Five years ago, my husband and I packed our lives away in cardboard boxes and moved from the rainy PNW to Denver, CO.
Nearly every weekend since, we’ve pushed ourselves to go on new adventures and experiences to ensure we make the most out of our time here.
Throughout these adventures, there have been experiences we have absolutely adored, while others have been… disappointing.
These lessons have inspired me to create this ultimate Colorado Bucket list.
A complete list of Colorado activities that are actually worth your time.
So, whether you’re about to visit Colorado for the first time, or have been exploring Colorado for years now, I hope you’ll be able to find some fun adventures to add to your next travel list!
This post may contain affiliate links where, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you use them. I only recommend products I use, trust, and adore. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.
When to Visit Colorado
As there are four very distinct seasons, Colorado can be enjoyed year-round. However, if you do have the choice and flexibility, I would suggest considering what you want to do in Colorado before making your choice of when to visit.
For example, are you looking to go skiing? Visiting during winter is the obvious choice. Perhaps you want to explore the outdoors? Spring or fall is best, as it avoids the extreme hot and cold weather Colorado is notorious for.
Pin this post for later reference
Safety Disclaimer
One more thing I want to mention before diving into the Colorado bucket list… and that is safety.
Colorado is a high-elevation state. This means that if you’re traveling from lower elevations (such as sea level), altitude sickness is a real possibility. In fact, my first time here, I had altitude sickness for about two full days before I was able to do anything. Learn from my mistake and don’t let it ruin your trip! Here is an article from WebMD all about altitude sickness, how to avoid it, what to look for, etc. Read it!
Other safety issues to keep in mind (though, not an exhaustive list):
- Beware of wildlife when spending time outdoors (rattlesnakes, bears, moose, mountain lions, etc.)
- If you plan on hiking or spending any amount of time outdoors, be sure to have the 10 essentials with you at all times
- Always check Google Maps and CDOT’s website before driving long stretches at a time – rockfalls, wildfires, snow and other hazards commonly cause road closures, even on busy highways and at times you wouldn’t expect
- Sunscreen (even in winter) is an absolute must in Colorado – we are one mile above sea level… that is one mile closer to the sun and you can absolutly tell the difference. It doesn’t matter what you use, as long as it has a high SPF (like this Coppertone Sport 100 SPF spray).
Colorado Packing List
No matter your length of stay in Colorado, here are some items you won’t want to forget to pack:
- High-Quality SPF 100 Sunscreen (…as previously mentioned)
- Polarized UV Sunglasses (Similar high-elevation thinking here… protect your eyeballs! Plus, these pairs are cute and cheap.)
- Chapstick (this will be the first thing you grab for if you’re arriving from out-of-state)
- Electrolyte Powder Mix – to help stay hydrated at this high of elevation (my favorite is Liquid IV)
- Comfortable Walking Shoes and Hiking Boots
- Packable Hiking Day pack (these bags are so cool and perfect to travel with)
- Dress in Layers – The range in temperature you will experience here is always unexpected, and the forcast can change drastically, here are some ideas per season:
- Winter: Heavy winter coat, fleece jacket, thermal undershirt, thermal lined jeans or leggings, merino wool socks
- Spring/Fall: You’ll probably need both warm and cool weather clothes such as a weatherproof jacket, fleece jacket, light travel T-shirt or tanktop, shorts and pants options (or be like me, and just bring travel convertible pants), merino wool socks, and thin sock options
- Summer: Watherproof jacket, rain jacket, light T-shirts, tanktops, shorts, thin socks
Seasonal Bucket List Freebie
Speaking of bucket lists, here is a seasonal bucket list free printable to help add even more activity ideas to your free time!
The Ultimate Colorado Bucket List
Okay, now that the boring stuff is out of the way, let’s dive into the fun, exciting, adventure-filled Colorado Bucket List! 😀
To help keep things organized, I’ve listed each activity by region below.
Colorado’s Front Range & Surrounding Cities
Okay, I’m considering the Front Range to include all areas surrounding the major Colorado metro areas… think Fort Collins down to Colorado Springs.
Denver
Of course, the first on this list is to visit Denver. There are countless amazing attractions in Denver. So many, in fact, that they deserved their own blog post. Some of my favorites include:
- Denver Art Museum
- Union Station
- Denver Zoo
- Elitch Gardens Theme Park
- Little Man Ice Cream
- Denver’s US Mint
- Denver Botanic Gardens
Related: 19 Best Things to do in Denver, CO
Golden
Golden, a wild west town located just to the west of Denver, is such a fun destination. Here are some activities to check out:
- Coors Brewery
- Downtown Golden and Clear Creek Trail
- Colorado Railroad Museum
- Any of the Surrounding Hikes: Most of the hikes around Golden have similar views and experiences, so probably only choose one to start with.
- Lookout Mountain: If you’re just looking for a view with minimal effort, just drive to Windy Saddle Park and be sure to stop to see the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, Boettcher Mansion, and Buffalo Bill’s Museum and Grave along the way
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater and Dinosaur Ridge
A few minutes south of Golden is the city of Morrison. Here, you can find the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater. I probably spent over 100 hours at this park conducting an erosion control research project for grad school. My advice? 1. Beware of rattlesnakes. I. Mean. It. 2. Don’t visit around concert times unless attending. 3. The Geologic Overlook Trail is probably the best view on-site (and is an easy hike). 4. Don’t forget to visit the actual Amphitheater and the Hall of Fame – both are free to enter and park.
Pro tip: Non-locals usually miss this… across the main street from Red Rocks is Dinosaur Ridge, a short and easy hike where you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks. Here, you can also hike the beautiful Dakota Ridge trail. I talk more about this park in this old blog post. It’s also free unless you want to pay for the tour.
Related: Dinosaur Ridge and Dakota Ridge Trails – Where to Find Dinosaurs in Denver, CO
Evergreen
Just to the West of Denver and Red Rocks Park is the CUTEST town… Evergreen. On your way up I-70, be sure to pull over at the Buffalo Overlook to see the Bison (they are usually in the area early morning and late afternoon). Once you head into Evergreen, you can enjoy a walk downtown, a hike through Elk Meadow Park, or a hike around (or ice skating on) Evergreen Lake.
Pin this post for later reference
Boulder
Boulder… home of many incredible attractions:
- The Flatirons Geologic Formation (here is the hike to enjoy it up close and personal)
- Celestial Seasonings Tea (tour and tea tasting room)
- Pearl Street Mall
- University of Colorado
- National Center for Atmospheric Research
- Eldorado Canyon State Park
Fort Collins
Fort Collins is an incredibly bike-friendly town with beautiful historic buildings. Just to the west of the city is Horsetooth Reservoir, a popular outdoor destination with plenty of activities and hiking trails available. After your day outside, be sure to stop in at the New Belgium Brewing Company.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Castlewood Canyon State Park is my absolute favorite state park in Colorado. There are plenty of activities to do including rock climbing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and more. Although this park has a TON of great features, my favorite is the ruins of the Castlewood Dam, originally measuring 600 feet long and 70 feet tall.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a major hot spot for tourism in Colorado, and rightly so. There are countless activities to choose from, all of which are bucket-list-worth. Here are my favorites:
- Garden of the Gods
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- The Olympic Training Center
- The United States Air Force Academy
- Broadmoor Hotel
- Glen Eyrie Castle
- Pikes Peak
Manitou Springs
Just to the west of Colorado Springs, you’ll find Manitou Springs, famous for its Cliff Dwellings and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.
Tip: Garden of the Gods, the Glen Eyrie Castle, and Manitou Springs are within 10 minutes of each other, so can easily be grouped together!
Cañon City & the Royal Gorge Bridge
About an hour southwest of Colorado Springs is Cañon City, a cute historic town famous for the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, the highest in America. Here, you can also ride the World’s Scariest Skycoaster, America’s highest zip line, enjoy a gondola ride, climb the via Ferrata, and more.
Honorable Mentions
It is hard to narrow down this bucket list, so I’ll add a few more great options to the Front Range region:
- Mount Falcon Hike to Castle Ruins (image below) near Morrison
- Bike any of the fantastic bike trails in the Denver Metro Area
- Hike the Coyote Song Trail
- Visit Cherry Creek State Park
- Hike in Roxborough State Park
- Walk around the Historic Fairmont Cemetary in Denver
- Rock Climb in Staunton State Park
Northwest Colorado Bucket List
Note: For the purposes of this blog post, I am considering “Northwest Colorado” to include everything along the I-70 corridor north, and west of I-25 that wasn’t included in the “Front Range” section.
Rocky Mountain National Park
When you search for the best things to do in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is often number one. I can’t agree more, it is an amazing destination!
There is so much to see and do in RMNP. My all-time favorite hike here is Emerald Like, but some other great hikes include Gem Lake, Alberta Falls, Bear Lake, and Sky Pond.
Estes Park and the Stanley Hotel
Estes Park is one of my favorite towns in Colorado, and a must-add to your bucket list (if it isn’t there already). It is located about an hour northwest of Boulder and is famous for being the most popular entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
In the town itself, you can visit the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration behind The Shining by Stephen King), walk around downtown, visit Lake Estes Marina, ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, and more.
Winter Park
Winter Park is a popular ski town that offers an amazing benefit: you can get there by train from Denver (at a surprisingly cheap cost)! There is actually a ton to do in town, including a gondola ride, snowshoeing, astronomy tours, and more.
Saint Mary’s Glacier
Saint Mary’s Glacier is an easy, short, and incredibly rewarding hike. The trailhead is located near Idaho Springs, about an hour outside of Denver.
Black Hawk and Central City
Just north of Idaho Springs, you’ll find Central City and Black Hawk. These are old mining towns that have been turned into major casino hotspots. Even if you aren’t into gambling, the towns are really cool to explore.
Peak to Peak Drive
Among the most scenic drives in all of Colorado is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. It runs between Black Hawk and Estes Park and takes about 80 minutes without stopping. It is best completed in the fall when the gorgeous aspens are changing color! Here were our favorite stops along the way:
- Hesse and Apex Ghost Towns
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Barker Reservoir
- Boulder Falls
- Brainard Lake (this is a great snowshoeing location too!)
- St. Catherine’s Chapel
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Another popular scenic drive in Colorado is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. It is also located near Idaho Springs but can only be accessed during the warmer months due to dangerous conditions. Don’t worry, it is well worth the trip!
Tip: Online reservations may be required to enter the highest stretch of the roadway.
Georgetown
Just past Idaho Springs along I-70 is Georgetown. There are quite a few amazing stops to check out here including:
- Drive Guanella Pass (perfect for the fall)
- Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad (and visit the silver mine)
- Ski at Loveland Pass
- Walk around historic Downtown Georgetown
- Hike Mount Bierstadt (one of the most iconic 14ers, definately our favorite)
Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco
These three towns are located along I-70, making them easily accessible. They are also near the beautiful Dillon Reservoir, perfect for a day on the water. But, perhaps my favorite activity in the area is the Dillon Ice Castles. Unfortunately, they haven’t taken place every year, so be sure to check their website to see if the Ice Castles will be in town when you visit.
Breckenridge
Just south of Frisco is the town of Breckenridge, another popular ski resort. Here, you can also visit the Breckenridge Troll, visit downtown, drive the Boreas Pass Road (great in the fall), and more.
Vail
Vail is one of my all-time favorite Colorado mountain towns. It is just so… unique and cute! One thing I love about Vail is that you can visit at different times throughout the year and have a completely different experience.
Snow Season: Skiing and snowboarding, gondola rides, snow tubing, shopping
No-Snow Season: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, mountain biking, farmers market, Booth Falls trail (best in fall), gondola ride, shopping
Tip: There are various villages located within Vail, each offering its own unique experiences. The two main ones are Lionshead and Vail Village. Be sure to check them both out. Here is a link to the Vail Resort website explaining the villages and information on each.
Glenwood Springs
As you continue down I-70 from Vail, the next major stop is Glenwood Springs. This cute and historic town is famous for its natural hot springs, historic downtown area, and the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Many people also visit Glenwood Springs to hike to Hanging Lake (photo below). Obviously, this is another bucket list-worthy add. However, the trail is not always open, requires a permit, and fills up fast. Be sure to check out the Hanging Lake website before planning your trip.
Tip: Another great bucket-list worth addition is to add the Glennwood Springs train trip through Amtrak. It can take you to several destinations including Glenwood Springs and Denver and offers a great viewing car to see Glenwood Canyon in detail.
Steamboat Springs
About 2 hours north of either Vail or Glenwood Springs is the town of Steamboat Springs. We visited during the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, it was a blast! But there are plenty of other great activities including:
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs
- Fish Creek Falls Hike
- Steamboat Gondola
- Steamboat Springs Mountain Coaster
Grand Junction
Grand Junction is the last major city center before reaching the Utah border on I-70. It is perhaps most famous for being a winery hub for Colorado, but you can also find a ton of great hiking trails in the area.
Colorado National Monument
Just outside of Grand Junction is Colorado National Monument. This is an incredibly large park with breathtaking views. There is honestly so much to see, but if you’re short on time, I recommend prioritizing the Devil’s Kitchen trail and driving along Rim Rock Drive.
Honorable Mentions:
If you’re looking for even more great attractions in Northwest Colorado and along the I-70 corridor, be sure to check these out:
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Keystone Ski Resort
- Copper Mountain Ski Resort
- Rifle Falls State Park
- Grays and Torreys Peak (14er)
- Herman Gulch Trail
- Lake Isabelle
Southwest Colorado Bucket List
This next section includes all parts of Colorado south of the I-70 corridor and west of I-25.
Kenosha Pass
The Kenosha Pass hike is a really popular destination (and rightly so) during the fall. I recommend keeping an eye on the AllTrails website photos and social media to ensure you arrive at peak color change. The drive to and from the trail is also spectacular.
Cripple Creek
Speaking of color change, another great fall foliage scenic drive is to Cripple Creek. It is located about an hour and a half south of Kenosha Pass.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is such a beautiful Colorado town. Popular activities include skiing, hiking, camping, biking, and driving along Kebler Pass to see the fall colors.
Aspen
Aspen is a fairly famous Colorado mountain town. It has a gorgeous downtown area and is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Related: Top 8 Activities to Try in Aspen, Colorado
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells hike is arguably among the top 5 things to do in all of Colorado. This is an incredibly scenic region with some of the best hiking trails around. Most people hike the easier Crater Lake trail, but I HIGHLY encourage you to opt for backpacking the Four Pass Loop instead. This hike makes my top five list of favorite hikes of all time. It is… amazing.
Crystal Mill
Another VERY popular hiking destination in Colorado is Crystal Mill. This 9-mile hike is located in White River National Forest. The hike mainly takes place along an old dirt road, which takes you to the beautiful scene of an old mill, waterfall, and large mountain peaks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Just outside of Montrose Colorado is the jaw-dropping Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This park is absolutely stunning and unique, a must-see while in the area.
Tips: The South Rim is the most popular area to visit, and the one I recommend. In addition, bears and mountain lions are very active in the area, keeping bear spray with you at all times is a must (this is the one we use and love). Here is the NPS safety page for the park.
Finally, if you’re up for a strenuous hike with a beautiful view, try hiking into the canyon. Be aware that due to safety concerns, a free permit is required, as well as a quick orientation from a park ranger. These slots fill up fast.
Pin this post for later reference
Telluride
If I had a choice of where to live in Colorado, it would be Telluride. This historic town is stunning and is surrounded by epic hiking and skiing opportunities. Here are some of my favorite attractions in the area:
San Juan National Forest
Many argue that the hiking trails in the San Juan National Forest are the best Colorado has to offer. I can confirm, the area is absolutely stunning. The most popular hikes include Ice Lake Basin, Columbine Lake, and Island Lake.
Durango
Just south of Telluride and the San Juan National Forest is the popular town of Durango. Here, the most popular attraction is by far the Durango – Silverton Scenic Train Ride (voted the best scenic train ride in the US on several occasions).
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is such a unique experience. It is well known for the high dune formations and seasonally flowing river, allowing you to visit a “beach” in the middle of Colorado.
Tip: I recommend not hiking the popular dunes, but instead just head out into the area and hike where no one else is. This way, you will beat the crowds and get to experience the same views.
Mesa Verde National Park
Next is Mesa Verde National Park. This beautiful park is well known as an archaeological site. It is home to numerous well-preserved cliff dwellings.
Visit Four Corners
Finally, a fun Colorado bucket list addition is to visit the Four Corners Monument. It’s about an hour away from Messa Verde.
Honorable Mentions:
Here are a few more great ideas to add to your Southwest Colorado Bucket List:
- Buena Vista
- Pagosa Springs
- Ridgeway
- Ouray
- Million Dollar Highway
- Canyons of the Ancients Naitonal Monument
- Chimney Rock National Monument
Colorado Plains & Other Colorado Experiences
Let’s wrap up this Colorado bucket list with some fun activities on the Colorado Plains and other miscellaneous Colorado experiences.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a nearly 16,000-acre plot of land only 8 miles northeast of Denver. There is so much to see, you really could spend a full day here. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as an 11-mile self-driving tour to see the many different animals (bison, deer, raptors, prairie dogs, coyotes, and more).
Oh yeah, did I mention it’s free?
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a major plot of land located northeast of Denver. There are over 700 acres filled with large habitats to protect and rehabilitate rescued large predators including lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!).
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a beautiful, unique, and really interesting location. It features beautiful geologic soil and rock formations with varying colors. As a bonus, the hike is really easy.
Summit a 13er or 14er
A really common Colorado bucket list addition is to hike a 14er. This means to hike a trail that reaches 14,000 ft or higher. However, because it is such a popular activity, nearly all of the 14ers are always crowded. So, you might want to consider hiking a 13er instead! These peaks are usually completely empty, just as challenging, and have similar views.
Great 14er for Beginners: Mount Bierstadt (my favorite), Grays Peak, Huron Peak, Mount Elbert,
Great 13er Options: Mount Audubon, Mount Lady Washington, Square Top Mountain, Notch Mountain
Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Of course, skiing or snowboarding has to be added to this list as well! There are countless ski resorts listed above, plenty to choose from.
Go Rock Climbing
There are a TON of great places for both indoor and outdoor rock climbing throughout Colorado. We mainly climb close to home (not far from Denver)… our favorites include:
- Clear Creek Canyon
- North Table Mountain
- Eldorado Canyon
- Shelf Road
- Staunton State Park
- EarthTreks Indoor Climbing Gym
- Movement Indoor Climbing Gym
Eat Colorado Famous Foods
Finally, here is a list of some famous Colorado foods and beverages:
- Palisade Peaches
- Rocky Mountain Oysters
- Green Chiles
- Colorado Style Pizza
- Craft Beer
Nearby Roadtrips from Colorado
There are a ton of great road trips in surrounding states you can easily enjoy before or after visiting Colorado. Here are some blog posts to help you plan these adventures:
- The Ultimate Utah Might 5 Road Trip Itinerary
- How to Plan the Perfect Utah Road Trip
- The Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
- What to Know Before Visiting Yellowstone National Park
- The Ultimate Southwest National Parks Road Trip
- The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 55 Things You Don’t Want to Forget
Seasonal Bucket Lists
One of my favorite things to do each year is to complete a seasonal bucket list. Here are the ones I follow:
- The Ultimate Winter Movie Bucket List
- 50 Spring Activities to Keep You Busy All Season Long!
- The Best Summer Bucket List – 50 Fun Activities
- Top 50 Autumn Activities to Add to Your Fall Bucket List
- The Ultimate Halloween Bucket List
- 50 Magical Holiday Activities to Ensure You Cherish The Season
Further Reading
Finally, here are some additional blog posts that you might find useful:
- The Top Ten Day Hikes near Denver
- Ten Hiking Essentials: What You Don’t Want to Forget on the Trail
- The Ultimate Denver Colorado Bucket List
There you have it! The ultimate Colorado bucket list, with some extra tips and resources tossed in along the way. I truly hope you found it helpful. Enjoy your time in Colorado and happy travels!
Pin this post for later reference
Comments are closed.