Colorado

Colorado is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities:

• December–March (Winter): Best for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
• April–May (Spring): Ideal for milder weather, fewer crowds, and early wildflowers.
• June–August (Summer): Perfect for hiking, rafting, festivals, and exploring national parks.
• September–November (Fall): A great time for stunning fall foliage, elk spotting, and scenic drives.

• Rocky Mountain National Park – Home to stunning alpine lakes, scenic trails, and wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep.
• Aspen & Vail – World-renowned ski resorts and luxurious mountain retreats.
• Garden of the Gods – A breathtaking park featuring towering red rock formations near Colorado Springs.
• Denver & Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Experience the Mile High City and one of the world’s most famous outdoor concert venues.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park – Explore North America’s tallest sand dunes, perfect for sandboarding and hiking.
• Mesa Verde National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison – A dramatic, deep canyon with stunning viewpoints and hiking trails.
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – A scenic historic train ride through the San Juan Mountains.
• Maroon Bells – One of the most photographed mountain peaks in North America, located near Aspen.
• Pikes Peak & The Manitou Incline – Drive or hike to the 14,115-ft summit for breathtaking views.

• Rocky Mountain Oysters – A unique Colorado delicacy made from deep-fried bull testicles.
• Green Chile – A spicy and flavorful stew, often served over burritos or burgers.
• Colorado Lamb – Known for its tender and high-quality taste.
• Bison Burgers & Elk Steaks – A lean, flavorful alternative to traditional beef.
• Palisade Peaches – Grown in Western Colorado, these peaches are incredibly sweet and juicy.
• Craft Beer – Colorado is home to hundreds of breweries, including Coors and many craft beer hotspots.
• Trout from the Rockies – Freshly caught and grilled to perfection.
• Olathe Sweet Corn – A Colorado-grown corn famous for its sweetness.

• Flights: Arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN), the main gateway to Colorado.
• Car Rentals: The best way to explore national parks, ski resorts, and scenic routes.
• Amtrak Train: The California Zephyr route offers stunning views from Denver to Glenwood Springs.
• Shuttle Services: Available from Denver to major ski resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen.
• Public Transit: Denver has light rail, buses, and bike-sharing options.
• Bikes & E-Bikes: Many cities, including Boulder and Denver, have excellent bike paths.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in small towns.
• ATMs are available throughout Colorado, including in ski resorts and national parks.
• Currency exchange services are available at Denver International Airport and major banks.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Spanish is widely spoken, especially in Southern Colorado.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• Colorado is known for its friendly and outdoorsy culture—be prepared for an active lifestyle!
• Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• Altitude sickness can be a concern—stay hydrated and take it easy when adjusting to high elevations.
• Respect nature—follow Leave No Trace principles when hiking and camping.
• Denver and Boulder are casual cities—dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For ski season (December–March): Book 6–12 months in advance for flights and accommodations.
• For national parks and hiking trips (Summer & Fall): Book 3–6 months ahead.
• For fall foliage trips (September–October): Book 3–6 months in advance for the best availability.
• For popular experiences (hot springs, scenic train rides, adventure tours): Book at least 1–2 months ahead.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• Some national parks and ski resorts require advance reservations during peak seasons.
• Wildfire season (July–October) can impact travel—check local advisories before visiting.
• Altitude sickness can affect visitors—take time to acclimate if traveling to high elevations.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com