There are countless places to go in Colorado while traveling, which can make your vacation tricky to plan if you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking for. While Colorado ski vacations are perhaps the most popular in the state, the excitement doesn’t stop there. With a handful of simply amazing sights to discover year-round, any one (or all) of these top Colorado vacation spots will make for the perfect adventure on your family’s next retreat.

Maroon Lake

Claimed to be the most photographed scene in all of Colorado, this sparkling lake is positioned perfectly to reflect the equally exquisite purple and white stripes of the iconic Maroon Bells mountain peaks. This alluring scenery is surrounded by lush green treetops nestled in the Snowmass Wilderness area near the popular ski town of Aspen. Become one of the many to capture the image of this lovely view, then hike the 1.5 mile long Maroon Lake Scenic trail to catch the beauty from all angles.

Pikes Peak

Nicknamed “America’s Mountain”, Pikes Peak has certainly made a name for itself as one of the most iconic mountain peaks in the nation. The inspiration for the song lyrics of “America the Beautiful”, this Colorado mountain peak tops off at a 14,110-foot high summit and is easily spotted from afar. Pile in the car and drive a bendy, scenic 19-mile journey all the way to the summit, with breathtaking views the entire way up. There are also plenty of places to stop to stretch your legs while hiking, biking, picnicking, and more.

Royal Gorge Bridge

All aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad! For 135 years, this well-known train has followed its tracks through the twists and turns of the Arkansas River, encompassed by massive granite cliffs in the state’s largest canyon. Spot the renowned suspension bridge from 1,200 feet up, or walk across the bridge to admire stunning views of the gorge.

Garden of the Gods

Testing the traditional definition of a city park, the historical Garden of the Gods spans across 1,367 acres of unique and diverse beauty. This National Natural Landmark merges magnificent Red Rock formations with grasslands of the Great Plains and the gorgeous towering Pikes Peak mountains. There are a variety of ways to explore the incredible Garden of the Gods. Take a jeep or Segway tour, scale the rocks, or simply hike any of the 15 miles of trails.

Dallas Divide

The Dallas Divide is yet another famed photographed area of Colorado. Standing about 8,900 feet tall, the Dallas Divide saddles the San Juan Mountains and Uncompahgre Plateau near Telluride. While a spectacular sight year-round, visitors are found flocking to this scenic landmark most in the autumn season to admire the foliage of the rolling foothills leading up to the mountain peaks. Hiking, biking, and climbing are popular activities to enjoy while visiting.

Any one of these iconic Colorado vacation spots will make for an unforgettable Rocky Mountain getaway for you and the entire family. If you’ve decided on your desired sightseeing adventure and need to find some suitable accommodations in close proximity to these natural wonders, explore Colorado resorts and find the perfect family escape.