When planning your next getaway, Colorado’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures are a must-see. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or looking to explore some off-the-beaten-path gems, there is no shortage of incredible spots in the Centennial State. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated the best Colorado Travel Guides. From detailed hiking routes to breathtaking photo books, these guides will help you discover the best of Colorado. Here’s our top 10 list, from #10 to #1, to make your Colorado adventure unforgettable!
Why These Colorado Travel Guides Stand Out
When exploring Colorado, the journey should be as enriching as the destination. These Colorado Travel Guides are not just travel books—they’re your keys to uncovering the state’s best hidden treasures. Whether you want to hike the rugged Rocky Mountains, explore its charming towns, or learn about its history, these books offer comprehensive guides that cater to every adventurer. Ready to begin your next adventure? Let’s dive into our top picks!
10. Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide: (Color Travel Guide)
Author: James Kaiser
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) – 99 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: A must-have for nature lovers, this travel guide provides a thorough look at the Rocky Mountain National Park, one of Colorado’s premier natural attractions. From stunning landscapes to wildlife watching, this book covers everything you need to know.
Why You’ll Love It: Detailed maps, historical context, and hiking tips make this guide indispensable for any traveler. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers looking to dive deep into the park’s splendor.
Fun Fact: James Kaiser is known for his excellent nature guides, and his focus on photography alongside informative content makes this book a visual and intellectual delight.
9. The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition (Colorado Mountain Club Guidebooks)
Author: Colorado Trail Foundation
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) – 15 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: This guide is perfect for anyone looking to hike the legendary Colorado Trail. With expert insights and thorough coverage of the trail’s history and routes, this book is a hiker’s dream come true.
Why You’ll Love It: The 10th edition includes new updates and trail information, ensuring you have the most up-to-date tips for your journey. Ideal for those aiming to complete the entire 500-mile trek or for day hikers.
Fun Fact: The Colorado Trail is known for its breathtaking scenery, crossing through multiple ecosystems and offering a true test of endurance for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Finding Gold in Colorado: Prospector’s Edition
Author: Kevin Singel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) – 378 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: This guide is a treasure trove for gold prospectors or anyone interested in Colorado’s rich mining history. It details where to find gold, the history of Colorado’s mining industry, and how to begin your own search.
Why You’ll Love It: The hands-on approach to exploring Colorado’s gold mining regions is both informative and practical. It’s perfect for anyone hoping to pan for gold or learn about Colorado’s mining legacy.
Fun Fact: Colorado is home to some of the most productive gold mining areas in U.S. history, and this guide helps you tap into that hidden treasure.
7. Colorado (A large coffee table book featuring nature and landscape photos of wildflowers, fall colors, waterfalls, fourteeners, and more)
Author: Grant Collier
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) – 50 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: This beautiful coffee table book showcases stunning photographs of Colorado’s natural beauty, from its famous fourteeners to its iconic wildflowers. Perfect for anyone looking to admire the landscape from home.
Why You’ll Love It: With high-quality photography, this book takes you on a visual journey across the state, highlighting the best of Colorado’s scenic wonders.
Fun Fact: The author, Grant Collier, is an award-winning photographer known for his breathtaking aerial shots of Colorado.
6. Fodor’s Colorado (Full-color Travel Guide)
Author: Fodor’s Travel Guides
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5) – 23 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: A tried-and-true guide for travelers seeking a comprehensive look at Colorado’s attractions. From Denver to Boulder, Fodor’s Colorado offers essential advice for navigating the state’s best-known destinations.
Why You’ll Love It: With its user-friendly layout and in-depth sections on food, culture, and outdoor activities, this guide is great for those seeking variety in their travel plans.
Fun Fact: Fodor’s is one of the most recognized names in travel, trusted by millions of readers for its high-quality recommendations.
5. Colorado Bucket List: Set Off on 150 Epic Adventures and Discover Incredible Destinations to Live Out Your Dreams While Creating Unforgettable Memories that Will Last a Lifetime
Author: BeCrePress Travel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) – 101 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: This bucket list-style travel guide covers 150 incredible destinations across Colorado, from iconic parks to hidden gems. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a curated list of must-see spots.
Why You’ll Love It: The diverse mix of locations and activities, including outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and cultural landmarks, makes it an ideal travel companion for all types of explorers.
Fun Fact: The book includes a handy map, making it easy for travelers to plan their itinerary and tick off their bucket list items as they go!
4. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder
Author: Mindy Sink
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) – 136 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: Ideal for hikers, this guide offers 60 fantastic trails within a short distance from Denver and Boulder, including some of the best spots in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Why You’ll Love It: This book breaks down each hike by difficulty level and provides important details such as trail length, elevation gain, and highlights to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Fun Fact: Mindy Sink, a longtime hiking enthusiast and Colorado resident, shares personal insights on each trail, giving the book a local’s touch.
3. Trees of the Carolinas Field Guide (Tree Identification Guides)
Author: Stan Tekiela
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) – 233 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: While not strictly focused on Colorado, this field guide is perfect for travelers interested in identifying the trees they encounter in the state’s many parks and forests.
Why You’ll Love It: The easy-to-follow format makes tree identification a breeze, and the illustrations and facts will help you learn about the flora you come across.
Fun Fact: Stan Tekiela is known for his series of field guides, and his books are trusted by amateur naturalists and professionals alike.
2. Colorado Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!
Author: Don Harris
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) – 313 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: This adventure guide focuses on Colorado’s lesser-known destinations, ideal for those who’ve already visited the state’s popular spots and are looking for something unique.
Why You’ll Love It: Packed with 100 hidden gems, this guide is perfect for off-the-beaten-path explorers who want to avoid crowds and discover Colorado’s secret treasures.
Fun Fact: Don Harris brings a fresh perspective, offering a range of activities from quirky museums to secluded nature spots.
1. Colorado’s National Parks & Monuments – 2nd Edition (13″ x 10″ Hardcover Coffee Table Book)
Author: Grant Collier
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) – 50 ratings
Category: Colorado Travel Guides
Why We Choose It: This is hands down one of the best books for those looking to explore Colorado’s national parks and monuments. Featuring stunning photography and in-depth descriptions, it covers top spots like Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain National Park, and more.
Why You’ll Love It: The book’s large, high-quality format makes it perfect for displaying on your coffee table, while the detailed descriptions and photos transport you to Colorado’s awe-inspiring locations.
Fun Fact: Grant Collier is a renowned photographer, and his aerial shots in this book offer a unique perspective of Colorado’s natural beauty.
Explore More Colorado Travel Guides
Looking for more exciting adventures and top-rated books? Check out some more Top10 categories at www.top10books.org.
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