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

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
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
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 Breckenridge Arts District 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
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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
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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
Hotel Colorado

Hotel Colorado

3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is P9,658 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,658
P11,019 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,848 reviews)
"This is my second time staying here. The staff is always friendly, and the rooms are spotless. The coffee at the cafe is excellent, and the bar is relaxing at night."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Hotel Colorado
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! (3,232 reviews)
"Nice bed. Parking is an extra charge which is not expected in a suburban hotel. The restaurants are very dark."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Grand Vista Hotel
Elevation Hotel & Spa

Elevation Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
500 Gothic Rd, Mount Crested Butte, Crested Butte, CO
The price is P6,945 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P6,945
P10,545 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Crested Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Everything was great from check in to check out"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Elevation Hotel & Spa
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! (1,443 reviews)
"Stayed over for two nights whilst visiting Breckenridge. Great stop for us. Great to watch the beavers on the lake. Lovely pool area. I’d say you would need a car though a shuttle bus is laid on. Good location for exploring. Be sure to check out the free concerts in Dillon and have breakfast in ..."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
Legacy Vacation Resorts - Steamboat Hilltop

Legacy Vacation Resorts - Steamboat Hilltop

3 out of 5
1000 High Point Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Steamboat Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,246 reviews)
Good, not great. Would stay again.
"Heard from property before check-in, which was nice. Room was ready upon arrival. Property is a bit dated, but everything was clean. Grab and go breakfast left much to be desired and the pool was being treated both mornings we attempted to get an early swim in with the kids, so it wasn’t exactly ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Legacy Vacation Resorts - Steamboat Hilltop
Mountain Thunder Lodge

Mountain Thunder Lodge

3.5 out of 5
50 Mountain Thunder Drive, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,444 reviews)
"Proximity to downtown"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Mountain Thunder Lodge
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.

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