North Central Colorado, CO

Travel Guide
Red Rocks Amphitheater featuring mountains
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 signage

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
You know... I'm from Seattle. And I know coffee snobbery. Believe me, I do. But a slow pouring technique with a paper filter for a cup of coffee? This takes snobbery to a new level! Personally, I still think a french press is the best way to do it. I mean, I was one of the last Starbucks employees to be put through their "Coffee College" back in 2001. And I remember very specifically about them speaking against a paper filter when wanting to get the full taste of coffee. To get all the oils & crema and such. I'm sure there's a reason to do this whole slow pour thing... I just don't see it. All in all though, the coffee still was good. And the experience of getting your own personal pot of joe was a nice touch. I'll probably go back at some point. :)

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
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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 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
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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
Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies is a fantastic venue for baseball. Get a seat along first base for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain front range and sunsets. Sit along the third base for the most shade. Don’t miss a mile high photo op at the 20th row in the 300 section marked by a row of purple seats. #milehighcity #coorsfield #denver #LifeAtExpedia

Five Points

4/5(200 area reviews)

Explore the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, or stroll through the vibrant River North Arts District. Enjoy convenient access to bus and light rail, with the L Line serving the area.

Five Points
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 Highlands Ranch Golf Club or South Suburban Sports Complex.

Highlands Ranch
Warwick Denver
Warwick Denver
4 out of 5
1776 Grant Street, Denver, CO
The price is $115 per night from May 23 to May 24
$115
$154 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Denver. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,292 reviews)
"Great experience and great service"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Warwick Denver
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
3 out of 5
1845 Sherman St, Denver, CO
The price is $95 per night from May 27 to May 28
$95
$110 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Denver. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,677 reviews)
Overnight stay
"We will be going back to this hotel. Even though location was in a little bit of a shady area, it felt safe to walk to 16th St Mall. The security was good, had to use room key to go up and down on elevator. Parking was NOT good, had to register online to get a cheap rate and park 2 blocks away. Front ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Tech Center
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Tech Center
2.5 out of 5
7077 S Clinton St, Greenwood Village, CO
The price is $79 per night from May 19 to May 20
$79
$87 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Greenwood Village. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (946 reviews)
It's Tops
"This was an added night to a previously booked stay. This is my favorite hotel to stay at when I am in the Denver area. I don't ALWAYS stay here, but all things equal (distance to my event location etc), it's tops!"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Denver Tech Center
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 4-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (363 reviews)
"Excellent home base to explore Denver, especially for baseball (Rockies). The area is very nice and walkable. Absolutely no complaints for Sentral Union Station at all, fantastic property, highly recommend this place!"

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Sentral Union Station
Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station
Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station
4 out of 5
1777 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Denver. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Union Station and Coors Field ...
9/10 Wonderful! (250 reviews)
"Very nice room and overall building. Fitness center was great."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Mint House Denver Downtown Union Station
Tiny Town Cabins
Tiny Town Cabins
3 out of 5
830 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Estes Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions The Stanley Hotel and Trout Haven Fishing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"River and wildlife"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023

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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