21 Amazing Activities to Experience in Colorado

A state for all seasons with nearly endless sunny days, Colorado is home to 28 top-rated ski resorts, boasting the most dependable snowfall of any state, towering dunes, thrilling white-water rapids, and 39,000 miles of hiking trails. It also features 42 state parks and four national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, the fifth most visited national park in the country.

However, Colorado offers more than just an outdoor paradise. In addition to adrenaline-pumping activities and Instagram-worthy views, it showcases rich history, a lively art and music culture, cowboy heritage, trendy cities, quaint mountain towns, and delicious craft beers. Here are 21 top experiences in a state that truly has it all.

1. Experience the Autumn Colors in Aspen

Just outside the blend of cowboy charm and Hollywood elegance in Aspen, the striking Maroon Bells soar over a serene lake. Encircled by dense aspen forests, autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of yellow and orange leaves. It’s an enchanting sight and one of the finest spots in the state to witness fall colors.

Planning Tip: The trail by the lake tends to get busy this time of year, especially in late September when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Arrive before 8 AM for a parking spot, some peace, and a better chance of spotting wildlife. Alternatively, consider taking the shuttle from town and hiking into the aspen groves toward Crater Lake to enjoy the scenery without the crowds.

2. Discover ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is a unique destination, featuring the largest and best-preserved Native American archaeological site in the US. Located in a breathtaking landscape of canyons and mesas in the Four Corners region, Mesa Verde boasts over 5,000 Ancestral Puebloan sites that flourished for centuries before being mysteriously abandoned around 1300 CE.

What remains is one of the most thrilling experiences in the West: scaling down ladders, squeezing through narrow tunnels, and gazing into intricate cliff dwellings, all while contemplating what life was like in this remarkable place.

3. Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

As the top tourist attraction in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park embodies the essence of Colorado, drawing over 4.5 million visitors each year. Every sight is a postcard-worthy scene: a breathtaking expanse of towering granite peaks (with 77 mountains exceeding 12,000 feet), 147 glistening lakes, vibrant meadows, and lush alpine forests.

However, it’s well-known that RMNP can become incredibly crowded, particularly in summer. Avoid the throngs by stepping away from the roadside overlooks and putting on your hiking boots instead.

The park features 300 miles of trails suited for all skill levels, from a leisurely walk around Bear Lake to a challenging ascent of Longs Peak. Stunning views and serene solitude await you in the vast backcountry, home to herds of elk, roaming bighorn sheep, black bears, and more.

4. Explore the ghost town of St Elmo

Traveling along a rugged dirt road to the deserted mining town of St Elmo, it’s easy to envision the prospectors who once traversed this path, lured by stories of precious metals hidden deep within the Rockies. Nestled at the foot of the Collegiate Peaks, St Elmo stands as Colorado’s most well-preserved ghost town.

Over 40 buildings remain intact, primarily from the 1880s when the town flourished. Strolling past the saloon, billiards hall, courthouse, and jail offers visitors a glimpse into Colorado’s history, when gold and silver shaped the economy of these hills. It serves as a contemporary reminder of the fleeting fortunes and shattered dreams that characterized the West.

5. Enjoy a Colorado craft beer

Colorado takes its brewing seriously, elevating craft beer to an art form. Nearly every town you explore—from the small Del Norte to the beer-loving Fort Collins—has at least one beloved local brew (or many more). One thing’s for certain: you’ll find plenty of IPAs throughout the state.

Planning tip: If you’re visiting in September, be sure to grab tickets to the Great American Beer Festival. Taking place in Denver, this festival attracts over 1,000 master brewers from around the country competing for Best of Show awards in various categories like Best Coffee Beer and Best Barrel-Aged Strong Beer. The best part is sharing the experience with 60,000 fellow beer enthusiasts, all sampling exceptional brews by the ounce.

6. Experience a concert at Red Rocks

Attending a concert at Red Rocks is truly magical: the melodies filling the air, the crowd swaying to the rhythm, the expansive dark sky overhead, and the majestic 400-foot-high red sandstone formations framing the scene. Once a sacred site for the Ute tribe, Red Rocks is now celebrated worldwide for its incredible acoustics and breathtaking scenery, making it a unique amphitheater.

It’s no wonder legendary bands like The Beatles, U2, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead have performed and recorded albums here, as the venue continues to attract top artists and performers. Plus, it’s just 15 miles from Denver, making it easily reachable.

Planning tip: Follow the locals’ lead and enjoy the sunset before the concert begins.

7. Relax in Glenwood Hot Springs

Nestled at the end of a stunning canyon where the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers meet, Glenwood Hot Springs have been cherished for their therapeutic benefits for ages. Long before European settlers arrived, the Ute people enjoyed these soothing thermal waters, which they referred to as yampah (great medicine).

Today, a historic resort occupies the site, with the hot springs producing an impressive million gallons of mineral-rich water daily, circulating through two pools, one of which stretches an incredible 400 feet long.

Planning tip: The water temperatures range from 93°F to 104°F, making it warm enough for a soak even during a snowy January. Don’t forget your swimsuit and, if needed, your ski hat.

8. Traverse the Million Dollar Highway

Winding through the San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway links Ouray and Silverton, offering an astonishingly picturesque drive and ranking among Colorado’s top road trips. This 25-mile stretch features hairpin turns and tight S-bends that weave through the Uncompahgre Gorge, with towering mountainsides rising dramatically into misty peaks while the valley below is adorned with fir trees and wildflowers.

Planning tip: Exercise caution while driving. The road can be treacherous, even in favorable weather, and the absence of guardrails adds to the challenge. Utilize pullouts when necessary. The Red Mountain Pass (11,018ft) is particularly popular for its breathtaking 360-degree views.

9. Hula hoop in Telluride

Legend has it that the hula hoop craze began in the '90s when the Colorado band String Cheese Incident tossed hoops into the audience at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Festival-goers quickly embraced the hoops as dance partners, and the trend has continued ever since. Expect to see many 'hoopers' at every Telluride Bluegrass Festival performance.

This quirky activity is just one of the many delights of this incredible celebration of folk music and mountain culture, held annually in Telluride. The festival attracts big-name acts and thousands of enthusiastic attendees. Set in a stunning box canyon, Telluride is enveloped by rugged peaks and even features a waterfall. Though reaching it is a bit of a challenge, the reward is well worth the journey.

10. Surf down the tallest dunes in North America

Great Sand Dunes National Park presents a stunning landscape beside the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, featuring a sprawling dune field that spans over 30 square miles, with sandy peaks soaring hundreds of feet above the valley floor covered in brush. Climbing these dunes can be a challenge, as each step forward feels like a half-step back in the shifting sand, but this makes the experience of sand surfing all the more rewarding.

Specially designed wooden boards provide the ultimate ride, available for rent at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis just outside the park or in nearby Alamosa. Don your ski goggles and long socks, if you have them—the sand tends to get everywhere.

Planning tip: If you're visiting in late spring, consider yourself fortunate. The Medano Creek flows alongside the dunes temporarily, transforming the area into a beach perfect for water activities, tubing, and, of course, building sandcastles.

11. Explore the street art of the Mile High City

Surprising and spectacular, Denver’s hippest area, RiNo (River North), once an industrial wasteland, now thrives as a vibrant hub adorned with murals that cover everything from restaurant entrances and parking lot walls to alleyways, utility boxes, and garage doors.

Colorful, bold, and constantly evolving, the art captures your attention and reflects the rich diversity of Denver's community, its history, and everyday life. Get ready to be amazed.

12. Kayak on the Arkansas River

Prepare for chilly waters as you navigate the roaring waves of the Arkansas River, one of the state’s longest and most adventurous rivers. Spanning over 150 miles from Leadville to the breathtaking Royal Gorge, the river features everything from thrilling rapids to gentle currents, including the famous class-II section through Browns Canyon National Monument.

Planning tip: The prime paddling season is from late May to early July. Start your journey in Buena Vista or Cañon City.

13. Ski at Vail, the premier ski resort in the state

While you might assume Vail caters only to the wealthy elite, it is indeed a top-tier ski destination. Beyond the luxury and high prices, Vail boasts over 5,000 skiable acres, 195 trails, and some of the best terrain for both on- and off-piste skiing in the world.

The front side offers a silky corduroy experience—Vail’s groomers are true artists—featuring everything from gentle greens to exhilarating black diamonds like Blue Ox. However, don’t overlook the back side, particularly the iconic Blue Sky Basin and its seven bowls. With so much steep and deep terrain, you might lose track of your runs. Colorado boasts numerous fantastic ski resorts, but Vail is sure to win your heart.

14. Experience the thrill of touching dinosaur bones

For dinosaur enthusiasts, a visit to Dinosaur National Monument in the remote northwest corner of Colorado is essential. It’s one of the rare locations on the planet where you can actually reach out and touch a dinosaur skeleton, frozen in its final pose, forever preserved in rock and stone.

Home to one of North America’s largest fossil beds, this dinosaur quarry features around 1,500 prehistoric bones embedded in a cliff face. You'll encounter everything from allosaurus to stegosaurus.

Planning tip: Join ranger-led walks, talks, and tours for in-depth explanations of the site, along with numerous hands-on exhibits to enhance your experience.

15. Conquer a fourteener

Reaching the summit of a 14,000-foot mountain and soaking in the breathtaking views is a true rite of passage in Colorado. The state boasts over 50 'fourteeners', providing varying levels of access and challenge for hikers, from technical climbs to peaks accessible by road.

You can drive to the summit of Pikes Peak, hike the 3-mile trail to Quandary Peak near Breckenridge in Summit County, or tackle Mt Elbert (the highest of them all). Whichever you choose, the rewards are immense.

Experience a vintage journey to Pikes Peak on the cog train. One of only two cog railways in the U.S., it began transporting passengers in 1892, originating in Manitou Springs, just six miles from Colorado Springs.

16. Wear your Stetson at the National Western Stock Show

Get ready for one of the largest stock shows in the country – the National Western Stock Show – a beloved Denver tradition since 1906. Every January, enjoy over 20 rodeos, 15,000 farm animals, equestrian performances, dog shows, and even yoga sessions with baby goats.

Don't miss the iconic opening parade, where dozens of Longhorn cattle are driven right through downtown Denver, as power suits and high heels transform into cowboy hats, chaps, and striking belt buckles.

17. Step back in time on the Durango and Silverton Railroad

Not much has changed in the Rocky Mountains since the Durango & Silverton Railroad first chugged along its steep cliffs 142 years ago, tracing the path of the Animas River below.

The landscape remains magnificently rugged, adorned with dense forests and breathtaking vistas. While deer are commonly spotted, sightings of moose, bears, and mountain goats on narrow rock ledges are less frequent but still possible. For the best views, step onto the outdoor observation deck at the back of the train.

This family-friendly journey loops between Durango and Silverton, the latter being one of the highest former mining towns in the U.S. at an elevation of 9,318 feet.

Now tailored for visitors, the trip includes a two-hour layover with options to stay overnight and return later. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like whitewater rafting, camping, mountain biking, and off-roading. History buffs can explore a mine or dine at the elegant Grand Imperial Hotel, established in 1884.

18. Savor Colorado wines in Grand Valley

As one of the highest wine regions globally, the Grand Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is home to over a quarter of Colorado's wineries. Covering more than 75,000 acres along the Colorado River and nestled beneath Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, this area holds two-thirds of the state's vineyard land.

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains to the east and centered around Grand Junction and Palisade, it boasts over 30 wineries to discover. Each winery is set against a backdrop of breathtaking red rock formations, deep canyons, natural arches, lakes, and the captivating McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

19. Visit one of America’s most haunted hotels

Author Stephen King found inspiration for his bestselling novel, The Shining, at The Stanley Hotel, where he experienced a disturbing dream that influenced his writing and the subsequent blockbuster film adaptation.

If you’re unafraid of ghosts, embark on The Shining Tour at the Stanley, known as one of the most haunted locations in the U.S.. The guided tour features an ax from the film and a trip to the Shining suite. For an immersive experience, spend the night in rooms 401, 407, 428, and 217—where King stayed, rumored to have high levels of paranormal activity.

You don’t need to be a ghost enthusiast to appreciate the Stanley Hotel’s luxurious rooms, stunning architecture, delectable dining, and rich history. Established in 1909 at an altitude of 7,500 feet and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic gem is located in Estes Park, just five miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

20. Experience the ultimate Wild West adventure at the C Lazy U Ranch

Have you ever dreamed of participating in a cattle drive, singing by a campfire, or embarking on a guided horseback tour through wildflower meadows and pine forests? If you want to do it all in comfort and style, we have the perfect solution for you.

Spanning 8,500 acres, C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, provides a taste of ranch life along with outdoor activities and luxury amenities like gourmet Western cuisine, an on-site sommelier, and comfortable accommodations. This year-round destination also offers ice skating and cross-country skiing among its diverse activities.

Local detour: Winter Park and Grand Lake are only a short drive from the ranch.

Planning Tip: Explore this article for tips on organizing a dude ranch getaway.

21. Celebrate all things elk at Elktober in Estes Park

Every fall, hundreds of elk inhabit the picturesque mountain town of Estes Park, roaming through its downtown and parks. This family-friendly event has been a tradition since 1999, taking place at the end of September. The free festival features delicious food, local vendors, live music, bugling contests, and Native American cultural experiences like dancing and storytelling.

The Elk Fest weekend kicks off with the Rut Run 5K (3.1 miles), offering a scenic route that showcases river views, vibrant fall foliage, and opportunities to spot elk.

Local tip: Keep in mind that this event coincides with the rutting season, and bull elks can be quite territorial. Maintain your distance and use a zoom lens for photos.