Colorado Western Slope

Travel Guide

Montrose featuring tranquil scenes
Montrose showing tranquil scenes and landscape views
Montrose showing landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose showing tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring 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

Vail Ski Resort featuring mountains, landscape views and snow

Vail Village

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

Vail Village
Beaver Creek which includes landscape views, a small town or village and snow

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a destination visitors seek out for is captivating mountain views, stunning ski slopes, and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Beaver Creek Ski Area or Vilar Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Beaver Creek
Breckenridge showing outdoor art, snow and street performance

Historic District

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
Aspen featuring snow and mountains

Downtown Aspen

If you're spending some time in Downtown Aspen, Wagner Park and Silver Queen Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Aspen
Default Image

Peak 9

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
Default Image

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
Stay at this 3.5-star 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! (3,218 reviews)
Family road trip
"They charged a $14 parking fee, there was no shampoo or conditioner offered, just a small packet of body wash, the room was dated, had an attached resteraunt but we did not eat there, beds were comfortable, in a decent location, family trip, stayed 1 night."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Grand Vista Hotel
Hotel Colorado

Hotel Colorado

3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is P9,344 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P9,344
P10,662 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,827 reviews)
"This hotel is so amazing and historical. We were very pleased with the rooms. Overall it was very clean and plenty of space for our family. One con was the front staff. We asked 5 different people about the area, things to do, etc and they all were clueless. I feel like working in a hotel you should ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hotel Colorado
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan

4 out of 5
557 Stan Miller Dr, Breckenridge, CO
The price is P7,864 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P7,864
P11,115 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,438 reviews)
"Outdoor pool area nice room"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
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 eco-certified aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,438 reviews)
"Outdoor pool area nice room"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
The Gant

The Gant

4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this 4-star 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! (892 reviews)
Relaxing stay in the heart of Aspen
"My three daughters and I stayed here for a girls' trip. Our experience couldn't have been better. The condo was nicely decorated, well equipped with a full kitchen, and very spacious and comfortable. The pool and hot tub were beautiful, and so peaceful and night when we used them. The Origin restaurant ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Gant
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 hot tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,807 reviews)
"Receptionist was not friendly. But all good there was construction around pool area. Arcade room isn’t what I expected nonetheless it was fine (3 Machines). I love coffee all day long couldn’t get that, everything closed after 730ish and no coffee in lobby. Shower has blinds (great perk) but haven’t ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Village at Breckenridge Resort
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