Colorado Western Slope, CO

Travel Guide
Montrose which includes tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose which includes tranquil scenes
Montrose showing animals and wildflowers
Separated from the state’s biggest metropolises by the Rocky Mountains, this remote region encompasses desert terrain, wine country and scenic expanses of red rock.

Encompassing the communities west of the Continental Divide, the sparsely populated Western Slope region has a much different vibe to Colorado’s more cosmopolitan east. Discover vast canyons and dusty desert-like landscapes, prehistoric petroglyphs and dinosaur fossils, as well as some of the best ski resorts in the U.S. 

With Colorado’s biggest cities located on the other side of the Rocky Mountains, Western Slope’s biggest lures are more rural, as opposed to urban, in nature. Marvel at the steep-sided cliffs and rushing river of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the region’s natural highlights, or hit the hiking trails that lead through the stark redrock-dotted landscape of Colorado National Monument. Discover a landscape of forests, meadows and lakes around Grand Mesa, which at 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers), is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. The triple waterfalls, verdant foliage and excellent hiking trails at Rifle Falls State Park are also worth seeking out.

History, both natural and human, also abounds. Learn about the ancestral Pueblo people at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park, which is peppered with thousands of archaeological sites, including some truly remarkable 100-plus-room cliff dwellings. Inspect fossilized remains at the Dinosaur National Monument, where bones of prehistoric creatures can be found embedded into exposed rock.

If you crave some more urban-style diversions, head for the region’s biggest city, Grand Junction. Browse the shops on Main Street and look for Art on the Corner, a downtown public sculpture exhibit. Just outside of Grand Junction is the Grand Valley, the epicenter of the state’s thriving wine industry. Enjoy tours and tastings at more than 20 wineries.

In winter, snow sports enthusiasts flock to the Western Slope to enjoy the region’s reliable powdery snow. Popular resorts include Telluride, Powderhorn and Silverton.

To get to Colorado’s Western Slope, fly into Denver International Airport and drive from there. Alternatively, take a domestic connecting flight into Grand Junction Regional Airport. Consider renting a car for the freedom to fully explore all this fabulous region has to offer.

Where to stay in Colorado Western Slope

Beaver Creek which includes forest scenes, landscape views and a small town or village

Beaver Creek

5/5(192 area reviews)

Nestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, this unincorporated community boasts a major ski resort, adjacent businesses, lodging, and a golf course for a well-rounded vacation experience.

Beaver Creek
Breckenridge which includes snow, street performance and outdoor art

Historic District

4.5/5(351 area reviews)

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Historic District. A stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Main Street might round out your trip.

Historic District
Vail Ski Resort which includes mountains, snow and landscape views

Vail Village

While visiting Vail Village, you might make a stop by sights like Vail Ski Resort and Gondola One Ski Lift.

Vail Village
Breckenridge Ski Resort featuring a house and snow

Peak 8

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Unique features of Peak 8 include the skiing and mountain views. Make a stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Rocky Mountain SuperChair while you're exploring the area.

Peak 8
Default Image

Peak 9

4.5/5(253 area reviews)

The captivating mountain views and stunning ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Peak 9. A stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Peak 8 SuperConnect Lift might round out your trip.

Peak 9
One of the friendly furry friends at Vail Ski Tech, ski rentals.

Lionshead

Lionshead is a destination visitors seek out for is captivating mountain views, great bars, and stunning ski slopes. You might also want to check out attractions like Vail Ski Resort or Eagle Bahn Gondola while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Lionshead
Grand Vista Hotel
Grand Vista Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2790 Crossroads Blvd, Grand Junction, CO
The price is NT$1,917 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
NT$1,917
NT$2,571 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grand Junction. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,870 reviews)
"The ad said all fees included and then they tried to charge $14 for parking even after I told them the add at hotels.com said all fees included."

Reviewed on 2024/11/19

Grand Vista Hotel
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is NT$3,359 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
NT$3,359
NT$3,816 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,401 reviews)
"Excellent quick in state trip.. Great property and good time"

Reviewed on 2024/11/17

Hotel Colorado
Hotel Glenwood Springs
Hotel Glenwood Springs
2.5 out of 5
52000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is NT$3,395 per night from Dec 4 to Dec 5
NT$3,395
NT$3,856 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 4 - Dec 5
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"We were there to explore the area’s geothermal features. On the way into town, we stopped at the Vapor Caves, and the next day we went to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, both of which were lovely. Hotel was clean and staff were friendly and helpful. Not walking distance to Historic Glenwood, but easily ..."

Reviewed on 2024/11/18

Hotel Glenwood Springs
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.
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
4 out of 5
557 Stan Miller Dr, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,156 reviews)
"The staff are amazing! The propeety is quiet and clean and relaxing"

Reviewed on 2024/11/17

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Village at Breckenridge Resort
Village at Breckenridge Resort
3 out of 5
535 S Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy 4 spa tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,684 reviews)
"Was a great place to stay for our anniversary weekend. In walking distance to both shopping and food."

Reviewed on 2024/11/11

Village at Breckenridge Resort
The Gant
The Gant
4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Book a stay at this boutique condo in Aspen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (831 reviews)
"Immaculate place, friendly and attentive staff, and beautiful views"

Reviewed on 2024/10/21

The Gant
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Colorado Western Slope