Looking to take a trip to the west side of the USA to explore the varied state that is Colorado? You will not be disappointed! From the vibrant capital city of Denver and dry, stretching deserts to winding rivers and picturesque canyons, this state has it all. Its natural beauty is something that deserves to be experienced in real life so if you are looking for your next vacation destination, put Colorado on the top of your list!
To help with your trip planning, we’ve put together a short guide that outlines some of the best places to visit in Colorado, as well as some helpful information for preparing for your trip, including how to secure an ESTA America if you are travelling from abroad. All that is left for you to do is book!
Preparing for your trip to Colorado
Colorado is a state loved by domestic and international travellers alike. People come from across the country and across the globe to ski in the mountains, enjoy the lakes or just admire the natural beauty of the state. If you are inspired to take your own trip, it is time to get serious about planning to ensure you arrive in Colorado stress-free.
This is especially important for international travellers who need to consider things like time zones and currency exchange. Visitors from overseas cannot just jump in the car and make their way to one of the fabulous Colorado destinations. First, they must enter the country by passing through border control. This means you will need to address basic entry requirements so that you are not rejected at the border and can make it to Colorado for an unforgettable trip.
For anybody belonging to a country who is a member of the visa waiver program, you will not need to get a visa. Instead, you will need to obtain an ESTA. This is substitute is a type of online pre-screening that requires you to provide personal details, answer some questions and pay the associated fee. Once this is done, you submit your information for processing. You can then check status of estavia the online portal to ensure there are no issues. It is strongly recommended that you apply for an ESTA a few weeks in advance of your departure date to make sure that everything goes through smoothly.
For travellers who are citizens of countries not belonging to the program, it is likely you will need to obtain a visa in order to enter the USA. Entry requirements vary according to nationality so make sure you check with credible sources to confirm the entry requirements that you need to meet.
Warm Places in Colorado
Colorado is known for having extreme winters, and the cold is appreciated by all the avid skiers and snowboarders out there! If you are somebody who does not like the cold, you will be glad to know that there are a few places that tend to stay warmer than others. That being said, Colorado is not known for mild temperatures (especially in winter) so keep in mind that these places still get cold, just not as cold as other places in the state.
- Greeley
This city has maintained the charm of a small town while also offering the amenities of an urban destination. Close to nature, you will have the best of both worlds if you choose to add Greeley to your Colorado itinerary.
- Pueblo
Pueblo is a city with an interesting history. You can learn all about it by visiting the local museum or taking a walk along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, a popular attraction that was developed to mark the original place of the river after it was moved in 1921 due to a flood.
- Las Animas
This small town sits on the Arkansas River and will transport you back in time. Whether you want to explore downtown, visit the local historical sites or head out to the popular Adobe Creek Reservoir, Las Animas is a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere that’s a little warmer than some of Colorado’s other destinations.
Lake Towns in Colorado
Looking for some lake time? Colorado is home to a number of excellent lakes where you can participate in water activities until your heart’s content!
- Grand Lake
Grand Lake is one of the most popular lake towns in all of Colorado. Based just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, it is the perfect place to rent a vacation home and spend some time on the water.
- Littleton
With a safe, sandy beach, Littleton is a popular choice among families. The town is based on Chatfield Reservoir and is known for its quaint historic town centre – definitely worth a visit!
- Dillon
For a quieter option, head to Dillon. The town is located on Lake Dillon which has an impressive 26 miles of shoreline to enjoy. Go fishing, rent a boat, or even take a sailing lesson – the choice is yours!
Fort Collins to Colorado Springs
Fort Collins, a college town with a wide range of restaurants and bars, and Colorado Springs, a city at the base of the Rocky Mountains, are both popular Colorado destinations. If you are looking to add both to your trip, you can easily make the drive in just over 2 hours. It is also possible to go by bus or fly between Colorado Springs, then head out to Fort Collins.
