Explore the best of Colorado's hidden gems on this road trip

With the towering Rockies hinting at infinite adventures within and boomtowns like Denver with reputations for livability, Colorado has long captured the imaginations of travelers and thrill-seekers alike. However, given its spacious size, many of the Centennial State's best treasures often get missed.

Consider these under-visited corners on your next road trip. This route is circular, so depending on your direction of origin, any of the below stops are viable starting points. 

San Luis Valley/Great Sand Dunes National Park  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the south/southeast
From Durango (165 Miles): U.S. Route 160 East to W County Road 5 in Del Norte, Lane 6 West / State Highway 150 North in Mosca} 

The San Luis Valley is a road-trippers paradise, perfect for aimless drives in pursuit of casual weirdness along US-285, CO-17, and CO-150. Get lost in the labyrinth at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish in Conejos, see toothy critters at Colorado Gators, catch a movie (or some sleep) at the offbeat Frontier Drive-Inn, hike a trickling trail that crescendos into Zapata Falls, explore a peculiar sideshow at UFO Watchtower, or relax in well-hidden Crestone.

Then there is Great Sand Dunes National Park, a seemingly random landscape that was formed by eons of wind erosion funneling into the base of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. After a speedy sandboarding session downhill, clamber up a dune for an unforgettable sunset. Glamp at Rustic Rook Resort to keep the show going past nightfall, where the dazzling density of stars overwhelms the senses. 

Buena Vista/Salida  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the east/southeast
From Great Sand Dunes to Salida (86 miles): State Highway 150 North/Lane 6 West to State Highway 17 North in Mosca 
From Salida to Buena Vista (24.5 miles): State Highway 291 North to U.S. Route 285 North} 

In the shadow of the colossal Sawatch Range and far from any cities, Buena Vista and Salida provide a quiet, laid-back place to relish the solitude of the Rockies. Flowing through both towns is the mighty Arkansas River, whose currents, well-known for exceptional whitewater rafting, become supercharged with the onset of snowmelt in spring.

Take a wild ride through the bucking rapids and thick sprays of the Browns Canyon rafting expedition organized by Wilderness Aware, and dress warmly — even in summer, temperatures can be chilly. Afterward, submerge in toasty, mineral-rich Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. 

Frisco  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the east/northeast
From Buena Vista (68.4 Miles): U.S. Route 285 North to State Highway 9 North in Fairplay through Hoosier Pass} 

With idyllic streets set against the grandeur of the Tenmile Range, Frisco is like a living thesis statement for Colorado. Make new memories at the Frisco Lodge, open since 1885, where an endlessly cozy interior awaits alongside inviting social areas with board games and musical instruments.

Grab delectable bites from Butterhorn Bakery or the 5th Avenue Grill, then turn yourself loose on the Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area after renting a bike from Rebel Sports. Rent a kayak from Frisco Bay Marina to embark on a pleasant paddling session around Dillon Reservoir, and see how many picturesque nooks and islands you can find. 

Leadville 

^{Start point: Entering CO from the east/northeast
From Frisco (30 miles): State Highway 91 South} 

Denver is commonly known as the Mile High City, but visitors might not realize the Two Mile High City also exists in Colorado. Leadville, the highest-elevation incorporated city in the United States, at 10,152 feet, is nearly twice the elevation of the capital, but it boasts just as much character.

Wander down its endearing streets lined with adorable cafes, cute gift shops, and proximity to the state’s two loftiest peaks, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, the latter doubling as the tallest in the Rocky Mountains. 

(Related: Ultimate Highway 90 Guide)

Snowmass Village 

^{Start point: Entering CO from the north or east when Independence Pass is open* 
From Leadville, pass open (62 miles): U.S. Route 24 South to State Highway 82 West in Twin Lakes 
From Glenwood Springs, pass closed (39.6 Miles): State Highway 82 East 
*In colder months, this stop must come after Glenwood Springs below. Independence Pass closes in winter due to annual heavy snowfall; in this case, return to Frisco and take I-70W}

If Independence Pass is open, you're in luck — one of the most stunning journeys in Colorado lies ahead, where rugged landscapes fly by as the road soars to 12,000 feet over the Continental Divide before tapering off toward Aspen with Snowmass Village just to the west. 

Getting around Snowmass Village often involves stairs and chairlifts as much as vehicles. The hip Limelight Hotel is ideal with its central location and proximity to The Collective, a family-friendly space with daily events, including comedy, live music, ice skating, and fitness classes.

Head uphill for fine dining and shopping or wander the South Rim Trail for a peaceful moment at Spiral Point. Ascend skyward in the lift toward Elk Camp to find its thrilling alpine coaster, enchanting paths through the bewitching Lost Forest, and sweeping vistas of the spectacular Maroon Bells. 

Glenwood Springs  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the north 
From Leadville (88.2 Miles): U.S. Route 24 North to I-70W in Vail 
From Snowmass Village (39.6 Miles): State Highway 82 West}  

The adrenaline rush of a dropping roller coaster is exhilarating enough, but what about from on top of a mountain? Take a brief gondola ride into the sky to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, perched on a summit overlooking Glenwood Springs, to find out for yourself. Observe hints of desert creeping into the terrain while lounging in the nourishing heat of massive Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, stroll the lovely downtown, or stop by the grave of legendary Wild West gunslinger Doc Holliday. 

Don't miss one of Colorado's most memorable hikes at Hanging Lake Trail. The roaring waterfalls at the top, feeding into placid ponds with otherworldly green hues, make for incredible photos against the arid backdrop and vibrant flora. 

Grand Junction  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the west/northwest 
From Glenwood Springs (87 Miles): I-70W}

In Grand Junction, passing motorists on nearby I-70 are often tragically unaware of the eye-popping striped Mini Grand Canyon of Colorado National Monument, a mere 6 miles away. Another option: take in the serpentine sandstone features of the remote Rattlesnake Arches with Adrenaline Driven Adventures. Afterward, rent a Slingshot and enjoy the scent of high desert air while cruising around the energetic city center.

Grab sweets at world-renowned Enstrom Candies, devour tasty breakfasts from Main Street Bagels or The Hog and The Hen, sip refreshing brews from Ramblebine or Trail Life breweries, or admire the sculptures at the ongoing Art On The Corner project. Stay at the Hotel Maverick and finish your day at the rooftop Devil's Kitchen. 

(Related: How to plan the ultimate road trip through New England)

Ouray  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the west/southwest
From Grand Junction (96.5 Miles): U.S. Route 50 East to U.S. Route 550 South at Ridgeway} 

Nicknamed the Switzerland of America, Ouray does not disappoint. Located in a snug pocket of the San Juan Mountains, the lofty Perimeter Trail encircles the town. Along with outstanding views of the beautiful streets, hikers will also encounter powerful Cascade Falls Park and Box Cañon Falls Park, where the latter's precipitous high bridge offers a dizzying view over a marvelous quartzite gorge. Visit Ouray Hot Springs to bask in this tranquil, walled-in scenery with a pleasurable heated soak. 

The fly-fishing tour at Rigs Fly Shop is a fantastic experience on the lively local waters, and the passionate guides provide casting instruction and all required gear. Stay at The Western Hotel, which has been open since 1891. After visiting the grill, coffee shop, and general store, follow the intriguing staircase down one floor to reveal the intimately illuminated Grotto Spa, with its hot tubs, soothing music, and sauna promising maximum relaxation. 

Durango  

^{Start point: Entering CO from the southwest 
From Ouray (70.5 Miles): U.S. Route 550 South}

The tumultuous twists of U.S. Route 550 South, better known as the Million Dollar Highway, reward intrepid voyagers with the cowboy atmosphere of Durango on the other side. The gorgeous namesake peak at Purgatory Resort has much to love: comfortable lodgings, winter tubing, a roller coaster, an alpine slide, and a gripping selection of mountain biking and skiing routes.

Durango Hot Springs is a must-stop with its massage rooms, food trucks, and colorful garden with numerous stone tubs of diverse shapes and temperatures —including two frosty cold plunges — perfect for enjoying the frequent live music on the central lawn.