Top Five Colorado Destinations for Out of Town Guests

So I have family visiting Northern Colorado and staying with me this Summer, and I want them to really be able to experience the beauty that the state gives us on a daily basis. Since I moved here, it seems like there is something different each day for me to be able to take in.

Here are the top five destinations I will be taking my Summer visitors to this year throughout the state. If you have any other places I should add to this list, let me know! I'd love to get everyone's ideas on good locations throughout the state.

5.) RED ROCKS AMPITHEATRE

This is a no-brainer. I haven't even been to Red Rocks myself so I will not only be taking a visitor for the first time, it will also be mine as well. Red Rocks, which is located in Morrison, has some great concerts scheduled this Summer. Ed Sheeran, Tim McGraw, and the Barenaked Ladies just to name a few. This has to be one of the first places I take my visiting family this Summer.

4.) ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE

I have been to the Royal Gorge Bridge once, and it happened one week before the devastating wildfires that affected everything surrounding the bridge back in 2013. They have put a lot of money back into the park with major renovations that were completed in the last couple months. For a first time visitor, the feeling of walking over the bridge is thrilling and invigorating and the surrounding town of Canon City has many other things to do for a day visitor.

3.) HORSETOOTH RESERVOIR

The first time I stepped foot into Northern Colorado, the first spot my host took me to was Horsetooth Reservoir. As soon as I saw it, I was sold that Fort Collins was going to be my future home. The sight of seeing the plains in the distance with the mountains on the other side of the water still renews my love for the area on a daily basis. If you have guests this Summer, you must take them to Horsetooth. There truly isn't anything else like it in the country.

2.) GARDEN OF THE GODS

Only a two hour drive from Fort Collins is Garden of the Gods, which is a park that takes rock formations to the next level. If you head down to the park, I recommend making sure you pack a picnic lunch for you and your guests. You could literally spend an entire day walking along all the trails, snapping photos of every rock (don't miss the "Kissing Camels"), and hitting up the gift shop near the south side of the park.

1.) TRAIL RIDGE ROAD - ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Lastly, a trip to Colorado by your family or friends isn't complete without a trip to Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Crews have been busy plowing snow in recent days to get the road open for the Summer season, and as you can see in the picture above, you could go there in June or July and still experience a decent snow pack. The views are stunning and unmatched anywhere else in America. But don't forget to prepare for any type of weather conditions Mother Nature could throw your way when you make the trip.