14 Best Things to Do in Colorado
Planning a trip to Colorado and looking for the best things to do in Colorado?
From city sights to small town attractions to outdoor adventures, this guide to the best Colorado activities and sights has something for everyone.
And the best part is many of these attractions are easy day trips from Denver, as well as convenient stops on a Colorado road trip.
Keep reading for must do best activities in Colorado!
Walk the Highest Suspension Bridge in America
Head about an hour outside of Colorado Springs to Canon City for a thrilling walk across the highest suspension bridge in the United States. One of the most bucket-listed items for Colorado visitors, The Royal Gorge Bridge spans 1,200 feet high from the lowest point in the canyon below. That makes for some absolutely epic, and slightly terrifying, views of the Royal Gorge and its surrounding landscape.
Hike the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a spectacular nature park well known for its jaw-dropping rock formations. Located in Colorado Springs about 90 minutes south of Denver, this nature park is not only easy to visit but also completely free to enter. Check out the Nature Center, sign up for a guided tour, go on a leisurely hike, or for those more advanced there are many amazing climbs to try.
Don’t miss our comprehensive guide to Garden of the Gods!
Visit a Top Skiing Destination
Whether you’re a beginner on the slopes or seasoned pro, you won’t want to miss skiing trip to Colorado. Colorado is home to many renowned skiing resort destinations, such as Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, or Telluride. Even if you aren’t a skier or snowboarder, these are great destinations to cozy up in a ski lodger for a romantic winter getaway.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Colorado is home to many natural mineral hot springs, and one of the most popular is located in the town of Glenwood Springs in Western Colorado. The natural spring at Glenwood Hot Springs is one of the largest in the world and is shaped likes a massive pool, and is the perfect destination for both family fun and romantic weekends away. Fun fact: Glenwood Hot Springs bubbles over 3.5 million gallons per day!
Ride the Royal Gorge Train
You’ve probable seen viral videos of the Royal Gorge Train on social media, and this train ride definitely lives up to its viral expectations! Take a step into the past with a train ride through the mountainous terrain of Canon City and be served a drink or a meal along with the stunning views. The train route even features themed rides, such a murder mysteries on the weekends and wine and Oktoberfest themed rides in the fall.
Explore Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is a spectacular UNESCO Heritage Site located near the southwestern border of Colorado. This destination is home to remarkably preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo People and over 5,000 archaeological sites. Take a tour and soak in the history, and don’t miss exploring Cliff Palace, the largest of the 600+ preserved cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.
Watch the Sunset At Lookout Mountain
One of the most romantic activities to do in Colorado is to catch the sun setting over the Rocky Mountains. And one of the best spots for doing so is at the Lookout Mountain viewing point, located just outside the charming town of Golden, Colorado. This location is also perfect for watching the sun rise as well due to its east and west panoramic views. And for history buffs, Lookout Mountain is also home to wild west historical figure Buffalo Bill’s grave and museum.
Check out our full guide to Lookout Mountain!
Enjoy a Show at Red Rocks Amphitheater
For a concert experience like none other, you won’t want to miss a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Located just outside Denver, this unique outdoor venue is carved out of natural stones, which creates an incredible listening experience. And if you aren’t one for live music, the amphitheater also hosts movie nights in the summer as well as weekly yoga and workout sessions on its stairs.
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best natural areas in Colorado with endless opportunities for enjoyment. Whether you prefer to hike or take a scenic drive, this park has hundreds of thousands of acres to explore. Don’t miss taking a drive up over 12,000 feet high on Trail Ridge Road for unmatched views of the surrounding landscapes. And make sure to visit during different seasons to see all the natural beauty the park offers.
Observe Animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Get up close and personal with animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Ranked as one of the best zoos in the country, this unique zoo is built into the mountainside and requires either a hike or a gondola ride to access. Visitors to the zoo are rewarded with panoramic views and getting up close and personal with animals living in rustic, natural environments.
Visit the Great Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park was once a lake hundreds of thousands of years ago before a sudden disappearance of the lake’s water. Left behind are these amazing sand dunes, perfect for hiking, boarding, and biking. And the Great Sand Dunes are even bigger than you would expect, with the famed Star Dune towering over 700 feet high!
Relax by Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is an extremely popular tourist destination in the town of Glenwood Springs. This picturesque lake is know for lush landscapes, towering cliffs, and verdant green water. It’s the perfect place to do some hiking and unwind in nature while on your Colorado vacation. Note that due to the park’s popularity, you will need to obtain a permit and have a reservation to visit, and swimming is prohibited to protect its beautiful color.
Enjoy Luxury in Aspen
Three hours outside of Denver is the world famed ski town of Aspen and its luxury hotels and resorts. Not only a winter skiing destination, the town is open year round and features a plethora of shops, restaurants, and luxury accommodations. And even though Aspen has a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy your time in this Colorado town!
Marvel at the Beauty of Denver Botanic Garden
Nature lovers and aspiring photographers won’t want to miss paying a visit to the Denver Botanic Garden just outside of Denver. Here you’ll find a tranquil Japanese Garden as well as a tropical conservatory featuring stunning flora from around the world. The gardens spans 24 acres and is the perfect activity for spending a few hours in Denver. There are also educational exhibits, artwork, and seasonal events to complete your experience.
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