Colorado is a destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. From skiing to hiking, the state has plenty of fun to offer visitors. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of white water rafting or the thrill of a ride on a mountain coaster, you’ll find it in Colorado.
While there are many great places to visit in the state, the most impressive is probably the Rocky Mountain National Park. This park attracts over four million visitors annually. You’ll get to see everything from wild elk herds to spectacular mountain vistas. It’s also home to some of the best dinosaur fossils in the world.
If you’re into skiing, then you’ll be happy to know that there are many world class ski resorts in the area. One of the most famous is Vail. Known for its challenging skiing, Vail is a great destination for both winter and summer.
The state capital of Denver is also known for its museums. There are some of the best in the country. Visitors should also plan to spend two days in the city to get acclimated to the altitude.
Boulder is a university town located 30 minutes northwest of Mile High City. A few of the best attractions in the area include the Speakeasy License 1 and the Shine potion bar. Another fun attraction is Pearl Street, reminiscent of San Francisco in the 1800s.
Steamboat Springs is a town in the Yampa Valley. The Old Town Hot Spring is the city’s namesake. There’s also a gondola ride, as well as a mountain coaster. Many of the accommodations here have pools.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a unique outdoor adventure destination located in the Front Range of Colorado. It offers a glimpse into the transition between the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.
The park’s visitor center features a wide array of interesting artwork inspired by the natural landscape of the area. You can also check out the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre has hosted thousands of events since it opened in 1941. Some of these include classical opera, classical music, hip-hop, and alternative rock.
The park’s most famous feature is its amphitheater, which is built alongside towering red sandstone formations. The acoustics of this amphitheater are exceptional.
The site is also a popular hiking spot. Besides the amphitheater, there are many great trails in the park.
The Trading Post Trail is a one-and-a-half mile loop that goes around classic rock formations in the park. This trail is easily accessible, but it does have a bit of elevation gain.
Another great trail is the Red Rocks Trail. This a six-mile loop that leads to the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Hiking along this route can take you through rust-colored buttes and is a great way to pass the time.
While visiting Red Rocks, you can sign up for yoga at the Amphitheater. Yoga classes are held on a regular basis and open to the public in the mornings.
Red Rocks has been host to many famous rock musicians, including U2, the Beatles, and Grateful Dead. In fact, the amphitheater was named after the reddish coloration of its monoliths.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a vast expanse of protected mountains, lakes, forests, and wildlife. It has more than 350 miles of hiking trails. There are numerous hiking activities, from short, easy strolls to long, high-elevation climbs.
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park offers several ecological zones. The montane zone extends from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. This zone is composed of evergreen forests and mountain lakes.
The subalpine zone is from 9,000 to 11,000 feet. These areas are home to treeless peaks, mountain lakes, and alpine tundra.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Over four million visitors visit the park each year. While the most popular season is summer, the park is also open in winter.
Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park should plan their trip well. Although the park is busy in the summer, there are still plenty of trails to explore. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should go during the off-season.
One of the most popular places to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is at Bear Lake. The lake is below the Continental Divide and offers stunning views of peaks. Several trails lead around the lake. You can also try ice fishing on the lakes.
To make the most of your visit, take a multi-day hike. Depending on your experience, rangers can help you determine which trails are best for your level of fitness.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest archaeological preserves in the United States. It is located in southwest Colorado. This national park has many historic cliff dwellings, scenic drives, and hiking trails.
Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers guided tours that take visitors back in time. These tours also show off the dwellings built by ancient Puebloans.
The Spruce Tree House, the best-preserved cliff dwelling in the park, is a thirteenth century building. This architectural masterpiece was built into a hidden alcove in the surrounding cliff. Today, over twenty kivas decorate the home.
In addition to cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park has numerous archeological sites and canyons. There are numerous short hikes that allow visitors to explore the park’s archaeological treasures.
There are also several campgrounds within the park. Hikers can rent steel-framed tents, cots, or lodging. Many of the rooms are motel-style and tucked into the hillside. Located at the top of the mesa, these rooms offer spectacular views of the valley.
Mesa Verde National Park is open to tourists in the summer and fall. While the park is closed during the early spring, there are still plenty of activities to keep visitors busy.
Cliff Dwelling Tours are offered in the summer and fall. However, you must book these tours in advance. During winter, the park may be closed due to extreme weather or other extraordinary events.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado features some of the tallest dunes in North America. It is home to several animal species. From bighorn sheep to elk, bears to salamanders, you can find a range of animals here.
If you want to get the most out of your visit, you should plan to arrive early in the day. Temperatures can be scorching at the peak of the day, so it’s a good idea to wear light clothing. Hiking in the dunes is a great way to enjoy the nature of the area, but you’ll need to pack plenty of water.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers a variety of backcountry camping options. Rangers offer free programs covering history, stargazing and other topics. You can also rent equipment for your adventures.
The park has one entrance station, as well as restrooms, drinking water and a souvenir shop. The visitor center also has interactive exhibits that explain the geology of the area.
In addition to sand dunes, the national park includes the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The mountains are open for hunting and the surrounding lands are protected.
The national park features 30 square miles of sand dunes, tundra and alpine lakes. There are many hiking trails throughout the park. Depending on the season, the weather can be windy or sunny. For example, during winter, the temperature can be as low as -30 degrees.
To keep your trip to Great Sand Dunes safe, plan to arrive early in the day. This will give you time to view the park without a crowd of people.
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
If you’re planning a visit to the West Coast, Garden of the Gods is a perfect addition. This park is located in Colorado Springs and is home to spectacular scenery, geological formations and hiking trails. For a fun and challenging hike, try a loop trail or Rocks and Vistas Trail. There are also many trails for beginners.
One of the most popular places to stop at in the park is the Balanced Rock. Visitors can easily reach this rock from a hiking trail. It offers a panoramic view of the mountain. You can also visit the cafe to enjoy snacks and drinks.
Another favorite site in the park is the Kissing Camels rock formation. This formation has been named for two “camel” rocks that look like they are kissing. Many people find it a fun photo opportunity.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is open from 9am to 5pm daily. The center includes 30 interactive exhibits, a Geo-Trekker Theater, and historic photos. During summer months, there are special programs and a children’s play area.
In addition to the visitor center, the park also offers several tours, hiking, and rock climbing. These activities vary by season and time of day. Several hiking routes are easy for beginners and more challenging for more experienced climbers. Among the trails are the Rocks and Vistas, the Garden of the Gods, and the Helen Hunt Falls.
The park is free to enter and offers a number of activities, including rock climbing. Rock climbing sessions are led by local guides.
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the city’s largest art museums. With an impressive collection of 70,000 pieces of art, the museum features a wide variety of works from around the world. From pre-Columbian art to modern and contemporary artwork, the Denver Art Museum has something for everyone.
In addition to hosting a large collection of artwork, the Denver Art Museum also offers a number of family friendly activities. From family backpacks to art-marking supplies, there are plenty of options for families to enjoy.
The museum’s global art collections include Asian and African art, as well as European and Latin American art. You’ll also find a world-renowned collection of American Indian art. There are rotating exhibits as well as permanent displays.
A $150 million renovation project is underway at the Denver Art Museum. This is set to be finished in 2021. It will revitalize the museum’s original building, which was designed by architect Gio Ponti.
Visitors can enjoy a range of classes at the museum, as well as special lectures. They can even sign up for the Insight program, which brings visitors and museum staff together to share their questions and curiosity.
One of the most popular events at the Denver Art Museum is the Logan Lecture Series, which has featured over 100 contemporary artists. The museum also hosts a number of drawing and creative classes.
Other family-friendly programs include the Just For Fun Family Center, which has puzzles, games, and imaginative play.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. It is located just west of the Continental Divide in Summit County. Founded in 1961, Breckenridge has expanded over the years, and now spans five peaks of the Ten Mile Range.
With 187 trails and a total of 2,908 acres, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers of all abilities. The resort is owned by Vail Resorts, Inc. and is known for its wide open terrain and challenging bowl runs.
In addition to skiing, Breckenridge is a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. Aside from skiing, the town is home to an arts district and an award-winning craft beer scene.
There are several restaurants in Breckenridge, and Main Street is filled with over 200 shops. Breckenridge has a rich history and is a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can explore the town’s historical sites and art galleries. If you’re interested in the town’s past, be sure to visit the Barney Ford House Museum. Sometimes called the Barney Ford Victorian House, the museum features a display of the life and times of Barney Ford, an African American who was a slave in South Carolina and escaped to Colorado.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, you’ll want to check out all of the attractions that Breckenridge has to offer. You’ll find everything from Victorian-era buildings to weathered saloons.
One of the best places to stay in Breckenridge is at the Residence Inn by Marriott. This log cabin-style lodge is on the vibrant Main Street, offering excellent views of the Rocky Mountains.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only alpine zoo in the United States. It’s also one of the best zoos in the nation. In addition to animals from around the world, it features a variety of interactive experiences. Visiting the zo is a great way to learn about and interact with these fascinating creatures.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also home to many endangered species. This includes the Mexican wolf pack. You can watch them interact with each other and even feed them. They also have a special giraffe feeding program. These programs are not available every day.
If you want to experience the zo, consider taking a VIP tour. During your visit, you can enjoy the animal feeding programs, see behind the scenes, and take in the incredible views of the mountains and valleys. For a full day of fun, you can also enjoy the many dining options. There is an espresso bar, a seated restaurant, and quick bites to eat.
Another great thing to do when visiting the zo is to try the Mountaineer Sky Ride. This open-air chair lift will carry you to the top of the mountain where you can have a bird’s-eye view of the zoo.
For more entertainment, check out the zoo’s Wild Night program. Here, you can feed giraffes, watch after-hours animal encounters, and enjoy dinner. Tickets are required, but you can purchase them ahead of time.
If you’re looking for lodging, you can stay at the Antlers Hotel. Located in the city center, the hotel is part of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts family.
Larimer Square
Larimer Square in Denver, Colorado, is one of the city’s oldest and most historic districts. It survived the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped the city. Today, it is a popular destination for shopping, eating, and nightlife.
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, head to Larimer Square. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants and bars in a street with wide sidewalks. Plus, during the holidays, the square is decked out with twinkling lights. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides available.
Another place to check out is the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This hands-on facility offers fun play areas and a wildlife exhibit. The museum also touches on health, geology, and anthropology.
For some food, consider the Aquarium Restaurant. Their happy hour is from 5:00-6:00pm on weekdays. They serve pasta, chicken, and seafood specials. Additionally, they have a wide variety of wines on their menu.
Another option is the Clyfford Still Museum. Opening in 2004, the museum is home to over 800 pieces of art by the famous abstract expressionist. A tour of the museum will provide you with a look at some of Still’s paintings.
Lastly, don’t miss out on the Denver Firefighters Museum. This museum is home to tens of thousands of photographs and artifacts, and it gives visitors an idea of what firefighters do every day.
