Colorado’s Hidden Gems: 10 Places to Explore Without Crowds

Colorado is chock-full of beautiful landscapes, historical monuments, and wildlife preservation areas. In fact, around 6 million acres of land in Colorado are protected through federal, state, or private management. With so many places to explore, planning a trip can feel overwhelming.

While iconic spots like Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and the Manitou Incline draw crowds for good reason, they’re not the only options. Sometimes, the best experiences come from straying off the beaten path.

Here are a few of our favorite lesser-known places to explore when you're looking to escape the crowds.

Located 4.5 hours southwest of Denver, and just under 90 minutes southeast of Grand Junction, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its steep, sheer cliffs and the deep, narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River over 2 million years ago.

The canyon extends nearly 48 miles, with 14 of those miles protected within the national park. With drops plunging over 2,000 feet and some of the oldest exposed rock in North America, the canyon feels both ancient and awe-inspiring.

It’s less crowded than many national parks, offering a rugged, remote experience for hikers, climbers, and sightseers alike.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Late spring or early fall - avoid the crowds while school is still in session, but also avoid peak summer temperatures.

Top Activities:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Scenic Drives
• Fishing
• Star Gazing
• Rock Climbing

With over 35 miles of trails to navigate, and less than an hour's drive from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is an excellent place to visit or camp. The park encompasses over 12,000 acres of diverse landscape, which you can explore via hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

The campground is vast, with options ranging from 152 campsites, six cabins, two yurts, and a horse-friendly guesthouse.

A highlight of the park is Panorama Point, offering breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, making it a must-visit for photographers and sightseers alike.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Early summer or early fall - avoid the crowds that start coming in mid-June - August; Late September - early October bring peak fall foliage.

Top Activities:

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Scenic Drives
• Camping
• Horseback Riding
• Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Located in southwestern Colorado, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument truly is off the beaten path. The visitor center is in Doloros, but the site itself is another 40 minutes west, so you will want to be properly equipped with maps and water.

The Canyons of the Ancients contains the highest known archaeological site density in the United States, boasting over 8,300 recorded sites, which include cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient roadways.

Each site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan peoples, who inhabited the area from approximately 200 to 1300 AD. You can explore the park by car, hiking trail, or designated bike trail, but be prepared, as the park itself is 176,000 acres. Know your route before you go. The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum in Dolores serves as an ideal starting point, offering exhibits and information to help guide your visit.

Best Time of Year to Visit: April - May or September - October as temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are not common.

Top Activities:

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Scenic Drives
• Stargazing

Dinosaur National Monument spans the border of Colorado and Utah, covering 210,000 acres of rugged canyons, winding river valleys, and high desert terrain. Its most famous feature is the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where over 1,500 dinosaur fossils remain embedded in the rock exactly where they were found—a rare window into prehistoric life.

Beyond the fossils, visitors can hike, camp, and raft. Dinosaur National Monument is where the Green River and Yampa River meet, carving out two canyons that meet together for spectacular views.

As an International Dark Sky Park, the monument also offers some of the best stargazing in the region.

Best Time of Year to Visit: April - May or September - October as temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are not common.

Top Activities:

• River Rafting
• Camping
• Hiking
• Stargazing

Located in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, the Clyfford Still Museum opened in 2011 and features over 3,000 works of art, representing over 93% of Still’s lifetime output. Still was a leading figure in abstract expressionism during the late 30s and early 40s. This is one of the most comprehensive single-artist collections in the world.

Designed by architect Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture, the 28,500-square-foot building features nine galleries, a hands-on art studio, and tranquil outdoor terraces.

For those interested in abstract art or seeking a contemplative museum experience, the Clyfford Still Museum offers a profound connection to one of the 20th century’s most influential artists

Best Time of Year to Visit: Anytime during the week, with summer being the busiest. Plan for a time when most people are working or in school to avoid the crowds.

Top Activities:

• Art viewing
• Art Crawl for infants
• Interactive Events
• Musical Events
• Picnicking
• Educational Experience

The Colorado National Monument lies right outside of Grand Junction. Spanning over 20,500 acres, the monument is known for its vibrant sandstone formations, towering monoliths, and steep-walled canyons.

Visitors can drive along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, a scenic route offering panoramic views and access to numerous overlooks and trailheads. There are over 40 miles of trails that can be accessed throughout the monument. With so much room to spread out, crowds aren’t common unless a big event is taking place.

Best Time of Year to Visit: April - May or September - October as temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are not common.

Top Activities:

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Road Biking
• Scenic Drives
• Camping
• Stargazing

Unlike most zoos, the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado is a privately owned rescue facility, focused solely on providing sanctuary to abused and neglected wildlife. They specialize in large carnivores, including tigers, bears, lions, wolves, foxes and coyotes.

The 33,000 acre facility is home to over 950 animals (including 141 tigers, wolves, bears, and ligers from Tiger King’s exotic zoo), that roam large enclosures across the eastern plains.

Visitors can observe many of these animals from an elevated, 1.5-mile-long bridge designed to keep humans out of the animals' territory, minimizing stress and preserving their natural behavior.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Spring, Winter and Fall bring cooler temperatures, which allow the animals to be more active. They are usually lounging during the hottest times of day, especially during the summer. Early morning or late afternoon/early evening also bring about more activity for the animals.

Top Activities:

• Walking
• Wildlife Viewing
• Educational Experience

What started out as a Tilapia farm, turned into one of the most unique destinations in Colorado. Utilizing the geothermal waters found in the valley, and located just 20 minutes east of Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Colorado Gators Reptile Park is home to hundreds of rescued reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, giant tortoises, snakes, and lizards. Recently, exotic birds have been added to the rescue list.

The facility offers an unparalleled educational experience for those looking to learn more about these fascinating animals. Feed the animals, enjoy some catch-and-release fishing, and help donate towards a facility whose true passion is rescuing animals from otherwise abusive and inhumane situations.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Late spring through fall because temperatures are more comfortable, and there are less people visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Top Activities:

• Wildlife Viewing
• Educational Experience
• Fishing
• Bird Watching

The Molly Brown House Museum is the former residence of Margaret "Molly" Brown, a renowned philanthropist, activist, and Titanic survivor.

After striking it rich in Leadville, Molly Brown and her husband, J.J. Brown, bought the house in Denver and became worldwide travelers. During one such journey, Molly Brown needed to return home quickly to be with an ailing family member, so she booked a ticket for the soonest ship home – the Titanic.

Not only did she survive, but she managed to help raise over $10,000 for fellow passengers who lost everything.

Today, the Molly Brown House Museum offers guided tours that delve into her life, her contributions to social causes, and the history of Denver during her time. The museum also hosts various educational programs and special events throughout the year.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Late spring and early fall to avoid the heat and crowds of the summer, and icy/slushy conditions of the winter.

Top Activities:

• Educational Experience
• Daily Tours
• Ghost Tours

Found atop Lookout Mountain in Golden, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a great place to visit when you’re in the Denver area. The museum honors the life and legacy of William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill.

The museum encompasses everything from his time working as a Pony Express Rider, to his time running his famed Wild West Shows.

A short walk from the museum, you can find his grave, where he requested to be buried before his death in 1917.

Best Time of Year to Visit: Late spring and early fall, to avoid the crowds that gather this way during the summer.

Top Activities:

• Educational Experience
• Scenic View
• Scenic Drive
• Picnicking

From the western desert of Grand Junction to the eastern plains of Keenesburg, and from the remote northern reaches of Dinosaur to the southern edge of Cortez, Colorado is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Explore the state’s rich history, catch a glimpse of incredible wildlife, or simply soak in the fresh air, endless blue skies, and awe-inspiring landscapes of our protected lands.

Wherever your Colorado journey takes you, you’re never far from something unforgettable. Download the WayFy app now and access thousands of destinations, just waiting to be added to your next epic adventure.