Colorado Western Slope Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Montrose featuring tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose showing tranquil scenes
Montrose showing animals and wild flowers
Separated from the state’s biggest metropolises by the Rocky Mountains, this remote region encompasses desert terrain, wine country and scenic expanses of red rock.

Encompassing the communities west of the Continental Divide, the sparsely populated Western Slope region has a much different vibe to Colorado’s more cosmopolitan east. Discover vast canyons and dusty desert-like landscapes, prehistoric petroglyphs and dinosaur fossils, as well as some of the best ski resorts in the U.S.

With Colorado’s biggest cities located on the other side of the Rocky Mountains, Western Slope’s biggest lures are more rural, as opposed to urban, in nature. Marvel at the steep-sided cliffs and rushing river of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the region’s natural highlights, or hit the hiking trails that lead through the stark redrock-dotted landscape of Colorado National Monument. Discover a landscape of forests, meadows and lakes around Grand Mesa, which at 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers), is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. The triple waterfalls, verdant foliage and excellent hiking trails at Rifle Falls State Park are also worth seeking out.

History, both natural and human, also abounds. Learn about the ancestral Pueblo people at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park, which is peppered with thousands of archaeological sites, including some truly remarkable 100-plus-room cliff dwellings. Inspect fossilized remains at the Dinosaur National Monument, where bones of prehistoric creatures can be found embedded into exposed rock.

If you crave some more urban-style diversions, head for the region’s biggest city, Grand Junction. Browse the shops on Main Street and look for Art on the Corner, a downtown public sculpture exhibit. Just outside of Grand Junction is the Grand Valley, the epicenter of the state’s thriving wine industry. Enjoy tours and tastings at more than 20 wineries.

In winter, snow sports enthusiasts flock to the Western Slope to enjoy the region’s reliable powdery snow. Popular resorts include Telluride, Powderhorn and Silverton.

To get to Colorado’s Western Slope, fly into Denver International Airport and drive from there. Alternatively, take a domestic connecting flight into Grand Junction Regional Airport. Consider renting a car for the freedom to fully explore all this fabulous region has to offer.

Where to stay in Colorado Western Slope

Beaver Creek showing snow, a small town or village and forests

Beaver Creek

5/5(1 area review)

Beaver Creek is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, stunning ski slopes and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Beaver Creek Ski Area or Vilar Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Beaver Creek
Breckenridge showing outdoor art, street performance and snow

Historic District

5/5(4 area reviews)

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Historic District. A stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Main Street might round out your trip.

Historic District
Vail Ski Resort featuring landscape views, snow and mountains

Vail Village

If you're spending some time in Vail Village, Vail Ski Resort and Gondola One Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Vail Village
Breckenridge Ski Resort featuring a house and snow

Peak 8

Unique features of Peak 8 include the skiing and mountain views. Make a stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Rocky Mountain SuperChair while you're exploring the area.

Peak 8
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Peak 9

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Peak 9. A stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Peak 8 SuperConnect Lift might round out your trip.

Peak 9
Default Image

Lionshead

Lionshead is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, great bars and stunning ski slopes. You might also want to check out attractions like Vail Ski Resort or Eagle Bahn Gondola while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Lionshead
Grand Vista Hotel
Grand Vista Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2790 Crossroads Blvd, Grand Junction, CO
The price is ฿2,044 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿2,044
฿2,741 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grand Junction. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,875 reviews)
"The bar in the hotel was … interesting"

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2024

Grand Vista Hotel
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is ฿3,575 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
฿3,575
฿4,061 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,406 reviews)
"It would be nice to see renovations/repairs to freshen up the place and keep the historcal value of it"

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2024

Hotel Colorado
Hotel Glenwood Springs
Hotel Glenwood Springs
2.5 out of 5
52000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is ฿3,619 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
฿3,619
฿4,111 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this ski hotel in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Love this place! Definitely staying here again"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Hotel Glenwood Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
4 out of 5
557 Stan Miller Dr, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,157 reviews)
"The staff are amazing! The propeety is quiet and clean and relaxing"

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Village at Breckenridge Resort
Village at Breckenridge Resort
3 out of 5
535 S Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy 4 hot tubs, a sauna and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,684 reviews)
"Was a great place to stay for our anniversary weekend. In walking distance to both shopping and food."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

Village at Breckenridge Resort
The Gant
The Gant
4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this boutique condo in Aspen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (831 reviews)
"Immaculate place, friendly and attentive staff, and beautiful views"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2024

The Gant
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Colorado Western Slope