Hey adventure junkies! If you’ve ever wanted a place combining wilderness with culture, it’s time to plan your trip – things to do in Colorado. I’ve traveled it thoroughly, and it never disappoints. In Colorado, you can hike a 14,000-foot peak in the morning and enjoy a craft brew on a city patio in the afternoon. In 2022, Colorado welcomed 84.7 million. This guide isn’t a list but a journey through Colorado’s top spots. I’ll highlight five of the best hotspots that showcase its attractions, from national parks to mountain towns. Welcome to Colorado!
Best Time to Visit Colorado
Anytime is an excellent time to visit Colorado; it just depends on your style of adventure. The busiest season is typically from June to August, which is perfect for hiking and enjoying festivals. My favorite months are September and October because you can still enjoy hiking and taking in the beautiful views without the crowds. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowshoeing. Additionally, visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall allows you to experience Colorado’s famous summer and winter activities at more affordable prices.
Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado.
1. Boulder: The Flatiron City with a Vibe.
My first recollection of Boulder is whipping around the corner on Highway 36 and glimpsing the beautiful, iconic Flatirons rising into the sky. It’s a view that never gets old. This city is the perfect mix of outdoor grit and intellectual charm. Boulder is an easy day trip from Denver, and if you’re looking for things to do in Denver, Colorado that quickly immerse you in the mountains, Boulder is your answer..
- Pearl Street Mall: I could spend hours just watching people. Boulder has an entire four-block open-to-the-air pedestrian mall. The energy is fantastic! Street performers, eclectic shops, and food aromas wafting past you from every corner. Plan on 2-3 hours.
- Chautauqua Park: This is your starting point for hiking the Flatirons. The trails are easy loops to strenuous climbs. There is free entry into the park, and a 2-hour hike on one of the moderate trails offers incredible views of the city below.
- Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: A must-see! An ornate, hand-carved teahouse that was a gift from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan. It is like stepping into another continent..
- Hidden Gem: Instead of trying to wait for a table downtown, head to the Rayback Collective
- Food: For an incredible farm-to-table meal, you cannot go wrong at The Kitchen on Pearl St. It’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it..
- Nearby Hotel: St. Julien Hotel & Spa, offering a more luxurious experience with gorgeous mountain views.
2. Telluride: A Box Canyon Paradise.
Hidden in a gorgeous box canyon, Telluride has that exclusive quality that compels you to yell about it from the rooftops.
The first time I hopped on the free gondola and rode up the mountain to glance at the twinkling town lights below, I was hooked.
Telluride itself is a significant hub of adventure sports in Colorado, offering everything from skiing to expert mountain biking. Yet, it has maintained a laid-back, authentic feel that is rare in other notable ski towns.
- Telluride Mountain Village Gondola: This is much more than a mode of transportation; it is a picturesque 13-minute scenic gondola ride that connects the historic town and Mountain Village. The best part? It’s completely Free and worth it.
- Bridal Veil Falls: You can hike or drive to Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall (365 feet). The 1.8-mile trek is a pretty decent workout, but the mist that comes off the waterfall feels very nice after the hike!. You know, even this is Free to access.
- Telluride Via Ferrata: For a real thrill, try this guided climb along iron rungs bolted into a cliff face. It’s a 3-4 hour experience that will get your heart pumping (fees vary by guide service). But it is worth more than the price.
- Hidden Gem: For a once-in-a-lifetime meal, take the snowcat up to Alpino Vino. This restaurant sits at 11,966 feet and is North America’s highest fine dining restaurant. I felt it was extraordinary just being there.
- Food: After a long hike, you need food. Brown Dog Pizza’s Detroit-style pizza was one of the best things I had ever eaten (well, it was almost like eating God’s food).
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3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Colorado’s Surreal Paradise.
You will see massive sand dunes contrasted with the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains for the first time, which feels surreal. It is one of the most incredible national parks in Colorado. One of my favorite memories was sledding down the dunes at sunset. Even then, the sand was still warm, the sky was on fire, and it felt like we were on a different planet.
- Sandboarding & Sand Sledding: This is the main event! You can rent boards from the Oasis Store just outside the park for about $25/day. Plan on spending 3-4 hours hiking up and 3-4 hours sledding down. The park charges $25 per vehicle to enter.
- Hike to Star Dune: For an actual challenge, hike to the highest dune in North America (750 feet). This is a long, strenuous 6- to 8-hour hike, so start early and pack plenty of water.
- Medano Creek: In late Spring and early summer, this seasonal creek creates a beach at the bottom of the dunes. It is free as part of your park entry fee and an excellent place for the family to cool off and splash about!
- Hidden Gem: If you decide to visit the park, do not miss the short hike to Zapata Falls just outside of the park. A cool, misty cave to escape the hot sand.
- Food: Options are limited. The Oasis Restaurant (seasonal) has burgers and basics. Your best bet is to bring a great picnic lunch!
- Nearby Hotel: Camp at Piñon Flats Campground, right inside the park, to have the best experience, but it books months in advance!
4. Durango: All Aboard for the Old West.
Durango is the place where the rugged Old West spirit still lives on. There’s nothing like the moment you hear the whistle of a historic steam train ringing across the Animas Valley! One of Colorado’s most visited tourist destinations, this place is filled with adventure and history for a very good reason.
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: 3.5 hours (one way) on an 1882 steam train. Unbelievable! Take in the views. Tickets hover around $100+, but are worth every penny.
- Mesa Verde National Park: About 35 miles from Durango: The Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings are amazing. You will need a full day for this. Entrance to the park is $30 per vehicle.
- Historic Downtown Durango: Take a couple of hours to shop and tour the galleries, and take in the magic of the Strater Hotel; it feels like you walked into a movie set.
- Hidden Gem: A couple of miles north on Highway 550 is Pinkerton Hot Springs, a must-see for the quirky beehive-type mineral deposits, not for swimming. But it’s a quick, cool, free roadside stop.
- Food: You can’t go wrong with a burger and craft beer from Steamworks Brewing.
5. Estes Park: The Gateway to the Rockies.
This is my happy place. Estes Park embodies a Colorado mountain town and is perfect for exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park. Standing on a ridge at sunrise, with cool air and trails, after watching elk in a parking lot, an indescribable sight makes this spot special. It offers some of the park’s best hiking trails, making it always inviting.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: You will need a timed-entry permit ($2) plus the park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle) for the peak season, so plan accordingly.
- Hike to Emerald Lake: A 3.6-mile round-trip hike (from Bear Lake Trailhead) passes three stunning alpine lakes (Nymph, Dream, and Emerald) and is one of the best return-on-investment hikes I’ve made (for the tough work put in, the reward is huge!).
- The Stanley Hotel: This hotel is probably best known for inspiring one of Stephen King’s classics, The Shining. You don’t have to stay there to experience the hotel’s beauty; you can take a hotel tour (booking is required, and fees vary) or enjoy a whiskey drink at the bar.
- Hidden Gem: If you’re looking for a hike away from the crowds of RMNP, check out the “Lily Mountain Trail.” It’s a 4-mile round-trip hike just outside the RMNP entrance, with fantastic 360-degree views at the summit of Lily Mountain.
- Food: Bird & Jim for modern mountain cuisine with fresh local ingredients is my choice.
- Nearby Hotel: The Estes Park Resort on Lake Estes is situated across the street from Estes Park’s downtown area, offering a tranquil retreat away from the busy downtown area.
Travel Basics for Colorado.
Accessing national parks typically requires a pass. The “America the Beautiful” pass ($80/year) covers all of them and is a great deal of visiting several times. Some mountain towns have resort fees or paid parking, so check ahead. Most places accept credit cards, but cash is useful at farmers’ markets or small shops. The high altitude is serious: drink more water than you think, especially with kids in Colorado, where altitude can have a greater impact on children.
Temporary SIM Cards & eSIMs.
Mountain connectivity can be spotty. I always recommend getting a temporary SIM or an eSIM to stay connected. Please note that plan duration and pricing may vary. Having reliable data is a lifesaver for navigating remote roads or checking trail conditions on the fly, especially when you venture into the heart of the Rockies, where your primary carrier might drop service.
Travel FAQs
1. Does Colorado get tornadoes?
Yes, Colorado averages around 50 tornadoes per year, with the peak occurring in June, predominantly on the eastern plains.
2. Can you ski for free in Colorado?
Yes, you can ski for free at Howelsen Hill (Sundays), Lee’s Ski Hill (always), Ruby Hill Rail Yard (Denver), and Spring Gulch (cross-country skiing).
3. Is Breckenridge worth visiting?
Yes, Breckenridge offers stunning alpine scenery, world-class skiing, a vibrant Main Street, year-round outdoor activities, plus arts, festivals, shops, and great dining.
