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

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 which includes snow, street performance and outdoor art

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 showing 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
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
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! (3,158 reviews)
"Very nice staff, clean rooms. The restaurant n bar were a very nice atmosphere."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Grand Vista Hotel
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is P12,402 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P12,402
P14,151 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,770 reviews)
Loved it!
"Loved the hotel. Thought it was amazing."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 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
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! (1,398 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 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! (1,398 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 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! (884 reviews)
"We enjoyed ourselves everything was clean an comfortable! Loved the proximity to the town! Great restaurants! Beautiful weather!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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! (1,785 reviews)
"Very nice hotel and location"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 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