When you imagine travel destinations in Colorado, your first thought is probably somewhere mountainous, whether you're skiing in Aspen, hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park, or climbing one of the state's 58 fourteeners (a peak that rises more than 14,000 feet above sea level). It's true that there's no shortage of outdoor activities; given its 41 state parks, 12 national parks, and 13 national forests and grasslands, the area has plenty to offer the outdoorsy type. However, Colorado's appeal extends beyond the Rocky Mountains. If you're planning a trip to Colorado, try to make time for its multitude of cultural options.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Colorado is one of the most visited places in the US. If you’re planning a trip to the Centennial State, be ready to have a great time, but also be ready for the unexpected with visitors medical insurance
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Colorado – FAQs
Visitors medical insurance can cover new injuries or illnesses that may occur, including emergency medical expenses, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, emergency medical evacuation/repatriation, and return of mortal remains for non-US residents visiting Colorado.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Colorado?
If you’re visiting the US on a tourist visa or you're allowed to enter visa-free, you are not legally required to have visitors medical insurance to travel to Colorado. However, when you consider the sky-high price of healthcare in the USA, you may not be able to afford to go without it.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Colorado?
In the US, even a minor medical procedure can seriously damage your finances if you do not have insurance, and a major surgery can potentially bankrupt you. Since the health insurance coverage from your home country will not be accepted in the USA, you must have visitors medical insurance to receive medical treatment at an affordable price.
Colorado’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Colorado is a true outdoor paradise, with some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery anywhere in the world. At the same time, the state’s cities and towns offer unique cultural experiences, so there is truly something for everyone. We recommend adding the following to your list:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located about 75 miles northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park covers more than 250,000 acres and welcomes more than 4 million visitors each year. The park is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. and is known for its mountain peaks (more than 100 of them over 10,000 feet), alpine lakes, meadows, forests, and hiking trails. Summer activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and bouldering. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park is open year-round, but closures sometimes happen based on weather conditions. If you keep your eyes open, you might catch glimpses of moose, elk, deer, bobcats, cougars, black bears, and other wildlife.
Amazing Roads Trips
If you'd rather enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your car, try the Million Dollar Highway and the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Million Dollar Highway is a roughly 30-mile stretch of highway that runs between the old mining town of Silverton and the town of Ouray. The two-lane road curves along the mountainside and offers views of cliffs, valleys, and mountain peaks. The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is a full-day extension of that route; a loop that begins and ends in Durango and passes through towns like Ouray, known for its hot springs, and Telluride, known for its ski resort and its traditional, small-town main street area.
Stupendous Skiing
Speaking of skiing, Colorado ranks among the most popular ski destinations in the U.S. It has 28 ski and snowboard resorts open from approximately early October to late April of each year. Breckenridge, a former gold- and silver-mining town, offers a Victorian-era feel and nightlife with restaurants, bars, breweries, and a distillery. Breckenridge Ski Resort resides in the Tenmile Range. If you're looking to do a little gambling, there are also a number of casinos in the area.
Steamboat Springs—which has the registered trademark nickname of Ski Town, U.S.A.—is an authentic mountain town featuring Howelsen Hill, Steamboat Ski Resort, hot springs, and summer biking opportunities. Finally, the town of Vail is a little more upscale, but the luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer shopping opportunities make it worth the expense (if you can swing it). It's the site of the Vail Ski Resort and the Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa.
Colorado’s Capital, Denver
While the great outdoors is probably Colorado's biggest claim to fame, there are plenty of urban attractions to enjoy. Denver, nicknamed the "Mile High City" because its elevation is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, ranks in the top 20 most populous cities in the U.S. Points of interest include the Colorado State Capitol building; the Denver Aquarium; the Denver Art Museum; the Denver Zoo; the U.S. Mint, which produces 50 million U.S. coins per day; the Red Rocks Amphitheatre; and Elitch Gardens, a theme and water park featuring roller coasters and waterslides.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has several natural and cultural draws for visitors. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center opened in 1978 and contains an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor shooting range, a velodrome, gyms, and weight rooms capable of serving more than 500 athletes and coaches at once. Several different levels of tours are available. The Air Force Academy is one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado and sees about a million visitors each year. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is America's only mountain zoo and features abundant wildlife. Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark with sandstone rock formations set against the background of Pikes Peak. Finally, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park features a 1,260-foot wooden bridge across a canyon 1,250 feet deep.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Colorado
Colorado is one of safest and healthiest states in the United States, but there are certain guidelines particular to the area that you should keep in mind when visiting.
Acclimate to the Altitude
The average elevation in Colorado is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, with many mountains above 14,000 feet. At these heights, the air is much thinner than at lower elevations, which can leave you feeling short of breath during strenuous activities. Therefore, take at least a few days to acclimate to the altitude before attempting any backcountry hikes or mountaintop visits, and recognize your physical limitations.
Winter Sports Safety
Colorado is a haven for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and just about every other winter sport. If you plan to take part, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, and always stay on marked trails. Going off-piste on an unfamiliar ski run can be deadly. Be sure your insurance will cover the activity you plan to participate in, and purchase hazardous sports travel insurance if necessary.
Pickpockets and Panhandlers
Colorado’s larger cities have significant numbers of homeless individuals who are known to harass pedestrians and commit petty crimes. Never hesitate to dial 911 for the police if you feel threatened, and do your best to avoid homeless encampments.
Driving Dangers
The major cities of Colorado on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains are known for heavy traffic and aggressive drivers. Once up in the mountains, you will find less traffic, but be faced with narrow, winding roads that often have steep drop-offs to canyons and rivers below. Take care to drive safely, and always wear your seatbelt.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Colorado really depends upon what you plan to do. If you want to explore the natural wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park or a similar high-elevation attraction without snow boots on, your best bet is to visit between June and August. Summer is short at these altitudes. On the flip side, if skiing is your plan, the average Colorado ski season runs from around October to April, depending upon the resort.
Before You Travel to Colorado – Do This
- Pack for a wide range of weather – Even if it’s 80°F in downtown Denver, it can be freezing cold up in the mountains.
- Bring sunscreen, and apply it liberally – The high elevation of Colorado makes the sun especially intense.
- Research and purchase the right insurance – Get visitors medical insurance to protect yourself from the uncertainties of travel.