The Woman’s Guide to Solo Travel in Colorado

Traveling alone can be very freeing because of the control it gives you over your plans. You don’t have to answer to anyone else. You decide when to stop, where to stay, which places to linger in, which places to avoid, and so on. Colorado is a great place for solo female travelers because it’s relatively safe and friendly and has a huge range of things to do. You can combine lively cities with mountain towns, national parks, and scenic drives in a single trip. However, as always, a little preparation will help you stay focused on enjoying the journey rather than dealing with avoidable problems. So, to help you out, here’s a woman’s guide to solo travel in Colorado:

Make your arrival as straightforward as possible

It’s likely that your journey around Colorado will start at the airport – probably Denver International Airport. If you’re flying in without a car and your itinerary includes national parks, ski resorts or smaller towns, it’s a good idea to look into your options when renting a car at the airport. While there are rideshare services available across Colorado and the bigger cities have decent public transit, to head out into the countryside, you’ll definitely benefit from wheels of your own.

Ideally, pick a vehicle that matches your route rather than simply picking the cheapest option. For example, if you expect to drive mountain roads during winter, check that your hire car meets local traction requirements and ask about suitable tires before leaving the rental desk.

Choose accommodation that makes you feel safe and comfortable

Read recent guest reviews before booking any hotel, and pay attention to comments about the surrounding neighborhood as well as the room itself. If you’re inclined to be wary of your surroundings or feel a bit nervous about being alone, look for a hotel with a staffed reception, secure entry and good lighting around the building. This can make arriving alone much more comfortable for you.

If you enjoy meeting other travelers, look for hostels with female-only dormitories if possible. Many hostels have communal bars, and some organize walking tours or social evenings, which give you an easy way to meet people without committing to spending the whole day together.

If you book a ground-floor room and would feel more comfortable on a higher floor, ask whether another room is available when you check in.

Explore confidently

Colorado has a wealth of ways to spend time outdoors, but remember that solo travel means making sensible decisions about where and when you explore.

If you plan to hike, choose well-used trails, carry enough water, and tell somebody where you expect to be. Download offline maps before setting out because phone reception can disappear in higher elevations. Similarly, if you’re planning a Colorado road trip, map out your route in advance, send the route to a trusted friend, and check in with them regularly.

If you want to photograph sunrise or sunset in quieter locations, check parking areas and walking routes in daylight first instead of arriving for the first time after dark.

Enjoy Denver and Colorado’s towns

Denver has plenty of museums, cafés, independent shops and neighborhoods that are easy to explore at your own pace. Meanwhile, mountain towns such as Breckenridge, Estes Park, and Telluride are great for solo visitors because you can easily spend a few hours browsing without feeling rushed.

Small-town Colorado is very friendly, and it’s likely that strangers will strike up a conversation with you. This is usually pretty harmless – even charming – but remember that if somebody starts a conversation that makes you uncomfortable, you have every right to end it politely and move on. You never have to continue a conversation simply to avoid seeming unfriendly.

Eat wherever you want

Dining alone is completely normal throughout Colorado. Sitting at the bar or at a counter seat can also make solo dining feel more relaxed if you prefer a busier setting. If you would rather not walk back after dinner, choose a restaurant close to your accommodation or book a taxi or rideshare before leaving the restaurant.

Keep friends or family updated

Share your accommodation details and broad travel plans with somebody you trust before setting off. A quick message each evening takes very little effort and lets somebody know your plans are still on track. On that note, carry a portable charger if you expect to spend long days away from your accommodation, particularly if you rely on your phone for maps, tickets, and emergency contacts.

Trust your judgment

You do not need to justify changing your plans. If a place feels uncomfortable, leave. If another traveler asks you to join them and you would rather spend the day alone, say no.

Confidence does not come from accepting every invitation or trying every activity. Confidence comes from making decisions that suit you. Colorado offers plenty of opportunities to travel independently, and choosing options that match your comfort level will make the trip far more enjoyable.