Have you asked how much life costs after the move?
People ask all the time, “How much does it cost to move?” We calculate moving costs based on inventory, weight, distance, and other factors before your move. But have you calculated the cost of living in Colorado after the moving truck leaves?
It’s a tough moment when you realize the lifestyle you imagined is out of reach.
I’m Julie Breaux, a native who’s lived here my entire life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Here are a few of my native credentials:
- Born in Denver
- Grew up in Aurora – My dad was a cop and would pick me up from Rangeview High School in his cop car. (I rode in front for obvious reasons.)
- I received a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University. We called it Metro in the 1990s.
- Danced during halftime at a Denver Gold football game (Yes, Denver had a football team from 1983 to 1985 in the United States Football League (USFL)).
- The Colfax Half Marathon was my first and last half marathon. I started asking myself, “Why?” around mile ten.
Moving to a city that doesn’t fit your personality, or budget rarely works out well. I’m giving you a preview of what Colorado costs after the move.
Read along as I show you what Colorado is really like — what’s true vs. hype, costs beyond the hype, and the surprise expenses you may not have considered. Then you can decide whether Colorado fits your personality and budget.
Why People Want to Move to Colorado: The Image People Fall in Love With
People picture skiing, microbreweries, hiking, dog owners, hippies, and cowboys. Most of those stereotypes still ring true. We’ve earned a tall and colorful reputation, but what makes the state appealing costs more now than it used to.
Why Migration to Colorado Has Slowed Despite Continued Interest
Every state has an image or characteristics that inspire people to move there, but they don’t tell the whole story. There’s a lot to love but it costs more to live here. Incoming migration has slowed, largely due to rising costs and decreasing affordability.
The terrain and history give the state its unique — dare I say, hippie — vibe, laid back lifestyle, and outdoorsy personality. Most of Colorado’s stereotypes haven’t changed, but the cost of living has.
According to Allied’s U.S. Migration Report, in 2025, around 5% more people moved out of Colorado than moved in.
The Stereotypes Are Mostly True — That’s Why It Gets Expensive
The things that make this place so great are good reasons to move here. But the culture can become a lifestyle cost.
A few years ago, most people could afford to live here. The culture was worth the cost of living. Packing up and moving to Colorado was a no brainer.
Colorado has a lot of stereotypes. We’ll use Movoto’s “10 Colorado Stereotypes That Are Completely Accurate” and reveal what’s true, so you don’t fall for the hype.
#1: Coloradans Put Their Sports Teams on a Pedestal
TRUE: Sports fans are enthusiastic and loyal. People who loved the Broncos when John Elway was the quarterback, still love them today. A few super fans like the Barrel Man are part of the team’s history. Tim “Barrel Man” McKernan was famous for attending games for 30 years wearing just a hat, a barrel, and cowboy boots.
#2: Colorado Is the Craft Beer Capital of America
HALF TRUE: With Coors Brewing Company in our backyard, craft beer comes naturally to innovative brewers. Most bars have local-made microbrews on tap.
Colorado ranked first in CR Research’s “The State of Craft Beer” report for economic impact and fifth for production. With over 400 breweries mostly in Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Golden, and Fort Collins that make renowned beers like Fat Tire and 90 Shilling. You’ll find renowned beers like Fat Tire and 90 Shilling almost anywhere. Beer festivals are plentiful, and so are the tasting opportunities.
#3: Everyone Has a Dog in Colorado and Takes Them Everywhere They Go
It’s TRUE ENOUGH for Denver to host the nation’s largest dog walk, Wash Park’s Furry Scurry. I’ve done this two-mile event a few times, and it’s fun if you don’t mind the barking, tripping over a leash or two, and picking up after your furry friend.
Denver ranks as the fourth most popular city for dogs with 158,000 canines among 711,400 humans, according to The Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle. One dog for every four humans is a lot.
Pet ownership is over 64% according to World Population Review’s “Pet Ownership Statistics by State 2026.” Dogs are the most popular pets, but there are some cat lovers. Insuranceopedia broke down pet ownership to 47% dogs and 27% cats.
#4: Everyone Has an Inner Hippie – Do You Own a Pair of Birkenstock Shoes?
MOSTLY TRUE: If you visit Boulder, that might seem 100% true. Tie-dye shirts, shorts, and Birkenstock shoes are year-round fashion staples for a lot of Coloradans. Areas like Boulder still have a laid-back feel and a strong hippie vibe.
I own a few pairs of Birkenstocks and way too many tie-dye shirts, but I have always had an inner hippie. There are plenty of non-hippies.
#5: Everyone Skis or Snowboards
MOSTLY TRUE: Colorado is all about skiing, and close to 14 million skiers during the 2024–2025 season to prove it. The Colorado Sun also noted the Winter X Games and the USASA National Championships helped boost skier traffic in its “Colorado ski areas report 13.8 million visits in 2024-25, marking the third busiest season ever” article.
I am proof that not everyone skis – I tried skiing in Breckenridge and Steamboat. I fell so much I hitched a ride from Ski Patrol to hang out in the lodge. The snowmobile ride was fun.
Moving to Colorado isn’t such an easy decision today. Many people who want to move to Colorado don’t because it’s expensive to live here.
“Can I afford to live in Colorado?”
What Living in Colorado Actually Costs — Before Housing
Lifestyle is just a backdrop to in-real-life (IRL) costs. Excluding housing, you spend money daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly on food, gas, utilities, healthcare. Daily expenses have increased.
The cost of living in Colorado isn’t just mortgage or rental payments. If you’re still considering a move to the state, check out this average yearly cost breakdown.
How Much Does It Cost to Live a Year in Colorado?
Where you pay for housing, utilities, groceries, and health care affects how much it costs. SoFi provided details in its “What’s the Average Cost of Living in Colorado?” article. Economic data from 2024 showed that Colorado, Idaho, and Puerto Rico were 32nd for best cost-of-living in the country.
Based on Consumer Affairs’ Colorado Cost of Living Data for 2023, here are average yearly costs:
- Average Per-Year Cost: $63,781
- Housing and Utilities: $12,600
- Health Care: $8,400
- Food and Beverages: $4,900 (non-restaurant)
- Gas and Energy: $1,380
- All Other Personal Expenses: $36,460
Average Monthly Grocery and Food Costs Excluding Restaurants
Even hippies need to eat. (Just kidding) Most residents visit the grocery store at least once a month. According to SoFi’s “Cost of Living in Colorado” article, one person spends an average of $410 a month for groceries and $4,922 a year. A family of four spends $1,641 and about $19,692 every year.
Colorado in Winter: Snow and Cold Are Part of the Lifestyle and Part of the Budget
The crazy weather is real, with wild swings between sun and summer rain, fall winds, and winter or spring snow.
Our weather has its own personality. Known to change often and quickly, people say to wait a few minutes and look out the window if you don’t like the current weather.
What’s behind the weather? An article from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) explains why in “Colorado Weather May be the Hardest in the World to Predict.”
The terrain that makes Colorado so breathtaking also creates our weather unpredictable. Systems roll across high peaks of the Continental Divide, flatter front range areas, the foothills, and the Palmer Divide. Extreme features and pressure changes create Colorado’s classic weather shifts.
The crazy weather is evident in winter, and I imagine can make some new residents regret leaving their warmer state for snow and cold. The increased expense in winter doesn’t help.
How Winter Quietly Increases Monthly Spending
I have a love-hate relationship with the snow here. Uncover Colorado noted an average of 67.3 inches of statewide snowfall each year. The city and suburbs don’t get nearly as much as the mountains. They average 150 to 400 inches every year.
Winter can get super cold here and impact your monthly budget.
Average Monthly Bill in Winter:
- Electricity: $95 (This can increase during a cold snap)
- Natural Gas: $47
- Cable & Internet: $110
- Water: $44 (This is much higher is the summer)
Why Snowfall in Winter Impacts Expenses More Than You Think
Winters seem milder than when I was growing up, but most residents have a shovel or two and a snowblower. You can count on shoveling in the winter and early spring even though the metro areas typically get less snow than the mountains.
These snow totals from Current Results weather and science facts give you an idea of how much it snows.
Here are the annual average snowfall totals (1991 to 2020)
Western Colorado Average Snowfall Totals
- Aspen Inches: 170.8
- Crested Butte Inches: 203
- Grand Junction Inches: 17.7
Eastern & Front Range Colorado Average Snowfall Totals
- Boulder Inches: 92.8
- Colorado Springs Inches: 32.5
- Denver Inches: 49
- Lakewood Inches: 58
Yes, You Will Shovel Snow – Or Hire Someone to Shovel for You
You’ll need at least one shovel. A snowblower is optional but incredibly helpful. Here are typical prices:
- Snow Shovel: $18 - $56
- Sleigh Shovel: $73
- Snow Pusher: $55 - $80
- Electric Shovel: $75 - $130 (I didn’t know these existed until now)
- Gas Snow Blower: $400 - $3,000+
- Cordless Snow Blower: $400 - $1,500
Helpful move-day reads
- Moving here this winter? Read “What Do I Do If It Snows on My Move Day?”
- Moving here this summer? It rains a lot in Colorado. Read our “Guide to Moving in the Rain” and “Best Summer Moving Tips” for some practical advice.
Buy vs. Rent? Why Housing in Colorado Is the Make-or-Break Factor
If you plan to or want to move to Colorado, consider whether you’ll buy or rent. The state ranked fourth in Redfin’s “The 10 Most Expensive States to Buy a House in the U.S., Ranked” article. The housing market has been … interesting for a few years and continues to surprise us.
Housing in the Centennial State had some good news and not-so-good news in 2025. The Colorado Sun examined housing market nuances in its article, “Realtors Say It’s Still a Buyer’s Market in Colorado, but High Housing Costs Keep Renters Renting,” and highlight a few points for 2026.
- More houses are available, but fewer people are buying.
- Monthly mortgage payments are double the cost of monthly rent.
- Yearly mortgage payments are $45,395 vs. $22,675 for yearly apartment leases.
Can You Afford to Buy a House? Why Buying a Home Is Harder Than People Expect
Here’s the bad news first. Our housing costs are 14% above the national average, according to the Colorado Property Group article, “How Much Does it Cost to Live in Colorado? Living Expenses Guide [2025].”
Average Cost to Buy a Home in Colorado
Consider Colorado’s housing market before you buy here. Here’s the low down on our real estate market based on Zillow’s data.
- For-Sale Inventory: 30,640 (as of 12/31/2025)
- New Listings: 580 (as of 12/31/2025)
- Median Sale Price: $553,083 (as of 11/30/2025)
- Median List Price: $525,586 (as of 12/31/2025)
Average Cost to Buy a Home in Denver
Denver’s real estate market is different than the state’s. Zillow’s Denver data gives you a good idea of the average cost to buy.
- For-Sale Inventory: $3,484 (as of 12/31/2025)
- New Listings: 4,812 (as of 12/31/2025)
- Median Sale Price: $539,400 (as of 11/30/2025)
- Median List Price: $553,133 (as of 11/30/2025)
Why Renting Is Becoming the Default Choice: Is Leasing a Better Fit for You?
Renting wasn’t really a thing when I was growing up. Today, renting is definitely a thing. There are pros and cons to renting, and affordability is a big advantage in the current housing market.
Average Costs to Rent an Apartment in Colorado
I found rental market trends on Redfin’s State Rental-Market page. According to Redfin’s data, the average or median price to rent in CO was $1,713 as of January 2026. The average price increased by $42.
Where you rent in Colorado makes a difference in costs. If you’re planning to lease instead of buying, check out these average monthly prices from Redfin updated on 9/24/2025.
- Median Rent in Arvada: $2,350
- Median Rent in Aurora: $1,955
- Median Rent in Boulder: $2,325
- Median Rent in Colorado Springs: $1,855
- Median Rent in Denver: $1,833
- Median Rent in Golden: $1,555
Beyond the Hype: Is Colorado Even Affordable Anymore?
No, it isn’t. There are a few cities that are, but overall, housing and other costs have pushed Colorado out of reach for a lot of people.
Skiing, hiking, Denver, Boulder, and everything else look fantastic until reality shows up.
Colorado Property Group noted that in 2025, our living expenses were 12% higher than the national average and we rank 36th for cost of living in the article “How Much Does it Cost to Live in Colorado? Living Expenses Guide [2025].”
Why Income Needed vs Income Earned Matter More Than Before
First, it costs more to live here. Second, you need to make more money to live comfortably. SmartAsset did the math on income needs for each state and gave the details in the article “Here’s the Salary It Takes to Live Comfortably in Each U.S. State – 2025 Study.”
We were 8th out of the top ten for the highest salary needed to live comfortably. Here is the income 2025 vs. 2024 data:
- 2025 Single Adult: $124,467
- 2024 Single Adult: $113,693
- 2025 Family of Four: $294,361
- 2024 Family of Four: $294,611
The good news is that the $90,000 median household income is higher than the national average of $80,000.
How Inflation and Wage Growth Are Eroding Affordability
You don’t have to be a native to feel the sting of rising costs here. Most Coloradans know affordability has fallen over the years. Westword provided the proof in its article “Here’s How Much More Expensive Denver Has Become Since 2020.”
Housing and grocery costs are over 21% higher in the Mile High City than they were in 2020. Housing is over 25% higher, and a trip to the grocery store is close to 18% more expensive.
Denver ranks twelfth for the highest total increase in prices over the four-year timeframe. Unfortunately, wage growth was just shy of 18% in the same period.
Colorado Chamber of Commerce – Scorecard highlights
- State Housing Affordability: 48th (Declining)
- Cost of Living: 47th (Declining)
- Wellness: 3rd (Same)
- Healthiest States: 2nd (Same)
- Open Positions Median Full-Time Salary: $57,491 (Increasing)
- Best State for Business: 11th (Improving)
- Cost of Doing Business: 38th (Improving)
Three popular cities, Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood combined, ranked first for “Cities With the Biggest Inflation Problems” in Wallethub’s “Changes in Inflation by City” article. Wallethub compared Consumer Price Index (CPI) changes.
Here are the numbers behind the ranking:
- Latest month vs two months before: 1.00%
- Latest month vs one year ago: 3.10%
- Total score: 87.50
Stuff That Makes the Cost of Living in Colorado Worth It: Does It Fit Your Personality & Budget?
For years, people relocated to the Centennial State for its affordability, an outdoor lifestyle, and fresh mountain air. Living here isn’t so affordable anymore.
Make sure Colorado fits your personality and budget. Not everyone who lives here likes to ski or watches sports. Luckily, there is something for everyone here. That’s why I’m breaking those costs down, so you can determine if the things you love are within your budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Sports Games in Colorado?
- Broncos/Empower Field: $38 - $493
- Rockies/Coors Field: $8 - $52
- Avalanche/Ball Arena: $30 - $1,000+
- Nuggets/Ball Arena: $63 - $1,000+
- CU: $95 - $294+
- CSU: $89 - $270+
How Much Does Drinking Craft Beer in Colorado Cost?
We narrowed it down to the best beers based on Tasting Table’s “20 Best Colorado Craft Beers, Ranked.” Here are the costs.
- Yeti Imperial Stout/Great Divide Brewing Company: $14.99 (6)
- Dale’s Pale Ale/Oskar Blues Brewery: $11.99 (6)
- Milk Stout Nitro/Left Hand Brewing Company: $11.99 (6)
- Vanilla Porter/Breckenridge Brewing Company: $10.49 (6)
- 90 Shilling/Odell Brewing Company: $11.99 (6)
Dog Lovers: How Much It Costs to Own a Dog in CO
Pets are awesome. Owning and caring for a dog or two can be expensive in general, and some states are even more costly. Colorado ranked 14th in Market Watch’s “Cost of Owning a Dog in Every State (2026 Study)” article. Market Watch used 11 common expenses for a Golden Retriever. Expenses will vary because some breeds are less or more costly than others.
Another Market Watch article, “Pet Spending Trends: What Are Americans Spending on Their Fur Babies?” noted that pet ownership expenses are increasing for everyone.
Let’s compare lifetime pet ownership costs in Colorado against the US average of $28,800 and look at how annual costs have increased from $876 since 2023.
- Puppy Cost: $1,044
- Annual Cost: $2,592
- Lifetime Cost: $29,554
Like other states, we love our pets in Colorado. Taking our dogs on walks and hikes, to dog parks, and with us to run errands is a daily practice.
How Much You’ll Spend on the Hippie Vibe in Colorado
Even though they have changed since the 70s, even in Colorado, hippies maintain a level of relevance with their peace-loving qualities and bohemian style. K99 mentioned Boulder’s recent “Top Hippie Town” in Colorado award. We weren’t surprised.
I thought it would be fun to check out the costs to add some hippie to your wardrobe.
- Birkenstock Shoes/Classic Styles: $140 - $180
- Tie Dye Shirt: $20+
- Turquoise Ring: $75 – 1,000+ (based on prices from my favorite store in Boulder, Zuni)
- Jeans: $98 - $168 (based on the Free People store in Boulder)
- Fuzzy Crocs: $40 - $80 (Founded in Boulder, Croc’s ugly shoes are an acquired taste.)
- Crocs for pets: $50
How Expensive Is Skiing or Snowboarding in Colorado?
Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowboarding attract a lot of adventurous people to Colorado. Ski days are more challenging and costly. I break down costs for equipment, apparel, and driving.
Let’s start with ski resort lift ticket prices from On the Snow for an adult on a weekday:
- Arapahoe Basin: $119
- Loveland: $149
- Crested Butte: $164
- Steamboat: $199
- Keystone: $206
- Breckenridge: $234
- Telluride: $245
- Copper Mountain: $264
- Winter Park: $272
- Aspen: $279
- Vail: $307
- Beaver Creek: $307
You’ll be buying or renting skis, so I used Christy Sports since it’s the go-to for rentals. Prices are for one day adult packages, including skis, boots, and poles.
- Adult Ski: $46 - $66
- Adult Snowboard: $46 - $66
- Adult Snowshoe: $25 - $30
You need to stay warm if you ski in the heart of winter. Here are estimated prices for typical apparel.
- Snow Pants: $159 - $499
- Jackets: $200 - $750
- Gloves: $75 - $300
- Goggles: $75 - $300
- Hats: $25 - $250
How far you’ll drive from Denver from the Coloradoan’s “Complete Colorado Ski Resort Guide.” As of December 2025, Colorado’s regular retail gas was $2.34, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) data.
Here are the costs for one trip to these ski areas based on miles and recent gas price.
- Arapahoe Basin: 64 miles/$150
- Loveland: 57 miles/$133
- Crested Butte: 228 miles/$533
- Steamboat: 164 miles/$384
- Keystone: 77 miles/$180
- Breckenridge: 81 miles/$190
- Telluride: 331 miles/$775
- Copper Mountain: 78 miles/$183
- Winter Park: 66 miles/$154
- Aspen: 198 miles/$463
- Vail: 97/$227
- Beaver Creek: 109 miles/$255
The Best Stuff That Doesn’t Take a Big Bite Out of Your Budget
The mountains are the best part of Colorado. Even better, they don’t cost much. You can visit them year-round to hike, bike, fish, and ski.
Colorado’s National Parks & Colorado Parks and Wildlife Pass Cost
Passes and licenses to visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife areas are perfect for hardcore and casual adventure seekers. Pass costs vary based on what you want to do. You can even buy an annual pass by checking a box when you renew your car registration.
- Colorado State Wildlife Area (SWA) Annual: $42.91
- Colorado State Wildlife Area (SWA) 1-Day: $10.00
- Resident Fishing Annual License: $42.91
- Resident Small Game Hunting & Fishing Combo Annual License: $61.62
The Best of Colorado’s 14ers – Where to Hike & How Much You’ll Spend
Mountains with 14,000 feet of elevation or more are 14ers. There are 96 such mountains in the US, with 53 14ers in Colorado. Are you impressed yet? Hiking a 14,000 feet high mountain is not easy, with many only for experienced climbers and hikers. The “easier” class-one 14ers are:
- Give Handie's Peak
- Gray's Peak
- Quandry Peak
- Mount Elbert
- San Louis Peak
- Pikes Peak
The toughest class-four 14ers that require climbing experience and skills:
- Capitol Peak
- Little Bear Peak
- Sunlight Peak
- Mount Wilson
- Pyramid Peak
- North Maroon Peak
You might want a trekking pole to help you across the rugged parts. Luckily, Better Trail highlight the best trekking poles of 2026.
A good hiking or trekking pole costs:
- Trekking Pole: $80 - $230+
How Much Hiking Boots and Tennis Shoes Cost
Hiking boots and tennis shoe prices vary a lot. You can find some for less than the price ranges below. Prices are based on Better Trail’s “Best Hiking Boots of 2026.” You can wear hiking shoes or tennis shoes. Hiking shoe prices are based on Better Trail’s “Best Hiking Shoes of 2026.” Tennis shoe prices are based on Outside’s article “I Tested Nortiv 8’s $70 Shoes Against Name Brands. The Results Blew Me Away.”
- Hiking Boots: $160 - $375
- Hiking Shoes: $140 - $200+
- Tennis Shoes: $50 - $200+
Are You Still Colorado Bound? Local Advice to Help You Thrive Here
My advice if you’re moving here soon or just starting to plan is to Learn the history behind Colorado’s icons and visit them at least once. There are many cool reasons to love Colorado’s historic and iconic places, like the Coors Brewery, Red Rocks, and Mile High Stadium. I have fond memories of these places and a few mementos.
Here are a few iconic places and how much they cost now.
Coors Brewery
Coors Brewery is a big part of Colorado’s history that’s still around today. Adolph Coors opened a brewery in Golden in 1873 and introduced Coors Light in 1978.
I have a set of drinking glasses from the 1990s that make tap water taste better. I haven’t taken a tour in years, but they are super fun.
Tour Tickets cost $15 - $20
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Since it’s opening in 1941 and the Beatles’ performance in 1964, the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre has set the bar for concert venues.
Red Rocks is by far the best place to watch a concert. There are other things to love about this place. Yoga lovers appreciate Yoga on the Rocks, my kids’ high school graduations made a memorable event more awesome, and you can count on the stairs for a decent workout.
Concert ticket prices vary from $100 - $800+ based on the band and seating.
Casa Bonita Restaurant
Located in Lakewood and loved for cliff divers and puppet shows, Casa Bonita is one of the most recognized restaurants in Colorado. It opened in 1974, became a historic landmark in 2015, and closed in 2020 during the pandemic.
Fortunately, the cocreators of South Park bought Casa Bonita in 2021 and have revived this place. I have been to Casa Bonita too many times to count. The cliff divers are hands down the best part.
What Dinner at Casa Bonita Costs:
Weekday Lunch:
- Adults: $29.99
- Kids: $19.99
All Other Times:
- Adults: $39.99
- Kids: $24.99
Premium Seating:
- All Ages: $44.99
The Stanley Hotel
Located in the grand mountains of Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 with a posh reputation. Filming Stephen King’s The Shining there, made it a Colorado icon. It had a creepy history before Stephen King. Its paranormal past generated international curiosity and enough interest to be an episode on Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters.
The Stanley Hotel is an unchecked item on my “bucket list.” I’ve wanted to take my kids there for a Halloween getaway, but it’s expensive. Here’s what you’ll likely spend for one night in 2026:
Prices in different seasons and room types for one night at the Stanley Hotel:
- 1/31: $369 - $500+
- 4/31: $339 - $700+
- 7/31: $439 - $1,600+
- 10/31: $449 - $800+
- 12/31: $329 - $700+
Note: Prices vary based on season and room type.
Make the Most of Colorado: Places to Go That Fit Any Budget So You Don’t Regret the Move
Many of the places that are woven into Colorado’s personality remain today. They might look different but without them Colorado wouldn’t be as cool. I’m letting you in on a few local secrets. Try them all or just the ones that fit you and your budget.
The Grizzly Rose
The Grizzly Rose opened in 1989 and is the go-to place for country music lovers who want to see upcoming country starts. It built a reputation over its 30 years as a true honky tonk.
Grizzly Rose has welcomed a lot of the greatest country legends, including Garth Brooks, Chris Ledoux, Brooks & Dunn, Willie Nelson, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Waylon Jennings, Toby Keith, and Blake Shelton. I watched and met Blake Shelton after his show when he was a rising singer.
This iconic place is a short drive from Downtown Denver, and the cost varies depending on who is playing. Tickets are around $20 - $50+
Hanging Lake Trail
A local secret years ago, hiking Hanging Lake was an annual event as a teenager. It’s a little over 2-mile roundtrip with a gorgeous waterfall at the top. Glenwood Springs and Hanging Lake are places close to my heart.
I remember my sister asking if we could hike it twice, and my cousins running on the way down to show off. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Aurora and originally had a small parking lot at the base. Sometimes, we would head up to the hot springs after.
The secret got out. Now, you need a permit to hike it, the parking lot is a mile away, and hikers take a shuttle to the trail. A Hanging Lake 1-Day Permit is $20
Manitou Springs & the Manitou Incline steps
The Manitou Springs Incline is super tough for most of us. I did see a man running sideways up it and asked why. Turns out he was a speedskater and training. The hype around this incline can make it easier to give up, but it doesn’t have to.
Here are the “official” and scary particulars:
- Climbs over 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile
- Sections are as steep as 68% grade
- It has 2,744 steps
- It’s 6,412 feet above sea level
Here are a few tips for making it to Manitou’s summit:
- Don’t fool yourself that it’s easy – don’t psyche yourself out that it’s too hard either.
- Choose a specific number of stairs to climb before stopping – it is less daunting.
- FYI – the trail down is 3 miles – it felt like forever because I assumed it was shorter.
- FYI – try to make the halfway point before quitting because you can take the trail – walking down the steps is difficult and annoying to the people going up.
There are a few times when your heart feels like it’s coming out of your chest, and your lungs are close to giving out. I stopped looking at the top and started climbing 68 steps before resting. The 68 steps were for my mom’s age when she passed away.
How much you might spend for a night in Manitou Springs:
Hotel/Motel:
- Villa Motel at Manitou Springs: $80 - $200+
- The Cliff House at Pikes Peak: $170 - $240+
Bed and Breakfasts:
- Blue Skies Inn: $190 - $260+
- Holden House 1902 Bed & Breakfast Inn: $200 - $250+
A Bonus Tip From Me:
Try Philip S. Miller Park Trails & Challenge Hill if you want to tackle some outdoor stairs but not 2,000 of them. I call this place “Manitou’s Baby” because it’s 200 and they’re not nearly as steep. You can turn around and go back down the stairs or take a short, .6-mile trail. It’s free.
The Renaissance Festival in Larkspur
The Larkspur Renaissance Festival is and has been a fun summer weekend activity for years. We went to this medieval-themed festival every summer when I was a kid. The comedy act Puke & Snot and the birds of prey were my favorites.
It’s open weekends on Saturday and Sunday during the summer from mid-June to early August. Have an open mind and a sense of humor because medieval actors dress in medieval costumes and are known for calling visitors names like wench.
Larkspur is a small town in the foothills between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. It is a 25-mile drive from Denver.
Ticket prices in 2025 were:
- Adult: $32
- Child: $15
The 2025 Local Moving Guide is a great resource to read about popular cities and neighborhoods in Colorado.
You’re in good company if an interstate move to Colorado is on your agenda. Moving across state is more complicated and stressful than local or intrastate relocations, so you need to choose where you go wisely.
The best first step when you’re planning a move to Colorado is to get and compare a few estimates, so you find a good mover.
Moving quotes can be confusing. Read our “Insider Answers on Binding vs. Non-Binding & How They are Calculated” to understand them better. Alternatively, you can get an idea of moving costs with our online moving cost estimator tool.
So, Is the Cost of Living in Colorado Worth It?
Moving to a state for its lifestyle doesn’t make sense if you can’t afford it.
People love and want to move to Colorado for a lot of reasons, but the cost of living isn’t one of them. It is a more expensive place to call home, which can impact your relocation plans. The cost of living in your new state matters just as much — if not more — than what you spent getting there. So, ask yourself if you can afford the lifestyle you want?
Know before you move – choose the area that fits you best, avoid the costliest areas, and find the hidden gems so you can thrive.
Ready to start planning your move to Colorado?
Are you ready to book that move to Colorado? Get an estimate and start planning.

