North Central Colorado, CO

Travel Guide

Boulder featuring signage and night scenes
Boulder showing street scenes, a small town or village and night scenes
Lakeside Amusement Park which includes rides
Denver featuring a square or plaza, a sunset and outdoor art
Beautiful autumn day in Denver showcasing vibrant foliage and serene lakeside park activity
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 featuring modern architecture

Downtown Denver

4.5/5(3,700 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
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Cherry Creek

4.5/5(238 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 showing a city

LoDo

4.5/5(864 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
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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 The Landmark Theatre Greenwood Village and Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, and jump on the metro at Orchard Station or Arapahoe at Village Center Station to see more of the city.

Denver Tech Center
Around 200 high school students learning that with every sunrise there is a fresh start at Rocky Mountain Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. 

If you are looking for a great sunrise hike at the YMCA of the Rockies Bible's Point is the way to go! #Adventure #Hiking #Sunrise #Rotary

YMCA of the Rockies

While there might not be top attractions in YMCA of the Rockies, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and Sprague Lake.

YMCA of the Rockies
Elk Falls Pond

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 Highlands Ranch Golf Club.

Highlands Ranch
Hilton Denver City Center

Hilton Denver City Center

4 out of 5
1701 California St Denver CO
$108 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Jan 2 to Jan 3
$125 total
Jan 2 - Jan 3, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,188 reviews)
The hospitality was amazing. The ambience.

Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025

Hilton Denver City Center
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

4 out of 5
111 Richman St Black Hawk CO
$121 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Jan 5 to Jan 6
$144 total
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Black Hawk. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,540 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Hyatt Place Denver Downtown

Hyatt Place Denver Downtown

3.5 out of 5
440 14th St Denver CO
$102 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Jan 2 to Jan 3
$119 total
Jan 2 - Jan 3, 2026
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,983 reviews)
The valet service was nice, but a little costly. You don’t have to use their valet service there are other parking options outside of the hotel. I find using their garage is a bit safer. Didn’t really have an opportunity to try the early breakfast, but the bar and snack area was nice and had plenty ...

Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025

Hyatt Place Denver Downtown
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 a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (844 reviews)
Great location! Pleasant stay

Reviewed on Dec 16, 2025

Sentral Union Station
Kasa Union Station Denver

Kasa Union Station Denver

4 out of 5
1750 Little Raven St Denver CO
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (844 reviews)
Great place

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025

Kasa Union Station Denver
Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station

Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station

4 out of 5
1777 Chestnut Pl 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 in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (742 reviews)
Super place to stay. Convenient. Spacious. Clean

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station
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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