Archeological sites, mountain ranges and scenic drives - oh my!

Colorado is a state that has it all; bustling cities full of trendy restaurants, a fascinating Western heritage and photogenic backdrops wherever you go thanks to the Rocky Mountains. Seriously, it’s hard to come to Colorado and not be blown away by how beautiful and vibrant everything is. Charge your camera and put on your exploring shoes as you wander the streets of Denver. Sit back and relax as you embark on the famous South Rim Drive. Commit the incredible Cliff Palace and Black Canyon to memory as you marvel at their rock formations. So, what are you waiting for? Your favourite road trip yet is about to start…

Our Colorado tours & holidays

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Highlights of our Colorado tours 

The many rooms built into sandstone rock as part of the Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park

Marvel at Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park

Gaining UNESCO World Heritage-listed status in 1978 (one of the first national parks in the US to be granted this honour), Mesa Verde National Park is full of archaeological wonders and the most famous of them all is Cliff Palace. Inhabited by ancestral Puebloans more than 700 years ago, the palace is made up of more than 150 rooms carved into sandstone which you can admire on your ranger-led tour of the remains. 

The shining surface of Bear Lake in Colorado on a sunny day

Adventure through Rocky Mountains National Park

It’s hard to go anywhere in Colorado without catching a glimpse of the impressive peaks of the Rocky Mountain ranges but on our Colorado tours, you’ll get the chance to explore the national park and its main attractions. Start off with a scenic drive through the park (with your camera at the ready), move onto a hike to Bear Lake and a picnic lunch and finish the day with some free time to hit the trails or take it easy. 

A woman taking a photo of graffiti street art in Denver

Wander around Colorado’s capital city, Denver

There’s a little something for everyone in Denver from insta-worthy neighbourhoods and outdoor concert venues (read: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater) to flourishing botanic gardens and bustling squares boasting high-end restaurants and fancy boutiques. But if Denver’s known for anything, it’s its lively arts scene where institutions like the River North Arts District will give you an insight into this city’s culture and creativity - luckily, a trip to RiNo is included on your tour. 

A welcome sign at the entrance to the Garden of the Gods with a mountain range in the background

Take in the majesty of the Garden of the Gods

While the words ‘Garden of the Gods’ may conjure up images of a paradise-like place full of mythical beings eating grapes while surrounded by lush greenery, it’s actually a remarkable landscape where dramatic sandstone rock formations are silhouetted against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. So, nothing to sneeze at. Occupy your afternoon by setting out on several hiking trails or zoom around the nature reserve at a faster pace (think segways and bike tours).  

Colorado tour reviews

Colorado FAQs

Trips on or before 31 December 2022

If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Getting to Colorado is relatively easy with a number of different transportation options available. These include flying into one of the commercial airports such as Denver International Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, and Grand Junction Regional Airport, embarking on a road trip from one of the neighboring states, or catching public transport in the form of a bus or a train with several routes taking you to various destinations within the state. 

Getting around Colorado is also relatively easy due to the number of different transportation options available. Driving is easy in Colorado with all major highways easy to navigate and maintained regularly. You can also fly between popular destinations within the state as there are multiple commercial airports that offer services to different cities. Colorado also has an excellent and reliable public transportation system in the form of bus and train networks that offer routes to popular destinations and regions within the state. Colorado is also home to the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train which travels between Colorado and the neighbouring state of Utah

Colorado's climate varies depending on where you are in the state but it is generally cool and dry. If you are visiting the eastern plains, daily temperatures can range between -15 degrees Fahrenheit in winter up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. In the Colorado mountains, the weather is generally cooler with the valleys becoming particularly chilly in the evening. Western Colorado is warmer and drier with temperatures similar to those you find in the eastern plains. Throughout the year, a large variance between daytime and night-time temperatures is common. 

The best time to visit Colorado depends on what you want to do. If we’re talking about crowd-pleasing weather, mid to late spring (March-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer great weather conditions for long days spent hiking and cycling. The weather is still comfortable and pleasant, and you’ll miss the uncomfortable summer heat and the severe winter weather. The crowds are also smaller in the shoulder months. But one thing's for certain, Colorado is an adventure playground and no matter what month you travel in, you'll want to spend your precious holiday time in the great outdoors. We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your next trip.

Learn more about the best time to visit Colorado

What to pack for Colorado depends on what time of the year you're travelling in and where you're planning on going. For example, a Colorado mountain holiday will require much warmer clothes than a Denver city escape. Regardless of the season, there are some items you should always pack. Some of these items include sensible and comfortable walking shoes (most likely you'll be doing a lot of hiking during your time in Colorado), a sun hat or cap, and some sunscreen (especially in summer). If you're travelling in winter, be sure to pack trousers, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and thick coats to keep yourself warm. 

Find out what to pack for Colorado

If you stick to Colorado's popular cities like Denver, then your internet coverage shouldn't be affected. However, if you're planning on spending time in one of the state's many national parks then you could experience some disruptions. Most national parks have reception areas or tourist hubs where Wi-Fi access is available but if you're hiking through the park or you've stopped at a high-altitude viewpoint then your service is likely to be weak and unreliable. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Major cities such as Denver offer excellent access for travellers with disabilities but some of Colorado's natural wonders can make walking difficult for travellers who are less mobile on foot. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

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