Top things to do in Colorado: from adventure to culture

The State of Colorado, a blend of rugged mountains and sweeping plains, whispers promises of thrilling escapades. And guess what? It delivers every time.

Wondering what you can experience here? Well, brace yourself for more than just picturesque trails or world-class ski resorts! Picture this: You're white water rafting down the Arkansas River one day and exploring ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park next.

A sense of awe seizes you as Colorado's natural beauty unfolds itself before your eyes. But that’s only scratching the surface because there are still many untold adventures waiting for you!

Let's dive into the best things to do in Colorado...

Suggested reading: 10 best offbeat places to visit in the USA and go to any state without spending much with the guide about How to travel cheap in the USA.

Best things to do in Colorado

Best outdoor and adventure activities in Colorado

Home to several national parks, Colorado's varied terrain is sure to provide the perfect thrill for those looking for an amazing mountain vacation in the US. With the Rocky Mountains serving as an incredible backdrop, adventure seekers can indulge in various outdoor activities.

• Marvel at the majestic Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells, known as the most photographed peaks in North America, are simply unmissable when visiting Colorado. The two giant snow-striped mountaintops stand tall against a backdrop of pristine wilderness and shimmering lakes - it's truly a sight that will make your heart skip a beat.

Tucked away in the Rocky Mountain National Park near Aspen, ranked as one of the best national parks in the USA, these iconic summits not only provide breathtaking views but also offer adventurous hiking trails for outdoor aficionados.

• Journey through scenic byways

No trip to colorful Colorado would be complete without exploring its scenic byways. One such route is San Juan Skyway which winds through some of the state’s most enchanting areas including Mesa Verde National Park and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient cliff dwellings, transports you back in time while providing panoramic views over lush green valleys below. Onward along this road trip adventure brings you to Red Rocks Amphitheatre – an open-air concert venue set between 300-foot red sandstone rocks where listening live music becomes magical under starlit skies.

• Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River

The thrill of riding waves and navigating rapids is what makes whitewater rafting on one of America's longest rivers - the Arkansas River - one of the top things to do in Colorado. 

This exhilarating water sport lets you marvel at stunning rock formations while maneuvering through choppy waters. So buckle up your life jacket because this river ride promises thrilling peaks and calming troughs amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

• Cross-country skiing at world-class resorts

In winter months (November to April), when snow blankets most parts of the state transforming them into a winter wonderland, cross-country skiing takes center stage among fun things to do here. Known globally for its world-class ski resorts, Colorful Colorado boasts of well-groomed trails that attract both novices and seasoned skiers alike.

Not only is this an excellent way to enjoy the state's snowy landscapes, but it also offers a fantastic workout. So gear up, hit the slopes, and don't forget to pause once in a while to appreciate those incredible views.

Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are among the most popular ski resorts in Colorado.

• Explore Gunnison National Park

Gunnison's main attraction is the Black Canyon, one of the steepest and most breathtaking canyons in North America. A hike along its rim or a daring descent into its depths will reward you with unparalleled views and unforgettable memories. 

The park isn't just about high-altitude thrills though; it also boasts some incredible water-based adventures. The Gunnison River provides excellent opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking while Morrow Point Reservoir is perfect for peaceful canoe trips.

• Hike and slide on Great Sand Dunes National Park

If you're looking for a unique adventure in Colorado, then the Great Sand Dunes National Park is an absolute must-visit. Nestled against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America and offers a surreal landscape that will leave you awe-struck.

The park's star attraction is undoubtedly its gigantic sand dunes. Hiking up these mammoth mounds of sands can be quite challenging but reaching the top rewards you with panoramic views of endless golden peaks set against azure skies - truly worth every step! And if hiking isn't your thing, no worries; there are plenty more activities to enjoy here like sandboarding or sledding down these towering dunes.

Family-friendly activities

If you're seeking memorable experiences for the whole family, look no further than Colorado. From museums to outdoor adventures, there's something fun and educational for every family member.

• A scenic train ride adventure

An adventure on wheels awaits your family aboard one of Colorado's historic trains. Imagine chugging along picturesque trails surrounded by nature’s bounty – sounds like scenes straight out from those childhood storybooks right?

The most famous among them being the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride provides incredible views while offering insights into mining history too.

• Stargazing at Great Sand Dunes National Park

This stunning national park also provides ample opportunities for stargazing due to its remote location away from city lights.

On clear nights, it transforms into a celestial observatory where millions of stars twinkle overhead making it one of the best places in Colorado for astrophotography.

A night camping in the park will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

• Close encounter with dinosaurs fossils

Dinosaurs may have roamed the earth millions of years ago, but they’re very much alive in our imaginations. At Dinosaur National Monument, families get a chance to step back in time as they explore real dinosaur fossils embedded into cliff walls - a truly unique experience and definitely among the best thing to do in Colorado for adults and kids alike.

Your children will love imagining these magnificent creatures walking across what was once their home turf. And who knows? They might even develop an interest in paleontology after such close encounters with these prehistoric giants.

• Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Taking your kids to a museum doesn't necessarily has to be one of those boring rainy days activities. At least not in the case of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

The museum offers an exciting array of fascinating displays which can make any kid's imagination soar. You'll find exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. Whether it’s discovering ancient fossils or learning about far-off galaxies, this museum makes sure each visit leaves you inspired and informed.

• Waterparks and more fun in and around Denver

If you're looking for more thrills, try the water parks and theme parks around Denver. 

Water World, located 10 miles north of the State capital, is the largest water amusement park in the United States and one of the country's bests, featuring over 50 attractions for all ages.

Other parks worth considering are Pirates Cove, Elitch Gardens and Lakeside Amusement Park.

Arts and culture in Colorado

Besides the Denver Museum of Nature & Science that we mentioned before, there are many more cultural and art related activities to enjoy in Colorado:

• Visit the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum, one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast, showcases a vast collection of pieces from around the globe. From modernist works to indigenous art collections, this museum will give you an eclectic taste of artistic excellence.

Aspiring artists can also participate in studio classes and workshops here - there’s always something new to learn.

• Experience ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park

A trip to Colorado would not be complete without visiting Mesa Verde National Park. Here you'll find ancient cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans over 800 years ago. At Mesa Verde National Park, you can gain a truly unparalleled insight into the history and culture of Native Americans through its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Combining culture and outdoor activities, explore Mesa Verde is one of the best things to do in Colorado.

• Catch live music performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Beyond visual arts and historic sites, immerse yourself in another aspect of cultural enrichment: music. Check out some live performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (photo below).

Nestled within red rock formations near Morrison, it provides both incredible views along with world-class acoustics – making any concert experience unforgettable.

Check upcoming events at redrocksonline.com.

• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

In addition to these amazing locations, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center deserves your attention too. As well as showcasing local craftsmanship through its numerous exhibits, it also hosts theater productions throughout the year, providing more ways than ever before to immerse yourself within the vibrant Colorado arts scene.

While we're talking about the art scene, it's worth noting that Denver is home to some unique cultural spots. The International Church of Cannabis, known for its colorful interior murals and focus on spiritual experiences with cannabis, as well as Fifty-Two 80's, a retro store filled with nostalgic memorabilia from the '80s.

Check out: 16 cheap vacations in the US and US solo travel: 22 best places to travel alone.

Indulge in local dishes, bars and restaurants

A visit to Colorado isn't complete without tasting the local cuisine. You'll find a rich tapestry of flavors across this vibrant state that reflect its cultural diversity and pioneering spirit.

• Taste farm-to-table freshness

Colorado's farm-to-table scene is booming. This food movement emphasizes fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farms. Try out Fruition Restaurant, where Chef Alex Seidel champions locally grown produce for his seasonal menus.

In Boulder, don’t miss Black Cat Bistro. Here you can enjoy dishes made with organic ingredients harvested from their own farm. How’s that for freshness?

• Sip on craft beers at local breweries

The craft beer scene in Colorado is thriving thanks to pioneers like New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins or Avery Brewing Co., located just down the road in Boulder.

You won't want to miss visiting one of Denver's numerous breweries either – after all, it’s known as ‘the Napa Valley of Beer’. Check out Wynkoop Brewery - founded by former Governor John Hickenlooper - which offers tours and tastings sure to delight any beer enthusiast.

• Dive into delicious street food culture

If casual dining is more your style, then dive headfirst into Denver's street food culture. From tasty tacos at Pinche Tacos to mouthwatering burgers at My Brother’s Bar (which used to be frequented by beat generation legends such as Jack Kerouac), there are plenty of options available.

• Raise your spirits with artisan distilleries

Colorado's artisan distillery scene is as spirited as its mountains. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey in Denver and Breckenridge Distillery nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, are two of the exceptional craft spirits throughout the state.

In Salida, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery offers unique libations like Treeline Gin with locally sourced botanicals and Tenderfoot Whiskey made from 100% malted barley.

Volunteer in Colorado

Are you looking for something else on your travels than just visiting places? We mean, those kind of really fulfilling and unforgettable experiences? Volunteering can be the answer.

Worldpackers is an innovative platform that allows travelers like you to volunteer your time and skills in exchange for accommodation. In many cases food and free activities are included as part of the deal, but volunteering it's not just about saving money while traveling; it's about immersing yourself into local culture, making meaningful connections, and having life-changing experiences.

In essence, being a volunteer in Colorado is an exciting chance to live uniquely enriching experiences off-the-beaten-path where you can make a positive impact.

To join, you just need to subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions, until you are ready to get verified in order to contact local hosts. 

From bustling Denver to the the Rocky Mountains, there are plenty of local projects in Colorado looking for volunteers. These are just some of them:

• Join a yoga retreat center and immerse yourself in the yogic lifestyle while fostering connections with the community and enjoying the tranquility of mountain life. Three meals a day and yoga classes are included.
• Become part of the staff of RAD Hostel, located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With plenty of free time to explore, this is one of a kind opportunity.
• Have a very local experience helping hosts Rona and Mark at their house. Their place is in the middle of nature, surrounded by wildlife and amazing hikes.
• Help with housekeeping and guest services at a holistic center. You'll be rewarded with plenty of opportunities to explore the natural surroundings, three meals a day and access yoga classes and programs.
• Stay in Denver for free at Ember Hostel, in exchange for some hours of housekeeping work a day - 4 days a week. 

Know more about Worldpackers' volunteering programs: What is a work exchange and how does it work? and Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered.

And get inspired by reading the experience of fellow traveler Kimberli traveling in the USA as a work exchanger.

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