Colorado is one of America’s most iconic travel destinations, known for its towering Rocky Mountains, outdoor recreation, vibrant cities like Denver, and ski resorts that draw winter visitors from across the globe.
In 2024, Colorado welcomed approximately 95.4 million visitors (including day-trips), and the tourism sector generated about $28.5 billion in traveler spending, making it a critical pillar of the state economy.
Key Stats: Colorado Tourism
- 95.4 million visitors in 2024 — Colorado welcomed a record number of travelers, continuing its upward trend.
- $28.5 billion spent in 2024 — visitor spending across the state reached a new high.
- Around 187,710 jobs supported by tourism — the industry remains a major employer in Colorado.
- $1.8 billion in tax revenue in 2023 — tourism’s contribution helps ease the burden on households (≈ $800 per household).
- Denver alone: 37.1 million visitors and $10.3 billion in spending in 2024 — the city remains a major tourism engine.
- Pikes Peak Region: 25.5 million visitors and $3.1 billion in spending in 2024 — showing strength outside major metro areas.
How Many Tourists Visit Colorado Each Year?
In 2024, Colorado recorded ~95.4 million total visitors, up 2.3% from 2023.
In 2023, it had ~93.3 million visitors, with $28.3 billion in spending.
How Many Tourists Visit Colorado Each Day?
Averaging the 95.4 million visitors over the year suggests roughly ~261,000 visitors per day.
Of course, this varies widely by season — mountain resorts in winter or ski/summer peaks in the Rockies can see much higher daily volumes.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Colorado?
Visitor spending in Colorado reached approximately $28.5 billion in 2024, up from about $28.2–$28.3 billion in 2023.
In detail:
- In 2024 direct travel-generated earnings grew to $10.4 billion (up from $9.7 billion in 2023) in accommodation & food services alone.
- State and local tax revenue derived from tourism reached ~$1.9 billion in 2024.
Which Markets Visit Colorado the Most?
Colorado draws a mix of domestic and day-trip visitors from across the U.S., with key origin states including California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
Note: Colorado’s data distinguishes a large number of day-trippers compared with many states due to proximity to major metro areas and accessible recreation.
What Are the Most Visited Regions & Attractions in Colorado?
Colorado’s draw includes major metro areas (Denver), high-country ski resorts, and natural attractions.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Region / Attraction | Visitors / Info | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Metro | ~37.1 million visitors in 2024; ~$10.3 billion in spending. | Urban base, airport hub, culture & sports |
| High-Country Counties (9 ski / mountain counties) | ~$4.3 billion in spending in 2023. | Eagle, Summit, Pitkin etc. |
| Pikes Peak Region | ~25.5 million visitors in 2024; ~$3.1 billion spending. | Day-trip & mountain tourism |
| Outdoor recreation sector | ~$17.2 billion in 2023 for outdoor recreation industry. | Includes snow sports, boating, RVing |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Colorado?
Colorado tourism is robust year-round, with distinct seasonal peaks for both winter (skiing) and summer (hiking, mountain lakes).
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Peak in ski resorts | Heavy traffic in mountain resorts |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Turn-over season, sometimes shoulder pricing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High | Hiking, national parks, festivals |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Moderate-High | Fall foliage, ski base openings |
For the best combination of good weather and value, late spring and early fall often offer good deals in the mountain regions.
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Colorado?
Major events—from ski openings to music festivals and sports—help draw visitors and extend shoulder seasons.
Examples include:
- Winter ski season openings in resorts like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge
- Music festivals (e.g., Red Rocks concerts near Denver)
- Fall ski-season preview events
- Outdoor recreation, hiking, rafting, national park tourism
How Much Does Tourism Contribute to Colorado’s Economy?
Tourism is a major economic engine for Colorado.
- The travel and tourism industry’s contribution to Colorado’s economy (sports, recreation, tourism) was estimated at ~$60.1 billion, or ~13.7% of state GDP, in a 2022 study.
- In 2024: ~$28.5 billion in traveler spending, +2.3% in visitors vs prior year.
- Travel-dependent employment: ~188,000 jobs in 2024.
Which Areas of Colorado Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Popular tourist zones include both urban and mountain regions.
- Denver & Front Range: airport access, culture, sports
- Ski & resort counties: Summit, Eagle, Pitkin, etc.
- National parks & mountain towns: Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, Vail, Glenwood Springs
- Outdoor adventure corridors: rafting, hiking, mountain biking
FAQ – Colorado Tourism Insights
How many visitors does Colorado get each year?
~95.4 million visitors in 2024 (including day-trips).
What is the tourism industry worth in Colorado?
Visitor spending reached ~$28.5 billion in 2024.
When is the best time to visit Colorado?
Any time! Winter is prime for ski resorts; summer is perfect for hiking and mountain lakes; early fall offers great foliage.
Which region in Colorado is best to stay in?
For cities: Denver; for mountains: Summit or Eagle Counties; for nature: Rocky Mountain National Park areas.
How does tourism contribute to jobs?
About 188,000 jobs in 2024 were supported directly or indirectly by tourism.
Why is Colorado a major tourism destination?
Because of year-round outdoor recreation, mountain resorts, cultural cities, national parks and easy access from major U.S. hubs.
Sources
- Colorado Tourism Office / Dean Runyan Associates — Tourism Industry Contributes $28.5 B to Colorado Economy and Supports Over 188,000 Jobs (2025)
- Colorado Sun — Colorado saw about 95.4 million visitors in 2024 (July 2025 article)
- Visit Denver — Tourism Facts and Figures – Denver (37.1 million visitors in 2024, $10.3B spending)
- Colorado Springs (VisitCOS) — Pikes Peak Region welcomed 25.5 million visitors in 2024 spending $3.1 B
- Common Sense Institute of Colorado — Economic Impact of Colorado’s Sports, Recreation, & Tourism Sector (2022)
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