Last Updated on September 25, 2023
The state is a haven for outdoor activists, but it has much more to offer. When selecting appropriate events and things to do, you must consider both your own personal preferences and those of your traveling companions.
Here are ten diverse things to do in Colorado, including activities for people of all ages and with numerous interests.
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park on foot
Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and attracts millions of visitors, is a must-see on any trip to the Wedding Anniversary State.
The park offers magnificent views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, wildlife, forests, and even tundra as you ascend higher. With hundreds of miles of trails, an abundance of waterways, and guaranteed animal sightings, the National Park is ideal for families and experienced climbers.
Due to the abundance of amenities and outdoor activities in the park, you must plan your travel in advance to avoid being overwhelmed upon arrival. As significant portions of the park are extremely popular with tourists throughout the year, it is also prudent to reserve your accommodations in advance.
Points of Interest
Rocky Mountain National Park is brimming with fascinating monuments. Here are a few worthy of consideration:
Driving on Trail Ridge Road is permitted.
• Bear Falls
• Trail Emerald Lake
• Longs Point
• Estes Park (located nearby)
• Niagara Falls
• Beaver Meadows Visitor Information Center
Visit Denver
There are a number of exceptional, culturally diverse communities in Colorado. Among them is the largest urban population center, the city of Denver. Denver is home to numerous attractions, such as museums, sports arenas, outdoor parks, restaurants/breweries, and fascinating communities.
Everyone has something to gain from the metropolis. The downtown area is readily accessible on foot, but there are multiple locations where electric scooters are available. Additionally, there are convenient commuter rails into and out of the city, facilitating day excursions.
The majority of the time, you can find the amenities of a large city within Denver’s city limits. If you’re looking for entertaining events, Denver has an abundance of music concerts and sporting events. Additionally, there are numerous outdoor areas suitable for recreational activities for all organizations.
Object of Interest
Numerous attractions are located throughout the city. Consider your group (couple, family, etc.) and available time when selecting activities. The following are examples of well-known tourist destinations:
This is Larimer Square.
• Art district of RiNo
• Denver Museum of Art
• Botanical Gardens of Denver
• Museum of Nature and Science in Denver
• Denver Museum of Art
• Botanical Gardens of Denver
• Museum of Nature and Science in Denver
This is Larimer Square.
• Art district of RiNo
• Field at Coors (baseball)
• Empower Field (soccer)
• Union Terminal
Attendance at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater, arguably the most iconic live music venue in the United States, is a must-visit for all music enthusiasts. The expansive sandstone depicted in the breathtaking panoramic views provides the extraordinary backdrop and acoustics.
Red Rocks has hosted performances by numerous well-known artists, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, John Denver, and U2. If you are in the area, you should scrutinize the list of upcoming performances to see if any of the names catch your eye.
Even if you are unable to attend a performance, the arena is still worth a visit. You can either drive to a parking lot or walk up footpaths to the venue. There is a Red Rocks Hall of Fame that documents the venue’s most memorable performances. In addition, there are numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views of the neighboring area.
Object of Interest
Here are some of the most alluring features of Red Rocks:
- Trading Post Trail
- Red Rocks Music Hall of Fame
- The Colorado Music Hall of Fame
- Morrison Slide Trail
Mesa Verde National Park visit
Mesa Verde National Park captivates visitors with its combination of stunning scenery and local history. The park’s cliff dwellings and habitats offer a rare view into the lives of ancient civilizations.
More than 150 rooms are available for guided tours at the Cliff Palace in one particular configuration.
Outdoor aficionados and history buffs will enjoy a trip to Mesa Verde National Park due to the park’s excellent blend of landscape and history. It is also a great option for families seeking a pleasurable day of exploration.
Point Lookout Trail; Petroglyph Point Trail; Cliff Palace; Ancient Pueblo Structures; Guided Tours; Point Lookout Trail
The National Dinosaur Memorial
Despite its diminutive size in comparison to other outdoor activities, the Dinosaur National Monument provides a magnificent natural landscape that will captivate both adults and children.
The area was once inhabited by dinosaurs, and the fossils that have been preserved now contribute to the Dinosaur National Monument, which features a picturesque backdrop of mountains and canyons. An on-site exhibition hall provides visitors with additional information about what they are witnessing, as well as information about nearby hiking trails.
- The Sound of Silence Trail
- The Fossil Discovery Trail
- The Dinosaur National Monument
A hike up the Flatirons
The Flatirons, which are located just outside of Boulder, provide some of the most distinctive and easily accessible nature trails in Colorado. The Flatirons are comprised of massive sandstone and are accessible via a variety of hiking trails suitable for climbers of varying abilities.
Both the McClintock Trail and the Enchanted Mesa are popular routes. The summit’s panoramic views are nothing short of magnificent, and its proximity to Boulder makes it ideal for combining with other daily activities.
Places of interest include the McClintock Trail, the Enchanted Mesa Trail, the First, Second, and Third Flatiron Trail, and the Chautauqua Trailhead.
Drive Along Skyway Drive
The Skyline Drive is a picturesque and one-of-a-kind route that allows road trip devotees to see some of Colorado’s most alluring features. Designed for horse-drawn carriages and constructed by convicts in the early 1900s, the drive has intriguing historical significance.
The scenic journey offers ideal vantage points of notable landmarks, such as Royal Gorge, and a convenient stop at Canon City, one of Colorado’s most renowned communities with a rich cultural heritage and a history steeped in tradition.
Places of interest include Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Royal Gorge, and Canon City.
Sample Local Breweries
Long before the explosive expansion of craft beer in other parts of the country, the state was a haven for beer lovers. It is likely that you will encounter a delicious microbrewery wherever you are in the state.
Breweries in Colorado may be situated in the heart of major cities or in more remote locations, such as shopping centers or corporate parks.
Points of Interest
Breckenridge, New Belgium, Great Divide, Odell, and Red Leg are among the most renowned local breweries.
Go camping
Colorado was created with outdoor exploration in mind. Camping is the best method to immerse oneself in nature, as there are numerous peaks to climb and nature trails to explore in the woods.
The Colorado National Parks offer a variety of campsites, including family-friendly and secluded options, to suit your requirements. Many locations are RV-friendly.
Points of Interest
Among the loveliest campgrounds are Mueller State Park, Estes Park, Rainbow Lakes, Eleven Mile State Park, and Lone Rock.
Factors to Consider
Before planning a journey to any of the above locations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Remember that Colorado’s land area exceeds 104,000 square miles. If you plan to travel by vehicle, be sure to map out each destination in order to reduce travel time.
While Colorado is home to some of the nation’s finest outdoor activities, not everyone will appreciate them. Think about the type of vacation you desire. Are you intrigued in exploring urban environments? Do you desire to spend as much time as possible in nature?
Last but not least, there are a number of excellent options on this list that are either free or have a nominal cost if you are looking to save money. If finances are a concern, you can rest assured that Colorado’s outdoor activities provide excellent options that are affordable.