Planning a trip to Colorado and looking for the best things to do in Colorado? I’ve got you with this guide to the best things to do in Colorado! This guide includes things to do in major Colorado cities, as well as Colorado’s beautiful national parks and small towns.
If you are planning a Colorado trip, The Mile High City of Denver makes a great jumping off point for your Colorado sightseeing. Many of these attractions are day or weekend trips from Denver or convenient stops on a road trip, making it easy to knock several items off your Colorado bucket list.
Keep reading for must do best activities in Colorado!
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Table of Contents
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 over 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.
Hike the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a spectacular nature park known for its jaw-dropping rock formations. Located in Colorado Springs about 90 minutes south of Denver, it makes for a great day trip or road trip stopping point. The best part is that access to the park is completely free! Check out the Nature Center, sign up for a guided tour, go on a leisurely hike, or for those more advanced there are some amazing climbs to try!
Don’t miss our comprehensive guide to Garden of the Gods!
Visit a Top Skiing Destination
There’s a reason why one of the best things to do in Colorado is ski! Colorado is home to many renowned skiing 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 known for its plethora of natural mineral hot springs and there are so many available to visit. One of the coolest hot springs to enjoy is the Glenwood Hot Springs located in western Colorado’s Glenwood Springs. This natural spring is one of the largest in the world and shaped likes a massive pool. Fun fact: Glenwood Hot Springs bubbles over 3.5 million gallons per day!
Ride the Royal Gorge Train
You may have seen videos on Instagram or TikTok of the Royal Gorge Train. This epic train ride lives up to its viral expectations! Takeba stunning train ride through the mountainous terrain of Canon City, while being served breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 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 known for its 5,000 archaeological sites. Mesa Verde is home to remarkably preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo People. In fact, there are over 600 cliffside dwellings still intact! Take a tour and soak in the history, and don’t miss exploring Cliff Palace, the largest of the 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. This creates a listening experience even better than you could imagine. And if you aren’t one for live music, the amphitheater also hosts weekly yoga and workout sessions on its stairs, as well as move nights in the summer.
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 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, the zoo is built into the mountainside. Visiting requires either a bit of a hike or a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride Gondola to access. Visitors to the zoo are rewarded with panoramic views and getting up close and personal with animals living in rustic, natural environments.
Light up at a Dispensary
Did you know that Marijuana is 100% legal for recreation in Colorado. Getting high is just as common of an activity as going out to the bar for a drink. And dispensaries selling weed are as commonly found as liquor stores. A trip to Colorado isn’t complete without a visit to a local dispensary. Just be responsible and remember that marijuana is not legal federally or in many other states.
Visit the Great Sand Dunes
Did you know that there are epic sand dunes in Colorado? The landscape at Great Sand Dunes National Park was once a lake long ago, before climate changed caused a sudden disappearance of all the lake’s water. Left behind are these amazing sand dunes, perfect for hiking, boarding, and biking. And the Great Sand Dunes seriously are great: the Star Dune towers at over 700 feet high!
Relax by Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is an extremely popular tourist destination in Colorado also in Glenwood Springs area. 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, although note you cannot swim in the lake in order to protect its beautiful color. Note as well that due to the park’s popularity, you will need to obtain a permit/have a reservation to visit.
Enjoy Luxury in Aspen
Three hours outside of Denver is the world famed ski town of Aspen. Not just a winter skiing destination, the town is open year round and features a plethora of shops, restaurants, and luxury accommodations. Stay overnight or make it a long weekend at one of Aspen’s luxury hotels nestled in the shadow of the slopes. 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!
What do you think of these best things to do in Colorado? Let me know of any top Colorado destinations in the comments below!
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