We can’t think of a place as perfect and diverse for Vanlife as the wild, vast state of Colorado. From towering mountain peaks to cool streams in wildflower-filled valleys to charming mountain towns with welcoming locals and endless opportunities for adventure, you could spend a month (or two) exploring through just this state alone. So, pack up your B-Van and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Today, we share seven of Colorado’s best destinations for Vanlife!
Maroon Bells, Aspen
Quintessential Majestic Mountain scenery
Welcome to the cream of the crop of Vanlife destinations! The Maroon Bells themselves are some of the most iconic peaks in Colorado, and for good reason. These majestic, vibrant mountains will blow you away with their magnificence and beauty. Enjoy waking up to VIP views in one of the campsites nestled just below the base. It’s truly stunning and otherworldly here!
The area is lined with picturesque trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and trailblazing on your Vanlife adventure. While you’re here, make sure to check out Aspen itself, and it’s a generous variety of bars, antique shops, and incredible dining all topped off with welcoming, friendly locals. Or, if you’re exhausted after a long day of exploring, whip up a meal in your cozy B-Van kitchen and read a good book with the windows wide open!
Year-round this season has something to offer whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or prefer low-key mountain walks in the summer to take in the wildflowers. We can smell the fresh air from here!
Rent our cozy B-Loft Alta for your Colorado road trip!
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mosca
An outdoor adventure enthusiast’s sandy dream
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a perfect example of why Colorado has it all in terms of diverse landscapes for exploration! Incredibly, one day you can enjoy frolicking through the wildflowers underneath Maroon Bells, and the next, you can be on a grand adventure sledding down these impressive mounds of sand! You can’t help but feel tiny next to these massive, awe-inspiring natural sand monuments.
If you’re ready for a challenging workout, try hiking to the top of the highest dune, Star Dune, and take in the panoramic views of the majestic mountains in the distance. When you get back to your van, rinse off any residual sand in your private, hot, refreshing indoor van shower! The park also houses a plethora of campsites, including backcountry campsites for anyone craving a more secluded experience under the stars. It’s an idyllic spot to set up camp, gather ‘round of fire, and marvel at the night sky.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose
The Grand Canyon of Colorado
Once you arrive at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you’ll truly feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret treasure of the Wild, Wild West. The Black Canyon is a deep, steep-walled gorge carved by the fierce Gunnison River over millions and millions of years. Being in a place so ancient and grand in scale reminds you how tiny you and your worries really are in the grand scheme of themes. This is a constant gift nature provides us!
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is oozing with opportunities to get outside, enjoy your favorite outdoor activities, and be a big kid again! An otherworldly treasure when it comes to Colorado Vanlife destinations. You can even try Whitewater rafting in the river that snakes through the canyon. There are ample fishing opportunities as well as hiking and biking with campsites dispersed throughout the park. The closest town, Montrose, is small but with a big heart! There are plenty of local restaurants, breweries, and shops to explore, along with local artisans and producers. Try and time your trip here with one of the town’s many events and festivals. You won’t regret it.
Telluride
A cultural, charming mountain town experience
Craving a laid-back, thriving cultural scene, charming small-town vibes, and breathtaking natural scenery? Look no further than Telluride! Telluride is nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness. There’s always something going on from film screenings to art shows to music festivals in Telluride, and they’re usually low-cost.
The town is packed with charm and character, and the historic main street will take you back in time to a golden age of Americana. The locals are warm, welcoming, and usually keen to have a chat! Make sure to stop through if you’re craving local conversations, delicious food, and new friendships with a magical mountain backdrop. A Vanlifer’s dream destination to take it easy and travel in style!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park
Wildlife-watching mountain paradise
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, make sure to spend some quality time in Rocky Mountain National Park! Filled with elk, moose, bobcats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes, marmots, deer, pikas, and birdlife galore. Bring your binoculars and marvel at the beauty of these magnificent creatures from the comfortable safety of your B-Van and its wide windows!
There are endless opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing throughout the park, but wildlife watching is something not to be missed here!
The Estes Park area is also known for its vibrant culture and yummy mountain food scene. Grab a delicious, hearty feed after hiking to your heart’s content right next to alpine lakes! The daytime scenery is breathtaking, but just wait until nightfall comes. The stargazing here is unreal and will be a highlight for years to come.
Pagosa Hot Springs, Pagosa Springs
Rest, relax in hot springs, and treat yourself
After all the outdoor activity action you’ve been enjoying throughout the state, it’s time for some self-care and a relaxing dip at our next Colorado Vanlife destination – the Pagosa Hot Springs! The natural beauty here is simply breathtaking, with waterfalls, hot springs, and plenty of trails to get your movement in as you enjoy some R&R.
This place is really a hidden gem and perfect for when you want to take it slow and treat yourself. You’ll be spoiled for choice with farm-to-table restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and warm, fresh baked goods sold right out of the oven. How heavenly does mountain, hot springs, and pastries sound? Sign us up! The town is filled with friendly locals always up for a chat or lending a Vanlifer a helping hand. There are plenty of places to park overnight and campsites in the area, too.
Colorado National Monument, Fruita
Otherworldly desert landscapes
We’ve come to the end of our short but sweet Colorado Vanlife destinations list, and so far we’ve covered waterfalls, alpine lakes, charming mountain towns, a canyon, and hot springs… so we thought we’d change it up again, and include the desert!
The Colorado National Monument in Fruita is a spot not to be missed. The towering sandstone formations are a spectacular sight to behold. Once again, Mother Nature has created a masterpiece for us to enjoy in another Colorado Vanlife destination! Enjoy plenty of spots for camping and enjoying your favorite outdoor activities like rock climbing, biking, and hiking. While you’re here, take a scenic drive through the park, stopping and taking in the epic views at all of the impressive overlooks.
Pack up your home on wheels for the adventure of a lifetime in the glorious state of Colorado.
A Vanlifer’s favorite for these seven reasons and beyond!
Tell us about your van project and where you want to explore next!