When non-Coloradans (and even some natives) think of the Centennial State, scenes like the mountains, Denver, and dispensaries on every corner are the first things to come to mind. While there is nothing wrong with any of the above, they are missing entire parts of the state, which — surprisingly — include the desert. While a good portion of Colorado is covered in either mountains or prairie, nearly the entire western half is made up of desert canyons, basins, plateaus, and mesas, which makes for not only a beautiful drive, but some incredible attractions as well. The next time you sit down to plan your next Colorado vacation or staycation, be sure to keep the desert in mind for these 5 great reasons:
- Attractions
Flickr/David The jaw-dropping Great Sand Dunes National Park. The fascinating dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. The vast canyons that make up Dinosaur National Monument. You will truly never run out of things to see and do around Western Colorado, which range from family outings all the way to romantic excursions. Speaking of romantic excursions…
- Wine
Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway Facebook …nothing says “I love you” (whether it be to a significant other or to yourself) quite like a day at one of the Western Slope’s famed wineries. In addition to the iconic vineyards and wineries, the Slope is also home to a wine train and even a Fruit and Wine Byway! (I will definitely drink to that!)
- Scenery
Wikimedia Commons Do you like what you see in this picture (the larger-than-life Book Cliffs)? There’s A LOT more where that came from around Colorado’s desert landscape.
- Outdoor rec
Flickr/Joseph Smith Sure, the desert may not be the best place to ski, but… have you ever heard of sand surfing the Great Sand Dunes (which is exactly what you think it is)? How about climbing a plateau? Hiking a canyon? Should I go on?
- Towns
Flickr/Don Graham Finally, the part that makes Colorado’s desert a must-visit is the beautiful towns and friendly folks! From one of the “Coolest Desert Towns in the Country” (Grand Junction) to the Peach Capitol of Colorado (Palisade) to the oldest town in the state (San Luis), there is truly a town for every taste.
Want even more things to do around the Colorado desert? Check out Everyone From Colorado Should Take This Awesome Western Slope Vacation Before They Die.
Flickr/David
The jaw-dropping Great Sand Dunes National Park. The fascinating dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. The vast canyons that make up Dinosaur National Monument. You will truly never run out of things to see and do around Western Colorado, which range from family outings all the way to romantic excursions. Speaking of romantic excursions…
Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway Facebook
…nothing says “I love you” (whether it be to a significant other or to yourself) quite like a day at one of the Western Slope’s famed wineries. In addition to the iconic vineyards and wineries, the Slope is also home to a wine train and even a Fruit and Wine Byway! (I will definitely drink to that!)
Wikimedia Commons
Do you like what you see in this picture (the larger-than-life Book Cliffs)? There’s A LOT more where that came from around Colorado’s desert landscape.
Flickr/Joseph Smith
Sure, the desert may not be the best place to ski, but… have you ever heard of sand surfing the Great Sand Dunes (which is exactly what you think it is)? How about climbing a plateau? Hiking a canyon? Should I go on?
Flickr/Don Graham
Finally, the part that makes Colorado’s desert a must-visit is the beautiful towns and friendly folks! From one of the “Coolest Desert Towns in the Country” (Grand Junction) to the Peach Capitol of Colorado (Palisade) to the oldest town in the state (San Luis), there is truly a town for every taste.
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