjoy a scenic drive through the park. They also offer educational exhibits and a short film about the park’s geology and history.
If you’re a history nerd, the Colorado Springs pioneers museum might just be for you. This museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1903 courthouse. This museum offers free admission and it features exhibits on the city’s founding, growth, and culture. It’s a great place to learn about the diverse people who share the community.
Colorado Springs is home to the Cheyenne mountain zoo. This place offers a wide range of animals to see and feed. This is also one of America’s mountain zoos.
Colorado Springs is also a great place to take a drive through and enjoy the Cheyenne canyon and the mountains.
Glenwood Springs
If Colorado springs isn’t for you I’m sure Glenwood Springs will be! Glenwood has so much to offer from the outdoor adventures to the historical sites.
Glenwood Springs offers several scenic trails such as the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail. This trail is a paved path that runs alongside the famous Colorado river, it offers perfect views and opportunities for biking and walking. Additionally, the Rio Grande Trail extends from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. It provides a longer route for exploration. If trails aren’t for you then check out the Hanging Lake. This stunning turquoise lake is nestled in the canyon. The hike may be challenging, but the breathtaking view makes it worth it. A reservation is required to hike to the hanging lake.
If you want to see a historical site, Linwood Cemetery is a must. It’s a short hike from downtown but this cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures, such as the gunslinger Doc Holliday.
If you’re more of a ride enthusiast the Glenwood Caverns is the place to be. This Adventure park is a summer-themed adventure, located 160 miles west of Denver this theme park is the only mountaintop theme park. This park offers cave tours, and thrill rides such as the alpine coaster, a giant canyon swing, the cliffhanger coaster, and the infamous Glenwood Canyon flyer that flies over the canyon.
Fruita
Fruita offers a variety of activities that will not break the bank.
The Dinosaur Journey Museum offers a bunch about prehistoric life. This Museum features over 15,000 fossil specimens including bones from local dig sites. There are also interactive exhibits such as the robotic dinosaur models and even an earthquake simulator. There is also a visible paleontology lab where visitors can observe ongoing fossil preparations.
Fruita also offers the Kokopelli’s Trail, this trail offers nearly 150 miles of mountain biking and hiking opportunities. This trail begins in Fruita and extends all the way to Utah. It offers stunning views of the Colorado river and the surrounding desert. It’s suitable for both experienced and novice riders. This is also the perfect spot for camping spots, making it ideal for multi-day adventures.
There are more trails such as the Colorado National Monument, The riverfront trail system, and town parks.
Montrose
Montrose has a lot to offer from parks, historical sites, and entertainment.
Montrose offers the Uncompahgre Riverway. This scenic pathway winds along the river, it offers stunning views and opportunities for walking, biking, and birdwatching. There are also perfect landscaped spots for picnics and relaxing. Of course the Montrose Botanic Gardens is a must for nature lovers. Spanning 3.5 acres, these gardens showcase a variety of plants and flowers. While some areas are not developed fully the garden provides a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll.
Just a short drive from Montrose, the ridgeway state park is the way to go. This park offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
If you want to get more of an insight into the First Nations in the United States the Ute Indian Museum is perfect. This museum presents the history of the Ute tribe of native Americans through exhibits and dioramas. This Museum sits on the homestead of chief ouray and it includes the chief ouray memorial park and chipsets crypt.
If you want more of an insight into Montrose the Montrose County Historical Museum and the Museum of the mountain west will be for you. The Montrose County Historical Museum was housed in the original 1912 Denver and Rio Grande Depot, it offers artifacts related to the region’s history, including displays on native Americans, miners, and railroaders. The Museum of the Mountain West, this Museum features historic log cabins and western town stores and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the American west. It’s a great place to learn about pioneer history.
If entertainment is more your style the Star Drive-in Theater. This theater offers a classic movie night for the family, this theater has been in operation for over 60 years. They offer double features during the summer months and a selection of food and drinks on-site.
Gunnison
If nothing sticks out Gunnison surely will. Gunnison offers a variety of activities such as outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences.
Gunnison offers a lot of natural sites to see such as the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area and the Gunnison River. The Hartman Rocks Recreation area, located just south of Gunnison. This expansive area provides over 14,000 acres of public land for various outdoor activities. These Activities include mountain biking, rock climbing on granite outcrops, and hiking through scenic landscapes. This area also offers 50 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis; it makes it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. If it’s an activity with water you want, the Gunnison river is perfect. This river flows through town and offers opportunities for floating and rafting. It features class l and ll rapids, it makes it perfect for beginners and intermediate rafters.
Gunnison also offers the Gunnison arts center. The Gunnison Arts Center expands over 12,000 square feet and features visual arts exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, and regular performances. They also offer different kinds of classes in various art forms such as painting and sculpture.
If you love astronomy then the Gunnison Valley Observatory is the place to be. You can engage in free astronomy talks and tours under the night sky.
San Luis Valley
San Luis Valley, famous for the great sand dunes is a perfect place to relax and get a sense of nature.
The great sand dune national park is the tallest sand dune in North America. You can hike, sand board, or wade in medano creek during the spring. Another great place is the Zapata Falls; you embark on a half- mile hike to discover a hidden 25-foot waterfall nestled in a rocky crevasse. It provides great views of the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. They also offer the Rio Grande River; this river dikes in Alamosa to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife. This slow pace of the river through town is also suitable for floating, paddle boarding, and beginner rafting.
If you’re looking for history then the Saguache County Museum, San Luis Valley Museum, the penitence canyon, and stations of the cross shrine will be for you. The saguache county museum is located in a historical adobe building dating back to 1870, this museum showcases Ute artifacts, early 20th-century medical equipment, and a 1908 fair wagon. The San Luis Valley Museum showcases a collection of artifacts, photographs, antiques, and art. It tells the story of life in the valley from native Americans to reaching and railroads. The penitence Canyon explores the secluded canyon known for its rock art and as a top rock climbing area in the state. This area also holds more rock art than anywhere else in the valley. The stations of the cross shrine is a spiritual and artistic journey featuring a series of bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Christ, offering panoramic views of the valley.
One of the unique attractions in San Luis Valley is the UFO watchtower and the Orisons land art installation. The UFO watchtower is situated north of hooper, this observation platform and campground is known for tales of UFO sightings. Visitors can enjoy the open sky and maybe witness unusual phenomena. The orisons land art installation is a 160-arc land art installation featuring bird shape sculptures and native flora pieces that interact with the environment.
Salida
In Salida you can Embark on a scenic drive, hike, or bike ride up Spiral Drive for panoramic views of Salida and the Arkansas River Valley. The winding road leads to a viewing area that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valley below.
Riverside Park is Situated along the Arkansas River, Riverside Park is a hub of community activity. Enjoy a riverside stroll, picnic, or watch a free concert at this community park featuring a bandshell, rock climbing wall, and sand volleyball court. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
The Rocky Mountain mini golf you can Test your skills at this family-friendly mini-golf course, offering glow-in-the-dark golfing on Friday nights. The well-maintained course provides a fun and affordable outing for all ages.
For a thrilling experience, try one of Captain Zipline’s eco-tours, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Soar through the air and enjoy the stunning mountain views from above.Relax and unwind in the largest indoor hot springs pool in the country. The Salida Hot Springs offers various sized pools ranging from 84 to 100 degrees, providing a soothing experience after a day of exploration.
Leadville
Explore The Mineral Belt national recreation trail, this 11.6-mile loop trail that meanders through Leadville’s historic mining district, offering stunning views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. The trail provides a glimpse into the area’s rich mining history and natural beauty.
Embark on a moderate hike through the Hagerman Tunnel loop hike that showcases wildflowers, alpine lakes, and remnants of old mining operations. The trail offers a peaceful retreat into nature and a chance to connect with the area’s history.Discover Leadville’s rich history with this historic walking tour; a self-guided walking tour, highlighting landmarks like the Tabor Opera House and Victorian-era architecture. The tour offers insights into the town’s past and its role in Colorado’s mining boom.
The Dutch Henry hill is a Sled or tube down this popular hill during winter months, offering a nostalgic experience for all ages. The hill provides a fun and free way to enjoy the snowy season.
You can Stroll through the 70-square-block district of Leadville national landmark district, lined with Victorian buildings built between 1880 and 1905. The district offers a step back in time, showcasing Leadville’s architectural heritage.
Alamosa
Zapata Falls
Hike half a mile to uncover a hidden 25-foot waterfall nestled in a rocky crevasse at the Zapata Falls, it offers a breathtaking views of the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The hike provides a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
Explore over 11,000 acres of diverse habitats of the Alamosa national wildlife refuge , perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography. The refuge offers a peaceful setting to observe local wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
The Rio Grande River walk is a perfect place to take a Stroll or bike along this flat, scenic trail that follows the Rio Grande River, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. The walk provides a serene environment for relaxation and recreation.
At the Blanca Vista Park you can Relax by the pond, enjoy a picnic, or let your dog play in the park’s dog-friendly area, all while taking in views of Mount Blanca. The park offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities.
Take a self-guided tour through downtown Alamosa to learn about its rich history, including visits to the San Luis Hotel and the former city jail. The tour offers insights into the town’s past and its development over the years.
Conclusion
There are many places to go in Colorado to relax and not empty out your wallet before the summer is over but these are the top ten places to go in Colorado that wont break the bank.
