Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver is a natural open-air concert venue set between huge sandstone monoliths. Opened in 1941, it has hosted legendary performers and is renowned for its natural acoustics. When there are no concerts, visitors can walk the amphitheatre and the surrounding park trails.

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado spans the Continental Divide with peaks over 4,000 metres, alpine lakes and tundra. Trail Ridge Road climbs to over 3,700 metres, making it the highest continuous paved road in the US. Bear Lake, Dream Lake and herds of elk are highlights.

The Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado, are two 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake. Their distinctive maroon colour comes from mudstone rock. They are said to be among the most photographed mountains in North America, especially during autumn when aspen trees turn golden.

Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs with dramatic red sandstone formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. It is a National Natural Landmark and free to visit. Trails, rock climbing and the visitor center make it one of Colorado's most popular attractions.

Pikes Peak rises 4,302 metres in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs. The view from its summit inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful in 1893. Visitors reach the top by the Pikes Peak Highway, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway or on foot.

Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado contains the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 230 metres. They sit against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In late spring, Medano Creek flows across the base of the dunes, creating a seasonal beach.

Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado protects nearly 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans. Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, has about 150 rooms. It was the first cultural park in the US national park system and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.