From breathtaking nature sites to city centers, putting Colorado on your travel bucket list is a must. It’s suitable for visiting any time of the year.
Whether you prefer hiking up the Rocky Mountain or taking a walk along the Royal Gorge Bridge, there is something for everyone in Colorado. Here are twelve fun things to do when in Colorado.
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Explore Denver
There is no trip to Colorado without visiting its capital, Denver. Perhaps if you’re on a tight budget or time crunch, visiting Denver would be enough to give you a glimpse into the life of a Denverite. You can get a direct flight to Denver as it has an international airport.
With its museums, sports, restaurants, beer cafes, and game stadiums, Denver attracts every type of tourist. There is the Denver Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Denver, and the Elitch Gardens Theme Park for those of you visiting with kids. There’s also the Denver Performing Arts Complex – one of a kind arts campus in America for artistic folks.
By travelling just outside the city, you can find some great Denver white water rafting; just be sure to call ahead for availability during peak season.
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Explore Boulder
With its small-city charm, Boulder is bound to wow anyone visiting Colorado. Though it’s mostly a student city, it offers the perfect city-like getaway since it’s home to the University of Colorado-Boulder. There are plenty of spaces to hang out, like the Pearl Street Mall is perfect for a shopping spree or to grab a drink with friends.
Like Denver’s Food Tour, Boulder’s unique charm are the Boulder festivals that go year-round. The Colorado Music Festival is a six-week concert offered every summer in Boulder. The Music Festival hosts more than forty national and international musicians every year. Truly, a delightful experience for music lovers. For nature-lovers, there are hiking trails to the Flatirons and Flagstaff Mountain.
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Take A Dip In A Hot Spring
If there is one thing in abundance in Colorado, other than breathtaking mountain views, it’s hot springs. A lot of resorts and hotels in Colorado have hot springs. A soak in the hot spring is perfect for unwinding after a tiring day of hiking or shopping. The old town of Dunton has a couple of hot springs and luxury camping spots that you should check out.
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Ski-In The Mountains
A ski trip should be on the top of the itinerary for Colorado if you’re planning to visit in the winter. It’s the most basic yet fun thing to do in Colorado. More than 20 resorts and designated areas offer skiing in Colorado, like the Snowmass, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Copper.
You can also choose the type of skiing experience that you want: family-friendly, heavy powder, downhill, or mogul. You can also choose what amenities you want nearby the skiing area. Some are close to the airport, while others have shopping centers and restaurants nearby.
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Aspen
If you’re planning to make a ski trip to Colorado, then you’ve probably heard of Aspen. Aspen is known for its slopey areas, perfect for skiing. The Aspen Highlands, Snowmass Ski Resort, and Aspen Mountain are ideal for skiing. If you’re visiting Aspen in the summers, you can visit the Maroon Bells and the Maroon Lake or hike on the Rio Grande Trail.
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Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re remotely familiar with tourist attractions in Colorado, then you’ve heard of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s one of the most loved and visited national parks in America. There’s so much to do in the Rockies like hiking (obviously), visiting wildlife sanctuaries, camping, and a lot more for nature lovers. The Trail Ridge Road is a good addition if you’re planning a road trip to Colorado.
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Mesa Verde National Park
Speaking of parks, the Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit for those who love exploring historically rich places. The Mesas are home to the 700-yeard-old community of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The Park pays homage to the cultural diversity of 26 Pueblos and Tribes. The Park is a World Heritage Site and is home to hundreds of species nowhere else to be found on this globe.
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See A Show At Red Rocks Amphitheater
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must on the travel list for our culture and art folks. As the name suggests, this enormous amphitheater is carved from red rocks. Only 10 miles from Denver, it hosts several concerts throughout the year.
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Hike to Hanging Lake
The renowned Hanging Lake in Colorado is another popular tourist attraction in Colorado. Though not safe for swimming or a slight dunk in water, it is good for hiking and taking pictures against the waterfall. There is also a hot spring near the Hanging Lake, or you can go rafting or kayaking on the Colorado River.
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Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the highest in the world. Pikes Peak, the highest point in the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, offers incredible views of the mountains. You do have to get reservations for the Cog Railway, but it runs through all seasons.
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Visit Garden of the Gods Park
The Garden of the Gods is a red rock landscape worthy of visiting when traveling to Colorado. Forming a backdrop against the Pikes Peak, you can do many fun things in the Garden of the Gods Park. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, jeep, or a trolly tour are some of the fun things you can experience. You can also visit the Visitor and Nature Center and Museum for a guided tour or a movie screening if you’re with kids.
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Walk Across The Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge is two hours from Denver. A hallmark of industrial art, with a breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado cliffs. The Royal Gorge is elevated more than 900 feet above the Arkansas River. A pathway of 1000 feet long makes it one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. If hiking is not your thing, try zip-lining, free-falling, aerial gondola, or visit the plaza theater for some fun.
Colorado has a ton of different activities for every type of tourist. Whether you prefer hiking trails and sitting in nature or love the city life, Colorado has a lot to offer. From its glistening city centers to panoramic views of the Rockies, you’re bound to fall in love with it.