Top 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Colorado
Colorado's diverse landscape offers something for every type of adventurer. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vibrant urban culture of Denver, the Centennial State is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping adventures on mountain trails, relaxing soaks in natural hot springs, or immersive cultural experiences, Colorado delivers unforgettable moments in every season. This guide highlights the most spectacular activities that showcase Colorado's natural beauty, rich history, and adventurous spirit.
Pro Tip: Preventing Altitude Sickness
Colorado's high elevation can cause altitude sickness for unprepared visitors. Stay hydrated by drinking twice as much water as usual, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, ease into physical activity gradually, and consider spending your first night at a lower elevation (like Denver at 5,280 feet) before heading to higher mountain destinations. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help with headaches, but see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Essential Packing List for Colorado Adventures
- Layered clothing (temperatures can vary dramatically in a single day)
- High-SPF sunscreen (the sun is stronger at elevation)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
- Rain jacket (afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer)
- Hat with brim for sun protection
- Daypack for carrying essentials
- Camera for capturing Colorado's stunning landscapes
1. Hiking the Iconic Maroon Bells
Location: White River National Forest, near Aspen
Key Highlights: Often called the most photographed mountains in North America, the Maroon Bells offer spectacular scenery with their distinctive maroon-colored peaks reflected in Maroon Lake. The area features several trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents.
Practical Tips: Visit during summer or early fall for the best experience. In peak season (June-October), vehicle access is restricted between 8am-5pm, requiring a shuttle reservation. The Scenic Loop Trail (1.9 miles) is perfect for beginners, while experienced hikers should try the Crater Lake Trail (3.6 miles round-trip).
Local Insight: For the best photography opportunities, arrive before sunrise when the lake is perfectly still and the first light hits the peaks. The west side of Maroon Lake offers the classic view that appears on postcards.
2. Soaking in Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Location: Steamboat Springs
Key Highlights: These natural mineral springs are beautifully integrated into the mountainside, with stone pools of varying temperatures (104°F-106°F) surrounded by pristine forest. The contrast between hot water and cool mountain air creates a magical experience, especially in winter when snow surrounds the pools.
Practical Tips: The springs are open year-round, but winter access requires a 4WD vehicle with snow tires or chains. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds. After dark, the springs become clothing-optional (adults 18+ only). Reservations are required and can be made online.
Local Insight: Book one of the rustic cabins or heated wagons on-site for an overnight stay, allowing you to enjoy the springs under the stars after day visitors leave.
3. Exploring Ancient Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde
Location: Mesa Verde National Park, southwestern Colorado
Key Highlights: Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in North America. Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling, contains 150 rooms and 23 kivas (ceremonial chambers) that were occupied from 600-1300 CE.
Practical Tips: The park is open year-round, but guided tours of the cliff dwellings run primarily from April through October. Reserve ranger-led tours in advance, especially for Cliff Palace and Long House. The Mesa Top Loop Drive offers excellent viewpoints for those unable to take the more strenuous tours.
Local Insight: Visit the less crowded Step House trail, which you can explore without a guided tour. The park museum contains over three million artifacts and provides crucial context for understanding the ancient culture.
4. Skiing World-Class Slopes in Aspen or Vail
Location: Aspen and Vail, Colorado Rockies
Key Highlights: Colorado's legendary ski resorts offer some of the finest powder and most diverse terrain in North America. Aspen features four distinct mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk), while Vail boasts 5,317 acres of skiable terrain including the famous Back Bowls.
Practical Tips: The ski season typically runs from late November through mid-April, with January and February offering the most reliable snow conditions. Book accommodations and lift tickets well in advance, especially during holiday periods. Consider weekday visits to avoid crowds and save on lift tickets.
Local Insight: In Aspen, take the free guided mountain tour at Snowmass for insider knowledge about the best runs. At Vail, the less-traveled Blue Sky Basin offers exceptional tree skiing and a more secluded experience away from the main resort areas.
5. Driving the Million Dollar Highway
Location: San Juan Mountains, southwestern Colorado (US Route 550 between Silverton and Ouray)
Key Highlights: This 25-mile stretch of highway offers some of America's most spectacular mountain scenery, with hairpin turns, sheer cliffs, and panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The route passes through historic mining towns and offers access to numerous hiking trails and ghost towns.
Practical Tips: The road is open year-round but is most easily navigated from late spring through early fall. Winter driving requires experience and proper equipment. Drive slowly, especially around blind curves, and pull over only at designated areas. The complete route from Durango to Ouray takes about 2-3 hours without stops.
Local Insight: Stop at the overlook just south of Ouray for breathtaking views of the Uncompahgre Gorge. In Silverton, take time to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for another perspective on this stunning landscape.
6. Whitewater Rafting the Arkansas River
Location: Arkansas River, central Colorado (popular sections include Browns Canyon and the Royal Gorge)
Key Highlights: Experience the thrill of navigating through world-class rapids while surrounded by stunning canyon scenery. The Arkansas River offers sections suitable for all skill levels, from family-friendly Class II rapids to the adrenaline-pumping Class IV+ sections through the Royal Gorge.
Practical Tips: The rafting season typically runs from April through September, with peak water flows in May and June during snowmelt. Book with reputable outfitters who provide all necessary equipment and safety instruction. Browns Canyon offers the perfect balance of excitement and scenery for first-timers.
Local Insight: For a unique experience, book a multi-day trip that includes camping along the riverbank and meals prepared by your guides. The Numbers section north of Buena Vista offers the most technical rafting for experienced adventurers.
7. Touring Garden of the Gods
Location: Colorado Springs
Key Highlights: This registered National Natural Landmark features spectacular red rock formations that have been tilted, uplifted, and eroded into fascinating shapes. The park offers over 21 miles of trails, rock climbing opportunities, and stunning views of Pikes Peak in the background.
Practical Tips: The park is free to enter and open year-round. Start at the Visitor & Nature Center for orientation and educational exhibits. The 1.5-mile Central Garden Trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible, making it perfect for all visitors. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photography.
Local Insight: Take the less-traveled Siamese Twins Trail for a short hike (1 mile round-trip) to a unique rock formation that perfectly frames Pikes Peak when viewed through its window. For a guided experience, book a free nature walk with a volunteer naturalist to learn about the geology and ecology.
8. Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Northern Colorado, west of Estes Park
Key Highlights: Experience the majestic beauty of the Rockies in this iconic national park, home to 415 square miles of protected mountain terrain. The park features over 300 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, diverse wildlife including elk and bighorn sheep, and Trail Ridge Road—the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
Practical Tips: A timed-entry reservation system is in effect during peak season (May-October). Visit early morning or evening to avoid crowds and increase wildlife viewing opportunities. The Bear Lake area offers several accessible trails suitable for all abilities, while the Sky Pond trail (9.8 miles round-trip) rewards experienced hikers with spectacular alpine scenery.
Local Insight: Instead of focusing solely on the popular eastern side of the park, explore the less-crowded western entrance near Grand Lake. The East Inlet Trail offers beautiful views and solitude even during peak season. For wildlife viewing, check out Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park at dawn or dusk.
9. Visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park
Location: Southern Colorado, near Alamosa
Key Highlights: Marvel at North America's tallest sand dunes, which rise over 750 feet against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This unique ecosystem offers opportunities for sandboarding, hiking, stargazing, and splashing in Medano Creek during spring runoff.
Practical Tips: The park is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for dune exploration. Summer sand surface temperatures can exceed 150°F—plan morning or evening hikes and wear closed shoes. Rent sandboards or sleds in the nearby town of Alamosa, as regular snow sleds won't work on sand.
Local Insight: Visit during a full moon for a magical nighttime dune experience—the park often stays open later on these evenings. For a comprehensive experience, hike to the top of High Dune (about 2 hours round-trip) for panoramic views, then cool off in Medano Creek if it's flowing (typically April-June).
10. Experiencing Denver's Cultural Scene
Location: Denver and surrounding areas
Key Highlights: Balance your outdoor adventures with Colorado's vibrant cultural offerings. Denver's thriving arts scene includes the Denver Art Museum's impressive collection of Native American art, the immersive Meow Wolf experience, and the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre—a natural open-air venue where music and stunning geology combine for unforgettable performances.
Practical Tips: The Denver CityPASS offers significant savings on multiple attractions. Use the city's bike-sharing program to navigate between cultural sites. For Red Rocks concerts, arrive early to explore the surrounding park and secure good parking. The amphitheater is open to visitors during the day when no concerts are scheduled.
Local Insight: Explore the RiNo (River North) Art District for colorful murals, galleries, craft breweries, and food halls housed in converted industrial spaces. For a unique experience, check out First Friday Art Walks in Denver's Art Districts, when galleries stay open late and often offer complimentary refreshments.
Embracing Sustainable Tourism in Colorado
As you plan your Colorado adventure, remember that preserving these incredible experiences for future generations requires responsible tourism practices. Follow the "Leave No Trace" principles by staying on designated trails, properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife from a distance, and being mindful of fire restrictions. Consider visiting popular destinations during off-peak times to reduce crowding, support local businesses, and use public transportation when possible to minimize your carbon footprint.
Colorado's natural beauty and diverse attractions offer endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Whether you're conquering mountain peaks, exploring ancient dwellings, or immersing yourself in local culture, the Centennial State rewards visitors with memories that will last a lifetime. By approaching your adventures with respect for the environment and local communities, you help ensure that Colorado's treasures remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
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