Four towns to visit in Colorado

Pikes Peak, Colorado. Photo / Getty Images

1 DENVER

Tourism in Denver is on the rise, with the city welcoming a record 32 million visitors last year. While Colorado is well known for its outdoor adventure opportunities, its biggest city is also its cultural hub. Denver boasts top-notch museums and art galleries, sports venues, great shopping and a thriving brewery scene. And of course, there are still ample opportunities to get outside. Be sure to check out the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the world's best concert venues, as featured on this week's cover. As well as taking in a show, you can watch an outdoor movie on the Rocks, or explore the park's hiking, mountain-biking and horseriding trails.

2 BRECKENRIDGE

This historic mountain townwas founded in 1859, with its roots in mining. It's home to one of the largest historic districts in Colorado, with a well-preserved Main Street that's brimming with fantastic eateries and quaint small-town shops. Adventure lovers willfind plenty to keep themselves occupied in this world-class outdoor playground, which boasts incredible skiing, fly fishing rivers and hiking trails. The town also hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

3 ESTES PARK

The perfect home base to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a resort town that's understandably popular with those with an affinity for the great outdoors. With a scenic riverwalk and charming downtown area, there's plenty to do here—from boating on the lake to riding the aerial tram, or touring historic sites and sampling the wares at local breweries and distilleries. And for movie fans, there's an added attraction— Estes Park is home to The Stanley hotel. Stay if you dare; it's the hotel that inspired The Shining and it's believed to be haunted.

4 MANITOU SPRINGS

Known for its eight mineral spring fountains, Manitou Springs is a resort city popular with tourists seeking health and wellness. The springs each have a distinctive flavour and their healing powers were believed to be a gift to the Native American tribes of the area from the Great Spirit Manitou. The town is also an artist's enclave, with plenty of galleries to explore and street performers to watch. With a landscape dominated by the soaring Pikes Peak, the difficult hiking trails you'll find here are perfect for those who like a tough workout on their holiday.