47 Fun Things to Do in Colorado (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Denver | Colorado Springs | Mountain Town | Western Colorado | Southern Colorado | Podcast

I’m a Colorado local who’s explored the state for well over a decade. This ultimate guide on things to do in Colorado covers the best of the state — from Denver to popular ski towns and far beyond. Find out where to sandboard, soak in natural hot springs, embark on scenic train tours, and more. 

Want a ready-to-go road trip guide, written by a local? Skip the planning and simply follow our complete 10-day Colorado itinerary! 

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

47 Best Things to Do in Colorado

▶️ Hit play to watch a video version of Abigail’s favorite stuff to do in Colorado:

Steamboat Springs

Take in panoramic views while gliding across the champagne powder. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 879-0880 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 10 am – 3 pm, Monday-Saturday; Closed Sundays

You’ll find lots of great lodging and fun activities in Steamboat Springs! You can ski and snowboard, go ice fishing, or try dog sledding in the winter. There’s plenty of hiking and mountain biking, as well as paddle boarding and fishing at Steamboat Lake during the summer. 

For an only-in-Colorado adventure, try Steamboat Springs’ Brew Trail, which will have you sampling local beer and distilled spirits around downtown Steamboat Springs.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Relax in natural ambiance just outside Steamboat Springs.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 879-0342 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Sun-Thu, 10 am – 12 am Fri-Sat | Entrance: $20 per 2-hour reservation

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is in the town of Steamboat Springs, which means you’ll have those gorgeous Colorado mountain views while you soak.

The hot springs were built to look as natural as possible and blend in with the surrounding area.

You can get a day-use pass or stay overnight at the resort. It’s one of the coolest places to camp in Colorado.

Vail

Visit this Colorado mountain town that offers year-round activities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-4790 | Website

Many people think of skiing when they think of Colorado, and Vail Ski Resort offers plenty of world-class slopes!

This quaint mountain town isn’t only a winter destination, though. You can mountain bike or hike those same slopes in the summer, visit the Betty Ford Alpine Garden to enjoy the mountain flowers in summertime, and experience many other Vail activities.

Get planning your adventure now with our guide on the best places to stay in Vail. 

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

Explore an experimental art gallery that will transport you to another world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (866) 636-9969 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Sun – Thurs, 10 am – 10 pm Fri – Sat | Entrance: $39+ per person | 👉 Book Meow Wolf Tickets on Viator

The best explanation I’ve heard of Meow Wolf Convergence Station is that it’s a Burning Man-style permanent art exhibit. There’s tons of bizarre, interactive installations that make for great photo ops.

You can dive deep into Meow Wolf lore and follow the fictional story through the museum. Or you can just not overthink it and admire the otherworldly art as you walk through the exhibits.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Climb to the top of a 14,000-foot peak by train — a must on your Colorado vacation!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 685-5401 | Website | Hours: Varies, see website | Tickets: $67+ adults, $57+ children | 👉 Book a Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Garden of Gods Tour

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of Colorado’s most scenic train rides. The railway recently reopened after being closed for four years for a $100 million overhaul.

It’s one of the only cog railways in the United States, and you can take it to the summit, where you can visit the newly-redone Pikes Peak Visitor Center.

Garden of the Gods

Hike and climb through this iconic Colorado Springs park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 634-6666 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Garden of the Gods Tours on Viator

Garden of the Gods is a free park in Colorado Springs with easy walking paths past red rock formations. See if you can find the “sleeping giant” or the “kissing camels” — and if you can figure out how they got their names!

Want to do even more while staying in Colorado Springs? Book a small group tour of both Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, a 14,000-foot mountain with a road to the summit. Views from both are spectacular. 

📚 Related Reading: My article on the best day trips from Colorado Springs includes even more itinerary ideas.

Breckenridge

Enjoy breweries, outdoor recreation, and ski-in, ski-out lodging.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 864-0868 | Website | 👉 Browse Breckenridge Tours on Viator

Breckenridge is a popular mountain town with plenty of lodging options. Book a ski-in, ski-out spot near Breckenridge Ski Resort to enjoy runs for every level, along with great private lesson options! There’s also dog sledding, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snow sculptures to admire in the winter. 

In summer, you can hike, mountain bike, or fish. Be sure to visit one of the craft breweries and its hometown distillery for delicious Breckenridge libations! Check out our post on what to do in Breckenridge to get planning.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Witness unrivaled scenery at this world-famous music venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-2494 | Website | Entrance: free to visit, concert ticket prices vary  | 👉 Book a Red Rocks & Foothills Tour from Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a gorgeous outdoor concert venue flanked by giant rock formations. Many bands have said it’s their favorite place to perform! Hands down, seeing a show here is one of the best things to do in Denver!

You can still see the amphitheater for free when an event isn’t scheduled. There are nearby hiking trails, plus a museum where you can learn more about the park’s history.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Discover what makes this national park one of the most popular in the United States.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 586-1206 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: $30 per vehicle  | 👉 Browse Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful destination with hiking trails for all abilities. 

You’ll find short, flat trails like the Coyote Valley Trail — perfect if you want an easier stroll or if the altitude is getting to you. It’s paved and makes a good activity to do with kids. Sprague Lake Trail is another easy walk. Those looking for a challenge will have plenty of options, too. You can even summit Longs Peak, one of the iconic 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado. 

Be sure to drive Trail Ridge Road, which soars to above 12,000 feet and connects Estes Park to Grand Lake. You’ll get spectacular views, and you may spot elk, marmots, and other Colorado wildlife! 

👉 Local Tip: Rocky Mountain National Park employs a timed entry system during the summer that requires reservations. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re visiting then!

Roxborough State Park

Hike among red rock formations and see gorgeous views of the Front Range.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (303) 973-3959 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: $10 daily vehicle pass

Set southwest of Denver, Roxborough State Park is a stunning attraction featuring dramatic red rock formations. The Fountain Valley Trail is easy to hike for children and goes by the Persse Place house, built in the early 1900s.

Carpenter Peak is a strenuous hike uphill for three miles (and then back downhill!) with gorgeous views of Mount Blue Sky, Waterton Canyon, and downtown Denver.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Ride a National Historic Landmark through the San Juan Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 872-4607 | Website | Hours: Trip times vary | Entrance: $96.12+ adults, $69.12+ youth ages 4 – 11, free under 4

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of Durango’s top attractions. It’s been in continuous operation since 1882.

During the warm months, you can ride all the way to the mining town of Silverton. Have a bite, explore the shops, and enjoy the many things to do in Silverton before the trip back.

The train follows the Animas River over Horseshoe Curve and the High Bridge… which could cause some nail biting, but will also give you amazing pictures!

There are shorter rides available year-round, too, including the Cascade Canyon winter train and Polar Express-themed ride during the holiday season.

Denver Area Activities

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Wander immersive exhibits on dinosaurs, mummies, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 370-6000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $25.95 adults, $22.95 seniors 65+, $20.95 youth ages 3 – 18 | 👉 Bundle & Save with a Denver CityPASS 

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is in City Park, one of the best Denver neighborhoods. Visit to learn about everything from dinosaurs to mummies to the human body

The Gems & Minerals exhibit is one of the most unique. You can see aquamarines found in the local mountains and “Tom’s baby,” a 13 ½ pound gold piece found near Breckenridge.

Denver Art Museum

Celebrate world-renowned and local artists at this top Denver museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-5000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thu – Mon, 10 am – 8 pm Tues | Entrance: $22+ adults, $19+ seniors 65+, free under 18 | 👉 Bundle & Save with a Denver CityPASS 

The Denver Art Museum has pieces from all over the world, including paintings by Monet, van Gogh, Cézanne, and more.

However, I particularly love the collection by local artists, along with pieces depicting Colorado. The Western art featuring cowboys and scenes of the vast Wild West is an interesting, uniquely Colorado display. It’s definitely one of the best museums in Denver!

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Visit the Mile High City’s hub for music, theater, and other performing arts.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-4200 | Website

Denver has a vibrant performing arts community, and there are several theatres in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Here, you can see the orchestra, ballet, opera, musical theatre, and play performances. 

With its vaulted skylight overhead, the complex itself is fun to walk through. There are also several popular Denver restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite beforehand or a late snack afterward. 

Denver Food Tour

Experience the city and some of its most celebrated restaurants. 

🕧 Hours: 1 pm – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $85 per person | 👉 Book a Downtown Denver Food Tour

You’ll find incredible restaurants throughout Colorado, but no place offers as wide of a selection as the Mile High City. When visiting, take this top-rated food tour to experience some of Denver’s best restaurants and iconic dishes. 

Some of the tour’s highlights include fry bread tacos at Dairy Block and ice creamPortuguese pastries at Union Station. As you taste your way through some of the town’s trendiest spots, your local guide will point out other must-visit attractions. These include Coors Field, McGregor Square, and Wynkoop Brewery, one of the most famous breweries in Denver.

Staunton State Park

Explore miles of trails near Denver.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 816-0912 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10 per vehicle

Staunton State Park is about a 45-minute drive from the Mile High City, but it feels like a whole other world. It’s home to some of the best hikes near Denver. Trails take you by streams and through meadows in the foothills. You can also go fishing in several of the ponds at the park.

Staunton also has a really cool track chair program, so people who use wheelchairs can get out on the trails, too.

Cherry Creek State Park

Enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation at this expansive city park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 690-1166 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10 per vehicle

Cherry Creek State Park is just a short drive from downtown Denver and one of the best attractions in Aurora. It has tons of outdoor activities for visitors! You can swim, boat, horseback ride, and hike in warm weather months.

In winter, you can snowshoe and go sledding. The shooting range is open year-round, depending on the day’s weather conditions. You can also go birdwatching and search for Colorado wildlife (yes, even in the city!) at all times of the year.

Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center

Tour an indoor rainforest environment year-round, home to all types of colorful specimens.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 469-5441 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $17.45 adults, $15.45 seniors 65+, $12.45 youth ages 2-12, free under 2

Surround yourself with butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion, no matter how cold it is outside! The attraction is among the coolest things to do in Denver with kids. You can hold Rosie the Tarantula, see bugs in the Crawl-A-See-Em, and watch underwater invertebrates in the tanks at Water’s Edge. 

But the main attraction, of course, is the 7,200 square-foot tropical rainforest. There are daily butterfly releases, and you may end up with a winged hitchhiker while you wander the area. They’re everywhere!

Denver Botanic Gardens

Marvel at plant life from all across the globe.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-3500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Sun – Mon, Thu, 9 am – 2 pm Tue-Wed, 9 am – 7 pm Sat | Entrance: $16 adults, $12.25 seniors 65+, $11.75 youth ages 3 – 15, free under 3 | 👉 Buy Tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens

Colorado doesn’t have many flowers and trees that bloom in winter, but there’s still lots to see at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The tropical conservatory is an indoor greenhouse that grows orchids and many tropical plants. In fact, it’s a great escape from the cold weather outdoors!

In the warm months, you can see beautiful blooms throughout the gardens, along with a glass Dale Chihuly sculpture and other artwork.

Blossoms of Light, one of the best Denver festivals, runs from mid-November until January. The gardens are filled with holiday light displays and shows set to music during this special time of year.

Four Mile Historic Park

Experience Colorado’s history with hands-on exhibits and reenactments.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-0800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun (June – Dec), 10 am – 4 pm Fri-Sun (Jan – May) | Entrance: $8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 youth ages 7 – 17, free under 7

Denver’s oldest building, the Four Mile House, is located at this historic park. Here, you can also visit farm animals on the working farm and learn about 1800s life in the West. 

You’ll often find people dressed in period clothing at the park. They reenact scenes and perform tasks that would have been part of life during that time.

Chatfield State Park

Swim, fish, boat, or bike beside a picturesque reservoir.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (303) 791-7275 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10

You’d never know you’re 30 minutes from downtown Denver when you’re paddling the reservoir at Chatfield, one of my favorite Colorado state parks. 

This Littleton attraction has water activities for small crafts like paddle boards, as well as full-size speedboats. You can also camp and walk the paths, and there is a 69-acre off-leash dog park with two ponds.  Chatfield also has a model airplane field, plus a field used for hot air balloon rides. For an unusual lunch, try the floating restaurant next to the marina!

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Rock climb, hike, and enjoy outdoor recreation just outside of Boulder.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 494-3943 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily | Entrance: $10

Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great day trip from Boulder. The sandstone rock varies in color, and there’s a creek at the bottom of this colorful Colorado canyon.

Rock climbing is popular here. It’s also a great place for people to enjoy biking and hiking trails, fishing, or just watching birds and other wildlife. It’s easy to fill a day in this area, as there are so many things to do in Boulder, too!

Water World

Cool off at one of the largest water parks in the U.S.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 427-7873 | Website | Hours: varies, see website (open Memorial Day – Labor Day) | Entrance: $30.99+ (taller than 48″), $25.99 (shorter than 48″), free under 40″

Water World is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. It’s one of the country’s largest waterparks and has attractions for all ages. 

Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy Little Bear Pond and Wally World. Older kids and adults can try adrenaline-pumping rides like the Screamin’ Mimi. Guests can also bring a picnic lunch or treat themselves to concessions in the park.

Clear Creek Tubing

Rent your raft and float right through downtown Golden.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 384-8000 | Website

Clear Creek in Golden is a popular place for a leisurely float down the creek, as well as some serious kayaking. You can rent an inner tube in town, hop in the water, and float a short way down before getting out to do it again. Kayakers have their whitewater own area to do more strenuous paddling. 

Spend some time exploring Golden’s other attractions as well, looking at the shops and stopping for a bite to eat. It’s a quaint area just twenty minutes from Denver, perfect for a side trip!

Idaho Springs Ropes Course

Stretch your body and your comfort zone!

📍Google Maps | Phone: (720) 707-1885 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: from $65+ per person | 👉 Book a Zipline Tour in Idaho Springs

There are numerous ropes and ziplining courses throughout Colorado. They are a wonderful way to see the state’s rivers, mountains, and other scenery!

Colorado Adventure Center is directly off I-70, next to Clear Creek in Idaho Springs. Treehouse Adventure Park is another good choice that is an hour from downtown Denver.

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

Drive the highest paved road in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 567-4382 | Website | Dates: Open Memorial Day – Labor Day

⚠️ Closure Notice: The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is closed through Memorial Day 2026 due to construction.

Drive on the highest paved road not only in Colorado, but all of North America! The entire scenic byway to the Mount Blue Sky summit takes about two hours and climbs more than 7,000 feet. It’s one of the most epic road trips in Colorado. 

You’ll see all of the Front Range spread out before you, and you might also see Colorado wildlife like pikas, marmots, and bighorn sheep.

Colorado Springs Area

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Get close to the animals at this small mountain zoo.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (719) 633-9925 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: 24.75+ adults, $22.75+ seniors 65+, $20.75+ youth ages 3 – 11, $0.75 under 3

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a small Colorado Springs zoo with unique experiences! Pay a few dollars for animal food, and you can feed giraffes, birds, and other creatures at the zoo. 

There are animal demonstrations and exhibits designed to bring guests close to many of the zoo residents. It is a mountain zoo, so be ready for some hills as you walk!

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Walk one of the highest suspension bridges over a gorge carved by the Arkansas River.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (719) 275-7507 | Website | Hours: varies, see website | Entrance: $35+ adults, $30+ youth ages 3 – 11, free under 3 | 👉 Browse Royal Gorge Tours on Viator

The Royal Gorge Bridge has awe-inspiring views and crosses high above the Arkansas River! It’s not for those with a fear of heights, but the walk across the bridge is an unforgettable experience. 

The park also has the highest zipline in the country, a via ferrata course, a playground, and trams back and forth across the gap. There are concessions where guests can eat (outside food isn’t allowed), plus a gift shop with souvenirs.

Colorado Springs Sunrise Balloon Tour

Take in mountain scenery and views of iconic destinations from above.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 368-3800 | Tickets: $275+ per person | 👉 Book Your Sunrise Balloon Ride Here

A hot air balloon ride is one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs! You’ll get gorgeous sunrise views of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods on this hot air balloon tour. 

You’ll also be involved in every aspect of the tour. The guides will help inflate the balloon before your flight through the air. When you’re back on solid ground, you can end your morning with a glass of sparkling wine and some breakfast.

Colorado Mountain Towns

Frisco

Stay near ski resorts at an affordable rate, and enjoy summer water activities.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (970) 668-5547 | Website | 👉 Book an Island Kayak Tour in Frisco

Frisco is less than 20 minutes from both Copper Mountain and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Overnight lodging here is cheaper than both of those areas, and it’s less crowded, too. 

Yet, there are plenty of things to do in Frisco! The Frisco Adventure Park has snow tubing in winter. There is also a kayak park, plus hiking, mountain biking, and boating on Dillon Reservoir in the summer.

Leadville

Spend a weekend in a historic mining town near incredible ski areas.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (719) 486-3900 | Website 

The highest-elevation city in the U.S. is near two Colorado ski resorts. Ski Cooper is a small, affordable, family-friendly ski area. Meanwhile, Copper Mountain is a world-class resort on the popular Ikon pass.

Leadville also has hiking trails for a variety of abilities and fishing in several small lakes. There’s mountain biking in summer, plus many other things to do in Leadville year-round.

Buena Vista

Go rafting, summit high peaks, and soak in natural hot springs.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-6612 | Website | 👉 Browse Rafting Tours on Viator

There are many things to do in Buena Vista! Rafting the Arkansas River is a popular activity. Hiking trails range from easy to difficult, and include several 14ers in the Collegiate Peaks.

Nearby, you’ll find the lesser-known Cottonwood Hot Springs and Charlotte Hot Springs; as well as Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, one of the best places to stay in Buena Vista.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Soak in creekside pools surrounded by nature.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 395-2447 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Day Pass: $40+ adults, $35+ seniors 62+ and youth under 16 | 👉 Book an Overnight Stay at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Located near Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort has several swimming pools, along with creekside hot spring pools. During the summer, it also offers family-friendly waterslides, and everywhere you look, there are views of the Rocky Mountains. Hands down, it’s one of the best hot springs in Colorado.

Aspen

Explore this luxurious and scenic mountain town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-1940 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm weekdays

Aspen offers year-round sightseeing and the opportunity to make memories you’ll keep for the rest of your life!

While exploring one of Colorado’s best mountain towns, take the short drive to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for amazing views. There are a variety of hiking trails for all levels, so you can tailor your activity to suit your group. 

In winter, you’ll find excellent skiing and snowboarding. You can also hike, fish, and do all sorts of other outdoor activities in Aspen if you come in the summer. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll find award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and more.

📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in Aspen (Best Places & Areas)

Independence Ghost Town

Visit a piece of Gold Rush history along the scenic Independence Pass.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (970) 925-3721 | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset daily (open May – Oct) | Entrance: $5 suggested donation, free under 19

Colorado is littered with ghost towns! Many of them, including Independence, sprang up quickly as mining settlements during the gold rush.

Along Independence Pass on your way to Aspen, you can see several cabins left from the town that once numbered 1,500 people. It was finally abandoned during a harsh winter storm. Residents dismantled their houses, made them into skis, and escaped.

Arkansas River Rafting

Experience whitewater rapids through the Royal Gorge.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 539-6851 | Cost: from $100 for a half-day | 👉 Browse Rafting Tours on Viator

Many people also think of rafting when they head to Colorado! This half-day rafting tour takes you to the rapids of the Arkansas River and through Browns Canyon, a stunning national monument.

Meanwhile, this mild scenic float is great for beginners and one of the best things to do in Colorado with kids. You’ll get a unique view of the state from the water and are sure to make lasting memories.

Western Colorado Activities

Colorado National Monument

Spot wildlife and rocky landscapes in this western Colorado destination.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 858-2800 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $25 per vehicle

Colorado National Monument is a stunning western landscape with dramatic rock formations jutting up into the sky. The scene makes for some incredible red sunsets. You can drive Rim Rock Drive to take in the natural beauty and watch for bighorn sheep and eagles in the area.

The monument is on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. Stay in Grand Junction to give yourself plenty of time to explore this incredible attraction.

Palisade

Explore Grand Valley, Colorado’s premier wine country.

📍Google Maps | Phone: (970) 464-5602 | Website

Palisade is just a few minutes’ drive from Grand Junction in Western Colorado. It’s surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and the area is known for its delicious produce.

Sip some Colorado wine while gazing at the Book Cliff formations. You can also visit the seasonal farmers market to grab some juicy Palisade peaches!

Dinosaur National Monument

Step back in time as you admire fossils and petroglyphs at this educational park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (435) 781-7700 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $25 per vehicle

Dinosaur National Monument has lots of dinosaur fossils that you can still see embedded in rocks in the area. Year-round, you can also see petroglyphs and learn about the outlaws and other characters that hid out in the area. 

👉 Pro Tip: Dinosaur National Monument covers parts of both Colorado and Utah, but you’ll see the dinosaur fossils on the Utah side. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

See amazing views at this epic park, whether on the canyon rim or while hiking within.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 641-2337 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours (select attractions are closed seasonally) | Entrance: $30 per vehicle

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the best national parks in Colorado. It has some of the oldest rock in North America. The canyon was carved by two million years’ worth of relentless erosion from the Gunnison River.

You can hike along the canyon rim, or hike the inner canyon to see the cliffs and rock formations from a completely different angle. Rock climbing, camping, and other activities are also available at this remote park. 

Glenwood Springs

Enjoy this town’s family-friendly hot springs and the world’s largest natural mineral pool.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 947-2954 | Website | 👉 Book an Overnight Stay at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Springs has three hot springs areas, but the best-known is the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. You can stay in rooms at the resort or pay a day fee to use the natural mineral pool, which is the largest of its kind in the world.

There’s also a splash zone for kids that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The pool is open year-round, but there’s nothing like the feeling of hopping into the hot springs while the snow is falling all around on the beautiful mountains! 

Hanging Lake

Visit one of Colorado’s most famous hiking destinations.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 384-6309 | Website | Entrance: $12 per person

Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions and it showcases an unusual Colorado phenomenon. The lake is a clear bluish-green, thanks to travertine and minerals that dissolve in the water. To keep the lake’s gorgeous color, hikers are not allowed to swim or put anything in the lake.

The trail to get to the lake is short but steep — plan to take your time getting up there! But the effort is well worth it, as this is one of the best hikes in Colorado.

Be sure to reserve your Hanging Lake trail permit well in advance.

Southern Colorado Activities

Pagosa Springs

This town’s most popular attraction features 52 hot spring pools, each varying in size and temperature.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 225-0934 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily | Day Pass: $67+ adults, $37 youth under 13  | 👉 Book a Stay at The Springs Resort & Spa

Pagosa Springs is about an hour from Durango, and is a worthy southwest Colorado destination all on its own! The town is home to the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world and The Springs Resort & Spa is its most popular attraction. 

The resort designed its pools to overlook the San Juan River. You can get a day pass or opt to spend the night at the resort. Either way, you’ll be soaking in pools that range from 83 to 114°F, so you can pick the temperature you’re comfortable with. 

There are plenty of other fun things to do in Pagosa Springs, too, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or visiting Treasure Falls just outside of town.

Mesa Verde National Park

Hike to ancient homes including Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 529-4465 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours (select attractions are closed seasonally) | Entrance: $30 May-Oct, $20 Oct-April | 👉 Browse Mesa Verde National Park Tours on Viator

In my opinion, Mesa Verde is the most unique national park in Colorado. The ancient cliff dwellings here are some of the best-preserved in North America. It’s humbling to see the ingenious ways the Ancient Puebloans built their homes to stay warm in winter, cool in summer, preserve their food, and generally live comfortably together.

Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park is definitely worth seeing. You’ll need to book a ranger-guided tour to this impressive building, which contains 150 rooms where about 100 people lived together.

👉 Pro Tip: Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road at Mesa Verde National Park, stopping at markers along the way. You can even listen to a guided audio tour from the NPS.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Experience some of the tallest dunes in North America in an incredibly unique way.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 378-6395 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours (select attractions are closed seasonally) | Entrance: $25 per vehicle

You likely don’t think of sand when you think of Colorado. But Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the largest sand dunes in North America.

Some of the more unique activities at the park include sandboarding and sledding down the dunes. You can also cool off in Medano Creek during spring and early summer, as it’s fed by snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo range.

Telluride

Mountain bike, ice climb, and more in this remote mountain town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 868-7169 | Website | 👉 Browse Telluride Tours on Viator

Of course, Telluride has skiing and snowboarding at its world-class resort. But there are more unusual sports also, like fat tire biking and ice climbing. If you visit in summer, you can go hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. See our full list of the top Telluride activities.

While you’re staying in Telluride, check out the gondola, which offers free rides into Mountain Village. It operates year-round and offers scenic views of the San Juans.

San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and Million Dollar Highway

Admire breathtaking views on one of Colorado’s most famous road trips.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours (but check weather conditions) | 👉 Download This Million Dollar Highway Audio Tour

The San Juan Skyway is a drive through some of the most gorgeous scenery in southwestern Colorado. You’ll begin in Durango, and drive through Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and more beautiful areas in the mountains.

You can do the drive in one day, or take a more leisurely pace and stay in some of the mountain towns along the way. 

Want More? Listen to Abigail’s Colorado Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love Abigail’s Colorado episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Colorado”). 

She talks about her favorite things to do in Colorado at minute mark 05:40.

The host, Betty, and Abigail also discussed where to stay in Colorado (23:39) , the best ski resorts & passes (32:38), travel tips and best time to visit (10:49), why more people should visit Colorado (03:09) and all the other common questions about travel to Colorado. 

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Colorado.

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Leave me a comment if you’d like more insights on what to do in Colorado. And don’t miss my guide to the best places to visit in Colorado for even more ideas!