Colorado Plateau, Colorado Travel Guide
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau, a high desert wonderland in Colorado, United States.
The Colorado Plateau is a stunning high desert region known for its breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and vibrant colors. It spans across four states, but its most captivating views are found in Colorado. This plateau is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers alike. As you explore the Colorado Plateau, you'll encounter towering mesas, deep canyons, and vast expanses of sandstone. The dramatic scenery is the result of millions of years of geological processes, including erosion and volcanic activity. One of the most famous sights is the Grand Canyon, but there are many other gems to discover, such as Monument Valley, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands. The region is also rich in cultural history. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo and Hopi, have called this area home for centuries. Their influence is evident in the many petroglyphs and ancient dwellings you can find scattered throughout the plateau. Additionally, the Colorado Plateau offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to river rafting and stargazing. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, it's one of the best places in the United States to observe the night sky.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Colorado Plateau.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the high desert environment can be harsh and dry.
- Visit during the spring or fall to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter.
- Take time to explore the lesser-known areas, as they often offer equally stunning views with fewer crowds.
- Check for any necessary permits or entry fees, especially if you plan to visit national parks or restricted areas.
- Respect the cultural sites and always follow guidelines set by local tribes and park authorities.
Top City Travel Guides in Colorado Plateau
The cities of Colorado Plateau, and the easiest places to base yourself.
Destinations in Colorado Plateau
Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.
Explore Colorado Plateau: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Colorado Plateau
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
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Alpine Visitor Center
Experience breathtaking views and rich natural history at the Alpine Visitor Center, your gateway to the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park.
Cliff Palace
Explore Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and step back in time to discover the ancient world of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Discover the towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. A natural escape awaits!
Mesa Verde National Park
Discover the ancient cliff dwellings and rich cultural heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.
Best landmarks in Colorado Plateau
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
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Cliff Palace
Discover the ancient cliff dwellings of Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and stunning landscapes.
Hovenweep National Monument
Explore the ancient ruins and stunning landscapes of Hovenweep National Monument, a hidden gem in Utah's rich history and natural beauty.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Explore the iconic Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, where history and culture meet along the historic Santa Fe Trail in Colorado.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Explore the awe-inspiring Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, a unique blend of natural beauty and rich archaeological history in Colorado.
Best restaurants in Colorado Plateau
Top-rated picks
Best Restaurants
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The Rabbit Hole
Experience innovative American cuisine and whimsical decor at The Rabbit Hole, Colorado Springs' premier fine dining destination.
The Fort
Experience the essence of American cuisine at The Fort in Morrison – where every meal tells a story.
Restaurant 1858
Experience exquisite American cuisine with stunning views at Restaurant 1858 near Seven Falls in Colorado Springs.
The Historic Rapids Lodge and Restaurant
Discover the perfect blend of dining and lodging at The Historic Rapids Lodge in scenic Grand Lake, Colorado.
Explore Colorado Plateau on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Colorado Plateau, mapped for you.
Colorado Plateau Essentials
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The Colorado Plateau is accessible by several major airports, including Denver International Airport (DEN) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From these airports, you can rent a car or take a regional flight to smaller airports like Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) or Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). Road trips are popular, and the area is well-connected by major highways such as I-70 and US-191.
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Within the Colorado Plateau, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the vast region. Public transportation options are limited, but there are some local bus services in larger towns like Grand Junction and Durango. Biking and hiking are also popular ways to navigate the scenic landscapes. For more remote areas, consider guided tours or shuttle services.
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The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas or small establishments. ATMs are available in most towns. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also becoming more common.
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The Colorado Plateau is generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Some areas, like certain parts of downtown Grand Junction, have higher crime rates, but these generally do not specifically target tourists. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.
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In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The area has several hospitals and urgent care facilities, especially in larger towns like Grand Junction and Durango. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacies are available in most towns.
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Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing; layers are advisable due to variable weather conditions. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially when visiting cultural or religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly Native American sites, which may have specific guidelines for visitors. Public Transport: Do use public transport responsibly if available; keep noise levels down and offer seats to the elderly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'; a handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and drink plenty of water due to the dry climate. Don't litter; always use designated trash bins.
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To experience the Colorado Plateau like a local, consider visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. Engage with locals at farmers' markets and community events. Enjoy local cuisine at family-owned restaurants and diners. Take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and river rafting to fully appreciate the natural beauty. Don't miss out on visiting national parks like Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde.
When is the best time to visit Colorado Plateau?
Useful Local Phrases for Colorado Plateau
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Colorado Plateau. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHowdy
[/ˈhaʊ.di/] - GoodbyeSee ya later
[/siː jə ˈleɪ.tər/] - YesYep
[/jɛp/] - NoNope
[/noʊp/] - Please/You're welcomeSure thing
[/ʃʊr θɪŋ/] - Thank youThanks a lot
[/θæŋks ə lɑt/] - Excuse me/SorryPardon me
[/ˈpɑr.dən mi/] - How are you?How's it going?
[/haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊ.ɪŋ/] - Fine. And you?Good, and you?
[/ɡʊd, ənd ju/] - Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?
[/du jə spiːk ˈɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ/] - I don't understandI ain't following
[/aɪ eɪnt ˈfɑloʊ.ɪŋ/]
- HelloHowdy
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
[/kæn aɪ siː ðə ˈmɛnju/] - I don't eat meatI'm not a meat eater
[/aɪm nɑt ə miːt ˈiːtər/] - Cheers!Cheers!
[/tʃɪrz/] - I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?
[/kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə tʃɛk/]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
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- Help!Help!
[/hɛlp/] - Go away!Get lost!
[/ɡɛt lɔst/] - Call the Police!Call the cops!
[/kɔl ðə kɑps/] - Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
[/ɡɛt ə ˈdɑk.tər/] - I'm lostI'm turned around
[/aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd/] - I'm illI'm feeling sick
[/aɪm ˈfiːlɪŋ sɪk/]
- Help!Help!
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- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
[/aɪ ˈwɑnə baɪ/] - I'm just lookingJust browsing
[/dʒʌst ˈbraʊ.zɪŋ/] - How much is it?What's the price?
[/wɑts ðə praɪs/] - That's too expensiveThat's outta my price range
[/ðæts ˈaʊ.tə maɪ praɪs reɪndʒ/] - Can you lower the price?Can ya give me a better deal?
[/kæn jə ɡɪv mi ə ˈbɛtər dil/]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
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- What time is it?What time we got?
[/wɑt taɪm wi ɡɑt/] - It's one o'clockIt's one
[/ɪts wʌn/] - Half past (10)Half past ten
[/hæf pæst tɛn/] - MorningMorning
[/ˈmɔrnɪŋ/] - AfternoonAfternoon
[/ˌæf.tərˈnun/] - EveningEvening
[/ˈiːv.nɪŋ/] - YesterdayYesterday
[/ˈjɛs.tər.deɪ/] - TodayToday
[/təˈdeɪ/] - TomorrowTomorrow
[/təˈmɔːr.oʊ/] - 1One
[/wʌn/] - 2Two
[/tuː/] - 3Three
[/θriː/] - 4Four
[/fɔːr/] - 5Five
[/faɪv/] - 6Six
[/sɪks/] - 7Seven
[/ˈsɛv.ən/] - 8Eight
[/eɪt/] - 9Nine
[/naɪn/] - 10Ten
[/tɛn/]
- What time is it?What time we got?
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- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
[/wɛrz ðə.../] - What's the address?What’s the address?
[/wɑts ði ˈæd.res/] - Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?
[/kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt/] - When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?
[/wɛnʌs ðə nɛkst bʌs/] - A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...
[/ə ˈtɪkɪt tu/]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
History of Colorado Plateau
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The Colorado Plateau was once home to the Ancient Puebloans, also known as Anasazi, who thrived in the region from approximately 100 AD to 1300 AD. They are renowned for their cliff dwellings, elaborate stone villages, and advanced agricultural techniques. Key sites such as Mesa Verde National Park and the Ancestral Puebloan dwellings at Hovenweep National Monument provide a glimpse into their sophisticated society.
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The Colorado Plateau was first explored by European settlers in the 18th century, with Spanish explorers venturing into the region. The Dominguez-Escalante Expedition of 1776, led by Franciscan priests Francisco Atanasio Domínguez and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, aimed to find a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Monterey, California. Although the expedition ultimately failed, it provided valuable information about the geography and Indigenous cultures of the plateau.
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The Colorado Plateau is traditionally the homeland of the Navajo (Diné) and Ute tribes. The Navajo Nation, the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, has a reservation that extends into parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, including significant portions of the Colorado Plateau. The Ute people, divided into several bands, have lived in the region for centuries. Both tribes have rich cultural traditions and a deep connection to the land, which continues to influence the area today.
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In 1864, the U.S. government forcibly relocated the Navajo people from their homelands on the Colorado Plateau to Bosque Redondo in eastern New Mexico. This tragic and arduous journey, known as the Long Walk, saw thousands of Navajos endure harsh conditions, leading to significant loss of life and suffering. The Navajo were allowed to return to a portion of their homeland in 1868, marking an important chapter in their resilience and history.
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The natural beauty and geological wonders of the Colorado Plateau led to the establishment of several national parks and monuments. Mesa Verde National Park, established in 1906, protects the well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancient Puebloans. Other notable sites include the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Colorado National Monument, which showcase the dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystems of the plateau.
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During the mid-20th century, the Colorado Plateau became a significant center for uranium mining. The discovery of uranium in the region in the 1940s and 1950s spurred a mining boom, driven by the demand for nuclear weapons and energy. Towns such as Uravan, Colorado, became hubs of activity. However, the boom was followed by a bust, and the environmental and health impacts of uranium mining remain a concern for local communities.
Neighbouring Regions of Colorado Plateau
The closest regions to Colorado Plateau, if you have time for more than one.
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Explore More of Colorado
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The Majestic Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau is a stunning high desert region known for its breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and vibrant colors. It spans across four states, but its most captivating views are found in Colorado. This plateau is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers alike. As you explore the Colorado Plateau, you'll encounter towering mesas, deep canyons, and vast expanses of sandstone. The dramatic scenery is the result of millions of years of geological processes, including erosion and volcanic activity. One of the most famous sights is the Grand Canyon, but there are many other gems to discover, such as Monument Valley, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands. The region is also rich in cultural history. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo and Hopi, have called this area home for centuries. Their influence is evident in the many petroglyphs and ancient dwellings you can find scattered throughout the plateau. Additionally, the Colorado Plateau offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to river rafting and stargazing. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, it's one of the best places in the United States to observe the night sky.