North Central Colorado, CO

Travel Guide

North Central Colorado
North Central Colorado
North Central Colorado
North Central Colorado
North Central Colorado
With its eclectic culture and countless outdoor recreation opportunities, this vast northern section of Colorado has much to offer for every visitor.

Visit North Central Colorado for a great vacation that is not limited to any one type of activity. The region is comprised of Boulder, Grand and Larimer counties. Here you’ll find natural beauty, historic towns, national parks and forests to explore.

See the region’s highlights by traveling the North Colorado Loop Trail. Drive along the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway, the Cache La Poudre/North Park Scenic and Historic Byway, the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area and the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway. Along these 360 miles (580 kilometers) of varying landscape, you’ll pass through plains and foothills, mountain passes, river valleys and communities including Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Estes Park and Fort Collins.

Perhaps the region’s crowning glory, Rocky Mountain National Park offers outdoor enthusiasts more than 350 miles (560 kilometers) of hiking trails. Base yourself at Estes Park and drive the Trail Ridge Road into the park to explore alpine landscapes and glimpse resident elk and bears.

In the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Winter Park offers year-round outdoor activities, from summer mountain biking at Trestle Bike Park and winter fat biking at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch, to Nordic and alpine skiing at the Winter Park Resort in the colder months.

After strenuous outdoor activity, soothe weary muscles in North Central Colorado’s hot springs at the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa. Soak in 20 mineral indoor and outdoor hot pools and private baths, taking advantage of the healing properties once touted by the area’s Ute and Arapaho Indians.

Find North Central Colorado where the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies meets the Great Plains. Enjoy Loveland’s famous Love Lock Sculptures and Devil’s Backbone’s vast grasslands perfect for horseback riding. Experience Grand County’s local summer theater and Boulder’s trendy dining scene. North Central Colorado engages and exhilarates all tastes.

Where to stay in North Central Colorado

Downtown Denver

Downtown Denver

4.5/5(3,744 area reviews)

Dive into this bustling financial and entertainment hub, featuring the 16th Street pedestrian mall, Larimer Square, and the Theatre District. Catch a game at Coors Field or Ball Arena, and explore the neighborhood's vibrant dining scene.

Downtown Denver
Aerial View of Cherry Creek Shopping and Dining District in the Denver Metro with Christmas Lights during the Holidays

Cherry Creek

4.5/5(242 area reviews)

Experience a blend of urban and residential vibes in Denver's Cherry Creek, where tree-lined streets meet shopping and dining at Cherry Creek North. Explore Fillmore Plaza, Manley and Pulaski Parks, or hop on the easily accessible public bus system.

Cherry Creek
LoDo

LoDo

4.5/5(874 area reviews)

Historic district with vibrant nightlife, LoDo offers a mix of clubs, art galleries, boutiques, and over 70 bars and restaurants. Must-visit spots include Coors Field, Ball Arena, and Denver Union Station. Enjoy its walkable, pedestrian-friendly streets.

LoDo
Denver Tech Center Monument

Denver Tech Center

Known for its ample dining options and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Denver Tech Center. You can visit top attractions like Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre and The Landmark Theatre Greenwood Village, and jump on the metro at Orchard Station or Arapahoe at Village Center Station to see more of the city.

Denver Tech Center
Sunset Winter Lake - A colorful winter sunset at a half-frozen bay of a mountain lake. Chatfield State Park, Denver-Littleton, Colorado, USA.

Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to South Suburban Sports Complex or Chatfield State Park.

Highlands Ranch
City and County Building near Civic Center and State Capitol, Denver Colorado in the Rocky Mountains

Capitol Hill

3.5/5(187 area reviews)

Unique features of Capitol Hill include the museums and bars. Make a stop by Molly Brown House Museum or Colorado State Capitol Building while you're exploring the area.

Capitol Hill
Sonesta Denver Downtown

Sonesta Denver Downtown

4 out of 5
1450 Glenarm Place Denver CO
$97 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from May 24 to May 25
$112 total
May 24 - May 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Denver. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,391 reviews)
This would be my second time staying at Sonesta and enjoyed very much so I made it a point that I would stay again. We enjoyed 2 nights and found the room top notch . I can’t leave out to mention the bed was exceptionally comfortable. I visit Denver at least once a year and I know I will definitely ...

Reviewed on May 7, 2026

Sonesta Denver Downtown
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
1715 Tremont Place Denver CO
$105 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from May 26 to May 27
$122 total
May 26 - May 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Denver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,059 reviews)
The staffs and management was not helpful. I booked my trip through Expedia, and my reservation was canceled. I was then told to make a new reservation directly, but my original Expedia booking was never refunded. I wasn’t expecting a full refund, but I believe I should at least receive a refund ...

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown by IHG
the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
1405 Curtis Street Denver CO
$134 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$156 total
May 25 - May 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,355 reviews)
Everything was great except the shower water. It would go from burning hot to freezing without touching the knob. The front desk said that they would look into it and was responsive. They may have but I had to leave quickly in the morning without testing it. Overall a great experience just one mishap. ...

Reviewed on May 7, 2026

the Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
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.
Sentral Union Station

Sentral Union Station

4 out of 5
1777 Wewatta Street Denver CO
Stay at this aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (933 reviews)
Clean room with full kitchen, separate bedroom and laundry. Very nice place to stay.

Reviewed on May 7, 2026

Sentral Union Station
StudioRes by Marriott Denver Tech Center

StudioRes by Marriott Denver Tech Center

4 out of 5
7150 S Havana St Centennial CO
Stay at this aparthotel in Centennial. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre and Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Excellent all the way

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2026

StudioRes by Marriott Denver Tech Center
Tiny Town Cabins

Tiny Town Cabins

3 out of 5
830 Moraine Avenue Estes Park CO
Stay at this cabin in Estes Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Historic Estes Park and The Stanley Hotel are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (109 reviews)
The stay was completely peaceful. Thanks!

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Tiny Town Cabins
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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