Although Colorado is a paradise for hikers, there are so many epic spots in Colorado with no hiking required! These easily accessible spots are perfect to add on to a day of hiking and would also be great for families or anyone who can’t hike long distances. We also love them for photography since you can just roll up to the parking lot and start shooting! These spots in Colorado with no hiking required are scattered around the state and we’ll share tips and tricks for visiting each one.
Rifle Falls State Park
Rifle Falls State Park is located in Western Colorado near the town of Rifle. This small state park is a gem and is definitely one of the best spots in Colorado with no hiking required. It features a triple waterfall, caves, and hiking trails. The waterfall is just a short walk from the parking lot and you can walk around the falls to view it from many different perspectives. Entrance to the state park is $10/vehicle or free with a Colorado State Parks Pass. This park can get crowded on the weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot. The park also features camping and picnic areas.
Piney River Ranch
We’ve lived in Colorado for years and can’t believe it took us so long to get to Piney River Ranch near Vail! You’ll drive for about 40 minutes on a dirt road before reaching this extremely scenic, privately owned ranch.
Piney River Ranch is open daily 9 AM- 6 PM from June 21st through the last Saturday in September. We were actually the first ones to canoe on Piney lake for the season when we visited on opening day in 2024!
Canoeing at Piney Lake is dreamy and you might get lucky and get a glass like reflection like we did! No hiking is required to enjoy the views from the lake or go canoeing, but there is a hike to a waterfall that leaves right from the lake and we really enjoyed it.
Piney River Ranch also offers a restaurant, gift shop, and lodging, but be sure to book lodging in advance! Keep in mind the ranch is at high altitude and remember to leave no trace by packing out your trash.
Sapphire Point Overlook
Sapphire Point Overlook is one of the most epic spots in Colorado with no hiking required. It’s seriously breathtaking, especially for how close it is to the parking lot! It’s located in Frisco and it’s a quick stop since the view is only 0.5 miles. Our favorite time of day to visit Sapphire Point Overlook is sunset, but you may encounter a crowd since this is a popular wedding location. Although there are a few spots where you can still see the view even if there’s a wedding at the main overlook. We’d suggest visiting on a weekday at sunset or go for sunrise instead. If you’re looking for more to do in the area, check out our list of 10 unique and incredible things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Ridgway State Park
Another state park in Colorado that is super underrated for how much it has to offer! Ridgway State Park is located in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. The blue waters of Ridgway Reservoir are stunning and it’s a great place for water activities. You can drive your car right up to the reservoir or stop at one of the many viewpoints for beautiful views overlooking the reservoir. The park also offers camping, boating, and swimming. Entrance is $10/vehicle or free with a Colorado State Parks Pass. We highly recommend stopping at
Cimarron Coffee & Books for incredible coffee and a cute bookstore!
Maroon Bells
Our list of epic spots in Colorado with no hiking required would not be complete without mentioning Maroon Bells in Aspen! The Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in Colorado and for a good reason! Because it’s such a popular area, an advanced parking or shuttle reservation is required to visit. Maroon Lake is just a short walk from the parking area, but there are hikes as well. If you’re looking for more things to do in Aspen, check out our Aspen weekend itinerary!
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is a picturesque lake that offers breathtaking views and a range of outdoor activities. The best part is you can drive right up to it! Located near Leadville, this stunning area features two beautiful glacial lakes surrounded by towering peaks, making it a perfect spot for photography, water activities, and camping. There are hikes around the lake as well. Keep in mind the water is extremely cold, so we preferred laying on a raft to swimming. Keep in mind that Twin Lakes sits at around 9,000 feet if you visit, so prepare for the altitude and know the signs of altitude sickness.
