The Ultimate Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Colorado

Colorado is a beautiful state for the solo traveler. Between walkable cities full of food, shopping, and culture, to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country, there’s something for every type of traveler. For women looking to explore The Centennial State, here’s the ultimate solo female traveler’s guide to Colorado with some of the best sights to behold.

The Big Cities

When planning your trip to Colorado, we recommend starting in one of the three big cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, or Boulder. These cities are fantastic hubs that are easy to get to and explore. Once you arrive, exploring the cities and traveling to the surrounding areas is easy. Here are a few suggestions for a brief idea of what each city has to offer.

Denver

Denver is the capital city of Colorado and offers a lot to the solo traveler. Those looking to learn more about the history of the capital should take a guided tour of the state capitol building. One of the best ways to see the city and get to your destinations is by renting a bicycle.

Denver has botanical gardens and alpaca farms that charm and delight visitors from all over. Those looking to get more in touch with nature can plan a day to rent a car or find a bus to the Rocky Mountain National Park. A day trip to the Rocky Mountains offers nature walks, views of the tallest mountain in the state, and plenty of scenic routes and encounters with local wildlife.

Solo travelers are free to explore the park on their own or take a tour and team up with a group to experience what the park has to offer. For travelers staying in Denver, this isn’t an experience to miss!

Once you're back in the city, Denver boasts delicious local dining and many countertop eating options for a quick bite. For the solo traveler looking to experience the nightlife, Denver offers a variety of pub crawls, allowing you to taste the craft beers and local cocktails of the city.

Boulder

Boulder deserves a special mention in the ultimate solo female traveler’s guide to Colorado because it’s one of the most walkable cities in the state and has so much available for those on their own journey. Boulder’s downtown historic district is home to a gorgeous farmer’s market, authentic teahouse, and Pearl Street with countless shops and boutiques that can take up an entire afternoon by themselves.

Many of Boulder's hiking trails exist near the downtown area for nature enthusiasts. To get a scenic view of Boulder, travelers may want to head through the Chautauqua Trailhead and visit the Flatirons. The Mesa Trail offers some of the most gorgeous views of the area's wildflowers as you explore the foothills around Boulder.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the city to visit for any nature lovers looking to experience the unique rich beauty of The Centennial State. Colorado Springs has a dedicated and hard-working parks department that keeps this area beautiful and memorable for all travelers.

One stop every visitor should make is the Garden of the Gods. The red cliffs and unique foliage of the area make this an unforgettable hiking experience. If you're not in the mood for a hike, one great option for exploring this area is by taking part in a Segway tour so you can ride around the area in comfort on two wheels.

Another outdoor option includes hiking through the gorgeous Red Rock canyon and seeing the crystal-clear lakes and array of wildflowers. Travelers can opt to take it easy and enjoy the scenic views of Palmer Park, which boasts horse stables, the Seven Castles Trail, and a botanical reserve.

Back in the metro area, Colorado Springs offers history through several museums, including the Pioneers Museum, where visitors will learn all about the Pikes Peak region, and the May Natural History Museum, which features insect displays of specimens all around the world.

Colorado Springs offers visitors culture through several art galleries and artisanal studios teaching skills like glassblowing. Solo travelers looking for a bite to eat can check out The Rabbit Hole for upscale, delicious cuisine.

Other Sites

While these three big cities are ideal places to explore for the solo traveler looking to make the most of their trip, we’ve got some other gorgeous areas in Colorado that should remain on your travel radar.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The great sand dunes of Colorado are a sight to behold. Travelers may sled down the steep sandy hills or lose themselves floating down Medano Creek. Guests are free to come to see the dunes any time of the year but may want to plan the timing of these trips accordingly to avoid the scorching summers or freezing winters.

Dinosaur National Monument

Nestled in Colorado is a small town by the name of Dinosaur, where the streets have dinosaur names and an iconic monument on the Colorado/Utah border. This national monument hosted terrific archeological finds and includes the Harpers Corner Trail for hiking and river rafting.

Aspen

When many people think about visiting Colorado, they anticipate the ski slopes throughout the winter. Colorado has many gorgeous spots for solo travelers to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, from Steamboat Springs and Crested Butte, but the most iconic and memorable winter resorts are in Aspen. This town offers shopping, fine dining, and luxury accommodations.

While many people find Aspen better for a winter getaway, travelers shouldn’t underestimate the events available throughout the rest of the year. Aspen hosts a food and wine festival during the summer and has multiple trails for hikers to explore around the Roaring Fork Valley.

Colorado has something for every woman looking for a solo trip through this fine state, from the most significant cities full of history and culture to the smaller towns lined with local businesses and charming atmospheres. You can spend a day shopping for women’s clothes in Colorado and then prepare for an intense hike along one of the state’s unforgettable trails the next day. Anyone looking for a solo trip may want to consider planning a trip to Colorado and experiencing the beauty of the state for themselves.