Colorado Western Slope

Travel Guide

Montrose featuring tranquil scenes
Montrose which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring tranquil scenes and landscape views
Montrose featuring tranquil scenes
Montrose showing wild flowers and animals

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 showing snow, a small town or village and landscape views

Beaver Creek

5/5(2 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
Vail Ski Resort showing landscape views, snow and mountains

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 featuring street performance, snow and outdoor art

Historic District

4/5(1 area review)

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 showing snow and mountains

Downtown Aspen

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

5/5(2 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
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
Hotel Colorado

Hotel Colorado

3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is CA $228 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $228
CA $260 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,848 reviews)
"Great place to stay while enjoying the Hot Springs Pool next door! Awesome hotel."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Hotel Colorado
Grand Vista Hotel

Grand Vista Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2790 Crossroads Blvd, Grand Junction, CO
The price is CA $98 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $98
CA $128 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,231 reviews)
"The check in was excellent, clean room and the bar/ restaurant was great"

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 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 CA $146 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $146
CA $229 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,001 reviews)
Perfect Location
"We had a great stay, the location is amazing, and the staff was super friendly. We know they are about to renovate and some of the age was apparent in the shower and the towels, but other than that, we would love to come back once the reno is finished!"

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 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! (1,445 reviews)
"Love this place so much we're staying there all winter!"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 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! (1,247 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! (1,451 reviews)
"The property was great. Condo was clean and spacious. Beds were like sleeping on concrete."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Colorado Western Slope