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If you’re wondering unbeatable adventures to have in Colorado, then you’ve come to the right place. Colorado is a treasure trove of adventures, from hiking in the national parks to soothing your aching muscles in hot spring baths, there is something for all to enjoy in this diverse state.
Colorado is largely seen as a mountain destination, and so many of the top attractions in CO involve hitting the hiking trails in the summer or skiing down them in the winter, but there is more than that.
The Centennial State also has a rich history, magnificent scenery, thriving cities and a buzzing arts scene.
If you want to start building your Colorado bucket list, below are some of our must-see attractions in the state that you shouldn’t miss!
The Colorado Bucket List
1. Visit Boulder
Chainsmoker’s may have put Boulder on the map with their hit song “Closer” but Boulder has been a long-loved destination for many years.
Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is not just a university city, but a gateway to outdoor activities, from hiking the iconic Flatirons to exploring the scenic trails of Chautauqua Park.
The city is also home to a lively downtown area, where street performers showcase their talents outside the Pearl Street Mall, and there are numerous live music venues, restaurants, bars, and more.
With its unique blend of outdoor adventure and lively atmosphere, Boulder is not somewhere to skip off your bucket list!
2. Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountain National Park is perhaps the most famous national park in the state, and is known for its majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife.
One of the highlights is the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which provides breathtaking views and access to high-altitude trails.
For the more adventurous, you can climbing The Keyhole Route, a rock climbing route that goes up vertical rock faces to Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. In the winter, you can even try ice climbing, if you’re feeling brave enough!
The gateway to the park is the town of Estes Park, and is a great place to base yourself for exploring the park and its trails. It has a few quaint shops, local restaurants, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
3. Watch a Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Another bucket list moment to have in CO is to watch a live music concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
This unique venue is nestled among towering red rock formations, and has stunning views of the surrounding landscape looming up behind the stage.
As well as being visually stunning, the venue has exceptional acoustics, so be sure to check out the what’s on calendar when you visit to see what you can attend when in the state.
4. Have a White Christmas in a Log Cabin
Experiencing a snowy Christmas in a log cabin in Colorado is a magical bucket list moment for many. What better way to wake up on Christmas morning than in a cabin retreat that evokes warmth and nostalgia whilst overlooking a winter landscape.
Picture waking up to a serene blanket of fresh snow covering the majestic Rockies, with the crackling of a fireplace providing a cozy backdrop – it’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, right?
A great place to start your search for log cabins is in the charming town of Breckenridge, which is well known for its vibrant holiday spirit, as well as the popular ski resort towns. And on that note…
5. Go Cross-Country Skiing in Aspen
Aspen is one of the premier ski resorts in Colorado that attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the globe who want to hit its world-class slopes and see the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Aspen has four distinct ski areas—Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass—and has runs for advanced skiers to gentle slopes for beginners.
For those looking to enjoy the winter landscape beyond skiing, there are several snowshoeing trails that weave through the stunning surroundings. This region is all about the snow, making it the most ideal destination for winter sports in Colorado.
Other winter destinations in Colorado such as Telluride, Vail, and Breckenridge also have excellent ski resorts and facilities. Aspen made our list of USA places teens will love. It’s the perfect winter family vacation idea.
6. Go Mountain Biking on the Crested Butte
Another great way to explore the outdoor beauty of Colorado is to go on a bike ride. But this is Colorado, and gentle bike ride is not in its dictionary!
If you’re looking for something thrilling to do, mountain biking in Crested Butte is a great way to admire the stunning alpine scenery.
In the mid-1970s, a group of intrepid bikers called the Grubstake Gang started cycling off-piste on the mountain roads around the tiny former mining town of Crested Butte, and so many believe this is the birthplace of mountain biking – though other extreme cyclists began cycling off-road in California around the same time.
That being said, Crested Butte is a great place to hit the harder trails. It boasts an extensive network of rugged mountain trails designed for mountain biking enthusiasts, and pass by beautiful landscapes of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and rugged mountain terrain.
The iconic 401 Trail is the most scenic, and has the best panoramic views showcasing the beauty of the Rockies.
7. Watch a Denver Broncos Game
One of the top things to do for sport fans is to catch a Denver Broncos game. Watching the Bronco’s is an electrifying experience!
The Broncos are one of the leading NFL teams and have had numerous successes, including multiple Super Bowl victories that have solidified their status as one of the NFL’s most beloved teams.
Game days at Empower Field at Mile High are filled with excitement, from the thunderous cheers of the crowd dressed in orange and blue, to the iconic “Mile High Miracle” moments, it’s a magical experience that is a sheer thrill of witness!
8. Attend the Great American Beer Festival
As craft beer lovers, we have to add the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) to our bucket list! This festival celebrates the tradition of craft brewing and attracts beer enthusiasts from across the nation every October.
It began in 1982 and has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious beer festivals in the country, showcasing thousands of beers from hundreds of breweries.
Throughout the festival, you can sample a diverse array of craft beers, ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all while learning about the artistry and passion behind each brew.
Beyond tasting, there are engaging seminars, live music, and even opportunities to dance! We hear about this festival a lot in Raleigh, as Raleigh’s Brewgaloo beer festival is the second biggest after this one!
9. See Rock Formations at Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural phenomenon of striking red rock formations, spanning over 1,300 acres and accessible from the Old Colorado City neighborhood in Colorado Springs.
This designated National Natural Landmark has a fascinating history, originally inhabited by Native American tribes who revered the land for its natural wonders.
In the late 19th century, the area was opened to the public, and in 1909, it was gifted to the city of Colorado Springs by the founder of the Colorado Springs Company, Charles Elliott Perkins, with the stipulation that it remain free to all.
There are many trails through the park that take you up close to the striking rock formations, but we recommend you visit at sunset to watch the vibrant colors of the rocks change with the light.
10. Visit the Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs
If you’re looking for something more relaxing to do in Colorado, hit the hot springs in Glenwood Springs.
Known for having one of the largest mineral hot springs pools in the world at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, this small town has been a popular destination since the late 19th century, attracting those wanting relaxation and the therapeutic benefits from mineral waters.
The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has a large swimming pool, a historic bathhouse, and a relaxing spa where you can get massages and beauty treatments, all while admiring the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Ahh, bliss! We loved our half day relaxing at the hot springs.
11. See Petroglyphs at Mesa Verde National Park
Another historic landmark not to miss on your vacation to Colorado is the Mesa Verde National Park, known for its rich heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the region for over 700 years.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its remarkable cliff dwellings, particularly the iconic Cliff Palace and Balcony House, which showcase the architectural ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants who once had to adapt to their environment.
As well as walking through the extraordinary archaeological sites, you can also see the remains of mesas (petroglyphs), walk through canyons, and see sweeping vistas of the park’s rocky landscape. IT’s included in our 4-week Southwest itinerary.
12. Go Sand Boarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the most fun things you can add to your Colorado bucket list is sand boarding in the expansive Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet!
This unique experience is not for the faint hearted! As you glide down the shimmering dunes, you are surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the vast, undulating landscape of golden sand.
If you don’t want to sand board, then the park is also known to be an exceptional place for stargazing. Standing under the expansive night sky, you can see masses and masses of stars, thanks to the parks designation as an International Dark Sky Park (aka no lights!)
13. Visit the Museums in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a great place to go if you want to have culturally rich experiences. It has several standout museums, particularly in the downtown Colorado Springs area, and many opportunities for learning.
Some of the most notable museums are the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, which is housed in a beautifully restored 1903 courthouse and showcases the region’s local history from its Native American roots through the Gold Rush era and into modern times.
Another gem is the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, which combines a museum, theater, and art school, celebrating both contemporary and traditional art.
For something more unique, visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, where you can learn about America’s greatest Olympic athletes.
14. Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado Springs
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado Springs is a unique way to reach the summit of Pikes Peak. It was built in 1891, and is the highest cog railway in North America!
The scenic ride up the mountain gives you a chance to see breathtaking views without the challenge of hiking, offering views of lush forests, alpine meadows, and stunning vistas of the surrounding Rockies.
15. Whitewater Rafting the Arkansas River
For those in need to thrilling outdoor adventures, be sure to try whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, which has some of the best rapids in the state.
There are many places on the river you can raft, but those looking for challenging Class III and IV rapids, should head to the town of Leadville, where the river drops 5,000 feet in the first 125 miles!
Look for tours that take you through rapids like Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Browns Canyon, the Numbers, and the Royal Gorge.
More Colorado Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for visiting Colorado? Here are some other helpful guides:
- Fun Things to do in Denver, Colorado
- 10 Fun Things To Do in Colorado (outdoors in summer and winter)
- 20 Exciting Things To Do In Snowmass, Colorado Year Round!
- The Best Weekend Trip To Denver Itinerary
- A Complete Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
As you can see from the comments, we already have many wonderful tips on places to visit in Colorado. Please shares yours as well!
Hi-I’ve lived in Colorado for 18 years and love it still. Some of my favorite places to visit are Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. They both are kid friendly and have campgrounds quite close. Enjoy your adventure!
Hey Viveca,
Sounds good about Hanging Lake and Garden of the Gods being kid friendly with campgrounds. Thanks for the tips!
Colorado is my fave! We just moved from there to RV full-time. On top of the things already on your list, I recommend:
– Camping at Twin Lakes (right on the lake, not at one of the other nearby campgrounds)
– Mountain Biking in Fruita, CO (It is world-known mountain biking)
– Great Sand Dunes National Park
– Mesa Verde National Park
– Telluride, Ouray, Silverton area
– Colorado National Monument
Hi Michelle,
Appreciate your insider tips. They all sound awesome. Definitely keen to get stuck into some mountain biking and hiking and exploring the national parks.
Bishops Castle is on my bucketlist. The guy has been building it for years!
Other things to see that most don’t know about:
– The Wild Animal Sanctuary
– Mission: Wolf Sanctuary
Festivals:
– Frozen Dead Guy Days
Hey Lill, now that sounds like an interesting festival haha. And I just looked up Bishops Castle, wow, 40 years, that’s some project.
Love Bishop’s Castle…quite the experience. Be careful of Frozen Dead Guy Days, while I have not been there during the Festival (the town is adorable and fun), I have heard that the actual festival may be a little much for kiddos!
Ok. Copy that on Frozen Dead Guy Days, lol.
My Colorado five cents.
Places are listed from north to south in no particular order (* means must see or do):
North of I-70
Most of the roads leading west anywhere from Fort Collins to Pueblo (I-25 corridor) are very picturesque as soon as they hit mountains;
Dinosaur NM;
Mountain lakes and forests north of Steamboat (good for camping and fishing);
* Rocky Mountain NP (wildlife watching, hiking), allow at least two-three days, preferably more. Estes park is a good starting point for the NP exploration, plenty of tourist staff there, good for kids;
Plenty of goof hikes are along Rts. 7 and 72 south of Estes park and along Rt. 119 south of Netherland;
* Best dining in Boulder is “The Kitchen”. Do not miss it. Nearly as good are “L’Atelier” and “Riff’s Urban Fair”, They are all on the same walking street (Pearl Street). Personally I also like Dushanbe Teahouse for rather rare at USA Central Asia ambience.
* Trappers Lake (camping – both tents and cabin, hot showers available for small fee, hiking and fishing for cut-throat and other native trouts), allow two-three days minimum if you like remote locations in the middle of nowhere;
* Flat Top Mountains (about 20 km west of Yampa on FR 7, near Bear lakes). This is one of my favorite places of Colorado for some relaxing hiking. Unless you do famous Devil’s Staircase trail, terrain is relatively flat here (for mountains), and the places are at its best in wildflower season (end of June – end of July). Choice of lodging is limited and are not in the very vicinity of hiking areas, primitive camping is free, but on a first come/first serve basis. The places are pretty popular with “those who understand”, so do your research aforehead and come prepared.
South of I-70
Breckenridge area:
– Do alpine rollercoaster or super-slide (good for children). It is on the slopes near gondola.
– Frisbee golf on the mountain slopes (available summertime at most ski resorts in Colorado). Better bring you own frisbees, though, cause rentals aren’t always available.
– McCullough Gulch or Monte-Cristo creek. Both are accessible via gravel roads. Access is about 6 miles drive south of Breckenridge on Rt.9 (one mile past Blue River), then few miles west from here up Rd. 851 to McCullough Gulch or Rd.
– 850 to Monte-Cristo creek and Blue Lake. Hike up the creeks. Waterfalls. Scenic.
* – Bristlecone pines. It is again south on Rt.9 (about 10 miles toward Alma), then about 6-7 miles west from here, on Rt. 8, as I recall. Follow signs. Hiking. Impressive.
* – Moscuito pass. Scenic. Drive Rt. 9 south to Alma, then west on Rt.12 (gravel) for as long as you can, preferably to the big old abandoned mine (new London Mine, my guess). If your 4WD vehicle is good, you are a good driver and the road is in OK condition, you may get all the way across the pass to Leadville along the Rt.12. and then return to Breckenridge via Rt.91 (it is a very scenic road with many hiking options along it. Operational copper mine above Copper Mountain resort is very impressive, too) and I-70.
*- Raft Arkansas, Colorado, Eagle, Clear Creek or Blue rivers. Many outfitters that run this rivers are well within one-two hours drive from Denver. Check outfitters reviews before going. Colorado river may be pretty murky anytime, but winter.
Arkansas and Eagle rivers usually has a clear(er) waters during summer. Clear Creek and Blue rivers are usually nice blue (and the coldest). Blue river is for novices. Arkansas and Eagle may be much more interesting. However, for that reason Arkansas is usually totally overcrowded with rafters at any location.
– Arapahoe basin ski area may be open for skiing till late June. Good opportunity to ski in your swimsuits there.
– You may book a tour at any of old or operative gold, copper or other mines throughout the area. Leadville has a good mining history museum.
* – Drive up Mt. Evans. Panoramas from there are gorgeous (better, then those from much more popular Pikes Peak). In summer it is usually a good opportunity to see mountain goats here in numbers. Bring binoculars.
– Gore creek trail. Access from Vail pass summit (I-70). Can be combined with visit to Vail for lunch or dinner (Higher rated by Yelp restaurants in Vail better should be reserved well in advance even in summer).
– Missoury lakes trail. It is less visited trail, one of many in this particular wilderness area between Vail and Aspen. A lot of marmots are here in summer.
* – Independent pass (mountain pass between Leadville and Aspen). Scenic drive. Many hiking trails from the summit and on both sides of the pass. Full day driving loop can be done if you proceed via the pass to Aspen (gondola ride up the Aspen mountain there may be fun), then to Steamboat (may get to a hot springs spa there.
* – Maroon Bells trails. Very scenic, about 10 miles from Aspen. Allow whole day if you want to hike to upper lakes. Midday access is limited for private cars (drive in by your own car is either very early (before 8am) or very late (after 4 (?) pm) in the day, shuttle buses from Aspen runs regularly between this hours).
* – Hanging Lake trail (right off I-70 between Gypsum and Glenwood Springs). Lost creek loop trail (part of it, at least). Very scenic, but difficult climb.
* – Royal Gorge Bridge. Gorgeous, but rather touristy destination. May be combined with Arkansas river rafting trip. Or, alternatively, may be combined with a loop drive via Colorado Springs.
* – Colorado Springs Garden of Gods NP is a very scenic must to visit destination.
– Pikes peak scenic drive is nice, but not overwhelmingly impressive, though (in my view). Beware of altitude sickness on top.
– US AirForce Academy Chapel is also fun to visit.
* – Good places to eat are numerous at Manitou Springs near Colorado Springs. Do not miss free mineral water springs at Manitou Springs, a lot of free water wells are throughout the town. Also the town was right by the epicenter of great Colorado fire of Y2013 (escaped miraculously untouched).
* – Black Canyon of Gunnison NP. Scenic canyon, some scenic sections of the roads. Must see. Southern access is more scenic, in my view.
* – Really good summer concerts are performed each summer in Central City, Co. Check schedules.
* – Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. Must see (actually, must drive scenic road). Don’t miss a chance to buy famous Grand Junction cherries in season (June-July) at town markets.
– Grand Mesa National Recreational area. Nice cluster of alpine lakes, good for hiking and camping, in summer provides a cool oasis for relaxing and enjoying an open conifer forest environment.
– Drive from Carbondale to Crested Butte is pretty scenic, doable in 2WD, but in a bad weather I would suggest to do it in 4WD;
* – drive to tiny city of Marble. Operational marble quarry up the mountain is closed for visitors now (it was open 10 years ago), but vast collection of nice (and huge in size) white marbles can be seen there (to get to it, turn right in Marble as soon as you see the sign to the quarry, marbles are on the right bank of the river, before bridge);
– if you have a really good 4WD and you are an excellent driver, you may drive all the way up the Rt.3 through the Marble to extremely picturesque Crystal Mill (said to be one of the most picturesque settings in whole USA). I have tried to do the road in regular Jeep Cherokee and chickened out just few miles from destination;
* – Telluride is a nice town to spend few days (or weeks) in, any season. Obvious attractions, like waterfall, hikes, etc. are numerous. Ski lifts run year round, so better stay at upper village (connected with lower village by ski lift);
– Ophir Mountain Pass is a very picturesque and not overly difficult off-road. It is suitable for most regular 4WD cars. However, the road is not for those who is afraid of height. It is class 1-2 4WD Mountain pass, I did it both ways and like it more when driving from east to west;
– Ouray is a nice mountain resort village, known for it’s radon pools. Very picturesque location, but can be overcrowded at peak summer months;
* – Silverton is famous for its 4WD mountain roads and numerous miners ghost towns. Some of them are relatively well preserved. Hikes up to alpine lakes are really impressive (you can actually drive to some of the alpine lakes via regular gravel road). I would highly recommend to check this excellent book about Colorado back roads http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Backroads-4-Wheel-Drive-Trails-Edition/dp/1934838047 if you plan to see real Colorado, not the touristy one;
– The quadrangle between Pagosa Springs, South Fork, Lake City and Durango is pretty untouched by humans (except remnants of old mining hubs), has many gravel roads and is very picturesque;
– Rio Grande river headwaters are pretty scenic, it can be easily accessed from north via Lake City or from east via South Fork (nice B&B called Arbor House in South Fork, would highly recommend);
* – Mesa Verde is obviously a must see destination. Keep in mind, that the area is closed in winter due to its high altitude and may be closed in summer due to fires, so plan accordingly;
* – Great Sand Dunes NP. Absolutely wonderful place, highest sand dunes in USA (sandboarding is popular here, boards can be purchased on place), in spring and early summer small creek by the dunes is not run dry and looks extremely nice. Choice of lodgings is limited. Camping is OK, but I’d suggest staying at Great Sand Dunes Lodge here (book in advance, it is the only lodging nearby). For really adventurous, class 2 mountain pass road goes east of the place and is very funny to drive. If you are not familiar with 4WD mountain pass classification, here it is: There are difficulty levels classed 1 through 10, where 10 means your car has 100% chance of overturning, and 1 means you have just 10% chances of being overturned. I did some of the passes (including this one) and will tell for sure that anything above class 2 is not for a normal human, but for an absolute adrenaline rushers.
Few words about Colorado ski resorts:
I think I did ski every (or most) ski resorts in that state and is happy to share my impressions. If you are not prone to altitude sickness, it is plenty of really nice slopes to choose from in the state. Just keep in mind that base (!) elevations for most skiable areas are at or above 2,500 meters. Due to that, as I am getting more and more out of form, skiing in Colorado is not as much fun as it was when I was younger.
As for resorts, most people prefer Vail. I am not. It has really nice slopes facing away from interstate I-75, but to get to it you have to use at least two (actually three) ski lifts and do a lot of slope traversing, which is not always funny, cause winds may be really treacherous there.
My favorite ski areas in the state are Winter Park, Snowmass, Telluride, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, in that exact order. Winter Park and Telluride, being world-class large resorts, strangely provide some sense of coziness and you feel there like at home (never felt that in Vail). Snowmass and Breckenridge have probably the best infrastructure and logistic from all Colorado resorts and the best choice of ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Copper Mountain is extremely conveniently located and slopes are very easy to navigate. On pair with Copper Mountain is Keystone Resort, ski-slope mountain views here are nearly as good as in Winter Park. Beaver Creek is similar to Vail, (good trails are long lift rides away from the base, nearby slopes are very steep and may be icy). Loveland Pass and Arapahoe Basin are for late season skiing; slopes are pretty steep at both resorts. Eldora is a small and easy resort closest to Boulder, and is very nice during middays (avoid it on weekends, same is true for Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, Loveland and Copper Mountain). Other notable resorts are Monarch Pass (one day is enough to ski it through), Steamboat Springs (very nice resort in term of slopes but is on permanent renovation for nearly 25 years now; seems that it dilapidates faster, than grows), Crested Butte (nice place, but far away from everything, rich people now like it even more, than Aspen), Aspen (cheeky, fur-coat skiing, very steep slopes, and not many of them), Aspen Highlands (good for one day ski trip, can be combined with Snowmass and Aspen, though), Durango and Powderhorn are small local resorts with unpredictable snow.
Hope that helps.
I’d like to give you more info about your upcoming trip, but starting this weekend for the next three months I am in Australia (!) and not sure how good Internet access will be there on West and North Coasts, where I’ll spend good half of the trip. Please, don’t hesitate to E-mail me, I hope to be able to check my mails more or less regularly.
Happy travel,
Ivan
G’day Ivan,
We’re really loving your “5 cent” comments on all our American posts. You’ve done some traveling that’s for sure!! Great insider tips once again, you’ve given us a lot of awesome info here and will be referring back to this post for sure before we hit Colorado. Cheers mate!
As a Stargate nerd – getting to see Cheyenne Mountain would be uber cool for me 🙂
Ok, haven’t got into Stargate but let’s see what Cheyenne Mountain is all about 🙂
We loved camping and exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Head west from there and stop at Pagosa Springs for a soak in their hot springs. Even farther west from there is Mesa Verde National Park with excellent camping. Head north and camp near Telluride. You can ride the free gondola. In the summer they have an outdoor jazz festival. Colorado National monument is also a beautiful place to camp.
Hey Tammy,
We love a good hot spring. And Mesa Verde keeps popping up as a suggestion so definitely want to check that park out. Appreciate the other tips too!
My bucket list as a Coloradoan!:
-Hike a 14’er
-Raft a river
-Sand Dunes
-Steamboat Springs and Strawberry Hot Springs
-Hike 8ish miles to Conundrum Hot Springs
-Breweries in Denver
-If you are here in end of Aug/beginning of Sept Tour de Fat in Fort Collins
-The train that goes through the Royal Gorge is really fun as is the cog train to the top of Pikes Peak, I loved these as a kid
Great list. Thanks for sharing. Would love to visit in winter & the warmer months.
I’m a Colorado native of over 30 years and am thrilled you’ll be visiting – it’s a truly special place. You should definitely check out the Western Slope, particularly the area around Paonia. My wife and I were married there and fell in love with the town and the area. It’s known for fruit orchards and wineries and is considered Colorado’s farm-to-table capital. There are some outstanding but unassuming restaurants here. The most beautiful drive of my life was over McClure pass (connects Carbondale to Paonia) as the aspens were changing. See if you can time your trip here for late September to mid October 🙂
Hey Ryan, thanks so much for suggesting the Western Slope area, never heard of it but love the sound of farm-to-table. And wow that drive sounds awesome too. Hopefully we can time it right!
Glad to help. If you’re looking for family activities, consider picking your own fruit (apples/peaches/etc) with the kids around harvest time in Paonia or nearby Hotchkiss or Palisade.
The kids would enjoy that.
One of our favorite must do activities when in Colorado is to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. You ride 45 miles on an historic train on rails originally laid in 1882. You will travel from the town of Durango to the mining town of Silverton along the Animas River through beautiful wilderness not accessible by roads. It’s an awesome ride!
Hi Barbara, that Durango to Silverton train ride sounds tops for a family. We definitely love getting out in the wilderness. Appreciate you sharing that tip!
Definitely second the Durango to Silverton train. There are actually cabins along the train route you can rent or places you can camp and use the train for access. At there was 13 years ago when I was there 😉
My dream is go to Colorado, only seem from pictures and videos, but see it yourself and do all those things, go to the parks, festivals, lakes… Well I do believe will go there soon… Thanks for sharing! You have an awesome blog… just become a follower
Hey Marcos, thanks for following along. Hopefully we can not only inspire you to visit Colorado and other places in the US but show you how to as well. Happy travels.
As a Colorado Native, you really can’t go wrong with most any place here! Winter or summer we see a lot of sunshine and we love getting outdoors.
I know it isn’t popular because you will likely get food poisoning but seriously, Casa Bonita is worth the adventure, but you don’t go for the food! Read Yelp reviews and you will see what I mean!
Also, we love the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, it is on the side of the Mountain so be prepared to hike it but it is a neat zoo.
We hit Breckenridge every year during the summer, it is a fun little town to wander around. It is fun to take the Gondola up the mountain in the summer and do the Alpine Slide. (We don’t ski but I am sure it is fun in winter too!;))
White Fence Farm is a favorite of our kids. It is super cute, has a petting zoo, a fun playground, cute little shops and lots for the kids to do and see while you wait. Personally, we love the food too!
The Sand Dunes are fun, we love going in early July, when the river is still there. Our kids LOVE playing in the water. Don’t forget to do the Jr Ranger Program there!
If you are here in the summer, you need to hit up Water World! And a smaller version is Pirate’s Cove. Both great water parks.
Hammond’s is a small candy factory that has a short and fun tour.
I could go on and on, more than I already have!
Just be careful, people have a way of visiting Colorado and never wanting to leave!
Thanks for all the great tips Diana. Love the sound of lots of sunshine in either summer or winter. And I can only imagine that many people who visit, never want to leave!
Hi, my husband and I travelled through 17 U.S states last june/july and we loved every second and everything about America! Our first stop in colarado was Alamosa and the great sanddunes. The Campus Cafe there has handsdown the best cinnabun scroll we are ever likely to have. Glenwood Springs, Durango, Salida lovely. Independence Pass was beautiful and we also went white water rafting in Canon City through the Arkansas River. Can’t wait to go back again one day!
Hey Kristy, thanks for the heads up on Alamosa, sounds cool. And we love a bit of white water rafting, will have to check that out.
Frisco is an absolutely beautiful city in the mountains!
Cheers Mahee. Looking forward to spending time in the mountains.
Skiing at Steamboat Springs… The skiing is awesome, like most places in Colorado, but you also can relax in natural outdoor hot springs after are hard days skiing. It was snowing while we were in the 40 degree plus springs – a great experience.
Oooh, natural outdoor hot springs and snowing sounds incredible. Cheers Nick!
Do a couple nights in a hike in only 10th mountain division hit. We like the Fowler hut in the summer as you can pick wild mushrooms everywhere.
Love the ghost town a few miles behind Silverton, my kids love running in and out of old mining houses. Then you 4 wheel drive over the pass, rent a Rzr for this whole day.
Splash park at Union station downtown Denver is fun for kiddos, you can even take the train too it if you don’t want to drive downtown.
Frozen dead guy days was in May I think and my young kids loved it.
Thanks for the great tips Kristi. Colorado is ticking a lot of boxes.
Garden of the Gods
Durango Silverton Narrow Gague train ride
Georgetown Loop train ride
Film fest in Telluride
Concert at Red Rocks (AMAZING! Saw Bonnie Raitt there in 2006)
Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
Spend some time in Estes Park
Thank you Kim for your tips on things to do in Colorado!
Take the back roads as often as possible and get off the main highways. As with most countries, you miss a lot! The old town centers and feel of what goes on in “old” America is still pulsating in these little towns that you would miss if you only took the big highways. Try to see as many National Parks as possible, they really are the gems of America. Have fun!
Great advice Ali that we will be following. Love taking the back roads and exploring small towns and visiting National Parks. Excited for Colorado!
Garden of the Gods is an amazing site to see!
Don’t miss Mesa Verde National Park. Your girls can take part in a Junior Ranger Program. Kids love it.
Hey Renato, sounds good about that Junior Ranger program. Cheers.
Definitely take a dip in the hot springs in Colorado!
We have lived on the Western Slope of Colorado since 2008 (Grand Junction first and Durango now). This side of Colorado is incredible. Email me if you have questions or want to see pictures. Here are some of our faves:
-Ice Lakes / Island Lake – hike near Silverton with turquoise alpine lakes to die for
-Durango / Silverton Narrow Gauge Train – ride the train one way, roundtrip or take it to the middle of nowhere, get off, and backpack. It’s incredible…the area is called Weminuche or Chicago Basin.
-Palisade Wine Tasting or even better, go to Colorado Mountain Wine Festival held every Sept. Colorado’s largest wine tasting event. It is a blast and such a beautiful area. It’s only 10 min from Grand Junction.
– Million Dollar Highway, you’ll see why…start in Ouray to Durango
-Piedra River Hot Springs (free!)
-Crested Butte – free camping along the slate river. The scenery here is amazing.
-Creede/Lake City area – Creede is incredible, old mines, small town.
So much more……Shoot me an email if you have questions. Our family of 4 is hitting the road in June for a year or more. Going to travel around the US to start (Pacific NW and Canada – 150th anni…free admission to all national parks!!). Maybe we will see you out there!
Thanks for all your great tips on things to do in Colorado, Lindsey! There is so much to do in all seasons 🙂
My family spent a week in Colorado (boulder, estes park and colorado springs) in October and loved it so much we are thinking of moving there! I have a 2 year old and 5 year old. I just started a travel blog since we have been traveling a lot (it is a passion of mine) and we are getting ready to halt life and travel the US for a year as well. I wrote about our trip here (www.coloringthemap.com/colorado/). The Colorado Springs Zoo is amazing and RMNP is phenomenal. Hope you have fun!
Thanks Erin. I know what you mean about wanting to live in Colorado, it made that impression on us too on our brief previous visits. Enjoy your travels around the US.
Blues from the Top. Outstanding Blues Festival in Winter Park the last weekend in June. Outdoors with the Rockies at your back, 70 degrees. Take an extra day and explore hike Rocky Mtn Nat Park.
I don’t have any tips to share but I appreciate this post; definitely some good ideas to look into when I have the chance!
Hiking a 14er is easily on the top of our list! You can keep track of all the 14ers you’ve hiked with the following 14er checklist: http://www.nomadcolorado.com/colorado-guide/colorado-fourteeners-checklist/
We hope you will add whitewater rafting to the bucket list and join us for an adventure!
We do love rafting 🙂
Try to attend the Frozen Dead Guy Festival in Nederland, CO!
I grew up in Colorado Springs and love Colorado! Of course Garden of the Gods and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Manitou Springs is great to visit and has a different vibe to it. You can climb the Manitou Incline. Great Sand Dunes National Park. St. Elmo Ghost Town. Cripple Creek. Phantom Canyon Road-Really nice drive and is fabulous in the fall. Bishops Castle. Independence pass on the way to Aspen and Snowmass. Maroon Bells, Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park. Wolf Sanctuary in Divide, CO. Woodland Park, CO. Ouray, CO.
I see this post was from a while ago, have you already made it to the USA and worked on your bucket list?
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful state we could go on and on with suggestions.
Hey Shawn,
Thanks for your great tips. We are currently based in North Carolina, have been in the US for 3 months now, and planning to be in Colorado hopefully for some skiing this coming winter, and then again next year in the warmer months. Looking forward to ticking off everyone’s great suggestions!
I’m a Colorado Native! I have to say at the top of my list is camping in Ouray or Lake City and ATVing or Jeeping the Alpine loop and making sure to try to get over California Pass and stopping to explore Animas Forks along the way!
We came for a visit & are now moving to Colorado! Our fav place to visit is Steamboat Springs natural Hot Springs. Beautiful scenery & peaceful environment.
You have to hit Durango (awesome train ride up to Purgatory) and wine country in Grand Junction. Way too many people ignore the West Slopes
Thank you Barb.
My parents live in Creede, CO. It is beautiful! It has an old amethyst mine that is open to the public, a drive around Bachelor Loop to see remains of the old mining town up in the mountains, Hansen’s Mill, too many day hikes to mention and if you’re RV’ing, a fabulous RV park a walks distance to town. Creede sits right on the Rio Grande River. So try your hand at fly fishing or rafting. Email me and let me know when you’re coming through and I’ll try to make sure our family is there to give you a tour!
Sara! I grew up there and my parents still have a place there! Definitely worth a few days of exploring there. Don’t forget a night at the Repertory theatre. Cheers!
Things to do in Colorado
Manitou incline
Pike’s peak
The Garden of Gods
The seven falls
Sand Dunes National Park
Zapata falls
Interpretive Paint Mines in Calhan Co. Absolutely beautiful. Only 4 miles of trail but you get to see all of the beautiful colors of clay and get amazing views of the rock formations up close along with the views of the mountains in the distance. We went on our fist hike there and it wonderful we watched a big storm system form in the distant mountains and watched it roll in before we decided it was getting too close and left.
Steamboat Springs-Fish Creek Falls and Strawberry Hot Springs!
Thank you!
Love the lists people have commented here. Would add a few more Colorado Springs newer spots.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: They opened (2020) the new hippo and penguin exhibit.
Olympic and Paralympic Museum: (Opened 2021) Super interactive with great exhibits and lots of contactless activities.
Hiking wise: North Cheyenne Canon has tons of trails. We love Seven Bridges as you can take over 10 splinter hikes from this one TH. (Waterfalls for kids.)
Beer: Colorado Springs has dozens of microbreweries (many dog friendly!). We love Goat Patch and Bristol Brewery.