18 perfect spots to see a Colorado sunset
It’s easy to see why locals in the Centennial State have dubbed their stomping grounds “Colorful Colorado.” Along with lush landscapes and breathtaking seasonal shades, the sunsets that fill Colorado’s skies are hard to beat. Not only do sunsets above Colorado fill the sky with a blast of changing colors, they’re also known for casting a colorful glow across the state’s iconic mountainous terrain. Here are 18 amazing spots to watch a Colorado sunset.
Wilkerson Pass (Photo) Credit chapin31 (iStock)
18. Wilkerson Pass Overlook
Wilkerson Pass is found along U.S. 24 between Lake George and Hartsel. A visitor center and large parking lot offers great views of the sunset behind the Sawatch mountains in the distance.
Photo Credit: chapin31 (iStock).
Palmer Park (Photo) Credit mark byzewski (Flickr)
17. Palmer Park
Palmer Park, open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., is found in the heart of Colorado Springs. Find multiple overlook points here that let parkgoers view a spectacular scene of the city and Pikes Peak backdropped by a setting sun.
Photo Credit: mark byzewski (Flickr).
Buffalo at sunset (Photo) Credit mark byzewski (Flickr)
16. Lookout Mountain
The rocky terrain of northern Colorado adds shadows of character during a sunset seen from 7,379-foot Lookout Mountain in Golden.
Photo Credit: mark byzewski (Flickr)
Colorado National Monument (Photo) Credit Leslie James
15. Colorado National Monument
During sunset at Colorado National Monument, the shadows of rock spires are cast upon the cliffs and valley floors, taking unique shapes as the sun goes down.
Photo Credit: Leslie James, OutThere Colorado.
Pueblo Lake State Park (Photo) Credit Leslie James
14. Pueblo Lake State Park
Catch the setting rays of the sun over one of Colorado's largest reservoirs at Pueblo Lake State Park.
Photo Credit: Leslie James, OutThere Colorado
Longmont Sunset (Photo) Credit sputnik (Flickr)
13. Golden Ponds Nature Area in Longmont
Catch the sounds of the sunset as birds chirp and the sky changes colors over four ponds at Golden Ponds Nature Area, open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., in Longmont.
Photo Credit: sputnik (Flickr)
Rampart Range Road (Photo) Credit Brooke Wells
12. Rampart Range Road
Drive up Rampart Range Road near Woodland Park to catch the sunset over a mountain town and valleys at about 9,000 feet.
Author's Note: The Garden of the Gods entrance to Rampart Range Road has seasonal closures. The entrance from Woodland Park follows a steep, curvy paved road, but is open year-round.
Photo Credit: Brooke Wells
Aurora Sunset (Photo) Credit Faina Gurevich (iStock)
11. Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora
The Colorado Freedom Memorial, open dawn until dusk, honors the Coloradoans who fought for freedom. Stroll around the site’s 4-acre park or rest on a bench to watch a spectacular sunset in Aurora.
Photo Credit: Faina Gurevich (iStock).
Westcliffe (Photo) Credit Krissi May Photography (iStock)
10. Westcliffe
Westcliffe sits in a wide valley within the massive Sangre de Cristo mountains, providing a powerful view of the sunset as it sinks behind the peaks.
Krissi May Photography (iStock).
Dinosaur National Monument (Photo) Credit NPS Photo/M.Reed (Flickr)
9. Dinosaur National Monument
Whether viewing from the top of a canyon or below at the river's edge, a sunset at Dinosaur National Monument is a sight to see.
Photo Credit: M. Reed, National Park Service (Flickr).
Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo) Credit northwoodsphoto (iStock)
8. Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake is a scenic destination on Rocky Mountain National Park’s east side where a beautiful mountain lake is hugged by forest and peaks that vividly fade with the sunset.
Photo Credit: northwoodsphoto (iStock).
Cripple Creek (Photo) Credit Joel Olives (Flickr)
7. Cripple Creek Overlook
A scenic overlook along Colorado Highway 67 towards Cripple Creek features vast views of a historic mining town, the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the distance, and, with the right timing, the colorful setting sun.
Photo Credit: Joel Olives (Flickr).
Glenwood Springs (Photo) Credit Adventure_Photo (iStock)
6. Glenwood Springs
Head to the Grand Avenue Pedestrian Bridge from downtown Glenwood Springs to catch a sunset over the Colorado River.
Photo Credit: Adventure_Photo (iStock).
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Photo) Credit Patrick Myers, National Park Service (Flickr)
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Watch the sand dunes fade through yellow and red hues as the sun sets in southern Colorado. Stay a little later as the stars begin to glimmer across the park's certified international dark sky for incredible stargazing.
Photo Credit: Patrick Myers, National Park Service (Flickr).
Eleven Mile Reservoir (Photo) Credit Алексей Филатов (iStock)
4. Eleven Mile Reservoir
Watch the lake turn colors with the sky as the sun sets at Eleven Mile Reservoir near Lake George.
Photo Credit: Алексей Филатов (iStock).
Red Rocks Ampitheatre (Photo) Credit: Sean Pavone (iStock)
3. Red Rocks Ampitheatre Park
The beauty of Red Rocks Park amplifies as the sun sets over the Denver and nearby foothills. Plan to visit during a concert for the ultimate experience.
Author's Note: Red Rocks Park and trails open one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset on non-show days.
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone (iStock).
Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Photo) Credit tonda (iStock)
2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
View the breathtaking colors of a Colorado sunset above the dramatic cliffs of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Photo Credit: tonda (iStock).
Garden of the Gods (Photo) Courtesy Larry Marr
1. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, is found in Colorado Springs. Take a scenic drive around the park as the sun sets or hike to a viewpoint on either paved or dirt trails.
Photo courtesy Larry Marr
Leslie James
Leslie James is all about Colorado when it comes to writing features, sharing adventures, and creating colorful galleries. She loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. Leslie joined OutThere Colorado in November 2020.
(3) comments
Thanks, Jim. Thought I was going crazy, lol.
Also, curious why Land's End at Grand Mesa or sitting on the edge of Mt. Garfield in Grand Junction looking west into Utah wouldn't be the absolute #1 spot. Unabated westerly views!!!
Well done, but looking east toward Denver from red rocks - it's a sun rise not a sunset
Agree with Jim...and I would have to say that looking at a crowded city is not a better sight than watching the sunset over the Colorado National Monument. To each his/her own I guess :)
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