Colorado Western Slope

Travel Guide

Montrose showing tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes
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 forests

Beaver Creek

5/5(1 area review)

Beaver Creek is a destination visitors seek out for its 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 neighbourhood.

Beaver Creek
Vail Ski Resort featuring landscape views, snow and mountains

Vail Village

If you're spending some time in Vail Village, Vail Ski Resort and Gondola One Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Vail Village
Breckenridge showing outdoor art, street performance and snow

Historic District

5/5(4 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
Default Image

Peak 9

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular 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
Breckenridge Ski Resort featuring a house and snow

Peak 8

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

Peak 8
Default Image

Mountain House

You'll enjoy the mountain views and riverfront in Mountain House. You might want to make time for a stop at Keystone Ski Resort or Peru Express.

Mountain House
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$162 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
S$162
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (1,611 reviews)
Historical experience
"We enjoyed staying in this historical hotel. The bed was very comfortable. I missed having a fridge and microwave in the room. It was interesting learning to use the steam radiator in the room. Because the hotel is old it took longer for the hot water to get to our room. I enjoyed looking at the ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Hotel Colorado
Grand Vista Hotel
Grand Vista Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2790 Crossroads Blvd, Grand Junction, CO
The price is S$106 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$106
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (3,015 reviews)
"-"

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Grand Vista Hotel
Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs
Best Western Antlers at Glenwood Springs
2.5 out of 5
171 W 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is S$178 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$178
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,156 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly, quick and easy check in. It was a short stay but we were comfortable. Good location close to the hot springs, the shops in town and other attractions."

Reviewed on 31 Mar,2025

Best Western Antlers at 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! (1,298 reviews)
"Loved this property. The pool entertained my little for hours, and it was clean and quiet. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 30 Mar,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! (865 reviews)
"Great staff, great location, very nice unit. We would stay there again without hesitation. My only complaint was the noise from children screaming and running around with ski boots it seemed."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2025

The Gant
River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality
River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality
3 out of 5
100 South Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy a free ski shuttle, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,448 reviews)
"We had a fabulous Spring Break week and enjoyed the close proximity to downtown at this hotel. Everything was clean and attractive and we will stay again!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar,2025

River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality
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