Full disclosure, I am a bit biased as I currently call the state my home, but Colorado has no shortage of things to do and see. As one of the most outdoor activity friendly 4 season states and boasting 300+ days of sunshine a year, 4 National Parks and tons of mountain towns to explore, you will find yourself fully engaged no matter what time of year you visit. Hiking, skiing & snowboarding, rafting and camping are just a few local favorites. There are also year round festivals, plenty of wildlife, tons of scenic vistas and one of the most exciting food scenes this far in from either coast. There is also plenty to find within a days drive or so, and a full week road trip can really get exciting.
Table of Contents
1. Top Things To Do
2. Cheap Eats
3. Getting Around
4. General Tips
5. Fun Facts
Top 5 Things to Do in Colorado
I could probably fill a book with all the things you can (and should) find yourself enjoying in Colorado. In the interest of time and space, I will keep the list on this page tightly curated to the “must see” and “lesser known” activities, but keep an eye on our growing section of Colorado Related Blog Entries for ongoing suggestions and recommendations.
1. Visit The Switzerland of America
Ouray, Colorado is one of the state’s best kept secrets. Dubbed (accurately) “The Switzerland of America”, Ouray (pronounced yur·ay) is chock filled with everything that makes Colorado great and without the crowd drawing appeal of a Breckenridge or a seasonality of an Estes Park.
n other words, (typically) less crowds and more to do throughout the entire year. In addition to fully encapsulating that “small mountain town” charm, with quaint shops and legitimately good local food, Ouray sits in the middle of (and offers spectacular views of) the San Juan mountain range, allowing for great outdoor activities and wildlife sightings throughout the year, and the town has taken full advantage. The winter brings the opening of the Ouray Ice Park, in summer there are an abundance of hikes to hikes and waterfalls to rappel (yup) and in the in-between seasons there are hot springs to enjoy. Costs can vary, depending on your itinerary, but there is plenty to do for free. To me, Ouray tops the list of Colorado offerings.
2. Hike Hanging Lake Waterfall
Colorado is known for its abundance of hikes (and hikers), but for my money, Hanging Lake is best in show. For starters, it is relatively accessible from a difficulty perspective. The hike up to the waterfall is only 1 1/4 mi. (it should be noted that the hike up is pretty steep. Not as bad as a 14er, but it is not necessarily a stroll in the park. That being said, the payoff is well worth it with warmer months displaying a gorgeous waterfall and lake, and the cold time of the year offering a veritable winter wonderland. Hanging Lake is also located ion Glenwood Springs which is a great little town, not too far a drive (2.5hrs) from Denver.
Tips for Hanging Lake:
- Hanging Lake is currently open year round (weather dependent) but it has seen some closures as of late due to wildfires and usage wear. As of recently, to mitigate over use, a reservation system has been put in place with the (as of this writing) cost of permits is $12/person (May 1 – October 31), $10/person (November 1- April 30). Reservations are available at www.visitglenwood.com
- When you get to the lake at the end of the hike up, you are given the option to hike another short distance to “Spouting Rock”. Do it. It is well worth the extra few steps, I promise.
- The winter version of this hike gets pretty icy. MicroSpikes are highly suggested. You can find a pair in the link provided, they are slightly more expensive than others you can find. but Kahtoola is a well known and respected brand and spikes are not something you want to cut costs on.
3. See a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is located just a few miles from Downtown Denver, and maybe the best concert venue in the country. If you find yourself with the opportunity to attend a show at Red Rocks, I can’t recommend it enough. The sound and the surroundings are truly second to none. That being said, just walking around the Amphitheatre during the day lends itself to excellent views and fresh air. There is also a nice little museum (free) of the acts that have played there and gift shop (not free).
4. Visit The National Parks
Easily, the best thing to do in the US, in my opinion, is take advantage of its National Park Service (NPS). As far as I am concerned, the country’s Federally protected parks are worth a visit or road trip, in and of themselves. Colorado has four to visit, and all of them are spectacular.
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Grand Mesa National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Check the NPS website for details on each park, including hours and park admission fees.
Tips for National Parks:
- The America The Beautiful pass runs $80 annual for a standard pass, which is well worth it when you consider that some parks cost $30/day for car admission. The pass has variations, including a discounted seniors pass, a FREE 4rth grader pass (good for your 4th grader and up to 3 guests), a FREE lifetime pass for military and a FREE lifetime pass for people with disabilities.
- Most National Parks are open 24hrs a day, and their “operating hours” are peak hours in which the entrance gate is open. Accessing the park outside of operating hours will be free of charge.
5. Meow Wolf: Convergence Station
One of the more costly options on this list (with tickets at $45/adult and $40/kid), I think the uniqueness of Meow Wolf (whichever installation) is worth a visit. A fully immersive art exhibit, with 3 current locations (Denver, Santa Fe and Las Vegas) each with their own theme (Denver’s being interdimensional travel), there is not much I can say about Meow Wolf that will do the actual experience justice. It is wild ride and fun for the family (though, with the price of tickets, I would suggest kids ages 9 and up).
Honorable Mentions
Channel Your Inner Shining (or see the elks) in Estes Park
Estes Park is one of the more popular destinations in Colorado. Home of the Stanley Hotel (Stephen King’s inspiration for The Overlook Hotel in his masterpiece, The Shining) and Rocky Mountain National Park, the town also fosters hundreds of wild elk that migrate there in the autumn months. A fun little town to visit, but expect crowds, as well as steep prices in-season (but all the free saltwater taffy samples you can stomach) and main street closures out-of-season.
Check out the Fall Foliage
Colorado is one of the best states to see the leaves change colors. Whether on the Aspens at Maroon Bells, Kenosha Pass, Georgetown Loop Railway or any of a literal infinite number of hikes on the front range.
Great American Beer Festival
Taking place in Denver, early autumn: The Great American Beer Festival is America’s #1 beer competition and exhibition, showcasing over 100 styles of beer from across the US.
Shred the Mountains
One of Colorado’s most popular past-times involved speeding down a snow filled mountain on either a pair of skis or a snowboard. Having done both in multiple states, I can confirm…skiing/snowboarding in Colorado is unlike doing the same in any other state. The amount of powder that the Rockies gets, lends itself to a completely unique experience. Really investing in either of the two can be quite costly, with season passes fast on their way to $1000, you can absolutely find day passes for some of the less “touristy” hills. Instead of Breckenridge or Vail, look into Loveland or Monarch. Both have great beginner slopes as well, and pretty reasonable classes, if that is something you are interested in.
Cheap Eats In Colorado
Enjoy the Happiest of Hours in Denver
For a relatively young town, Denver has really embraced what “Happy Hour” can be. So many restaurants in town have really strong offerings of both food and libations, at discounted prices from 4-6 (roughly). Eating like a local in Denver definitely includes partaking in this mile high staple. Some suggestions that I think stand out at time of this writing are Fish N Beer’s Happy Hour, Postino’s Board and Bottle night and Cativella’s Happy Hour menu.
Get Your Burrito Smothered (or just get the Smother)
For my dollar, nothing is better done, or more quintessentially “Colorado” that pork (vegetarian available) Green Chile (Chile Verde). Not to be confused with the green chile pepper (hatched) used in the recipe, Pork Green Chile is a stew made with green chiles, pork, onions, garlic, tomatillo…you get it. It’s all good. The stew is then use on…well, everything. From breakfast burritos to eggs and finally (my preference) in a bowl, with some shredded cheddar on top and eaten with some flour tortillas. The green chile at most restaurants will only cost you $4-5, and it’s a value rarely measured elsewhere.
Get a Cheeseburger
Did you know that the cheeseburger may have been invented in Denver? News to me, also. That being said, Denver and the rest of Colorado take their cheeseburgers pretty seriously. For me, nothing beats a burger at Cherry Cricket. If you want to go the extra mile (get it?) get Cherry Cricket’s Colorado Bison Burger. You want to be Extra Extra, find yourself an Elk Burger in Estes Park (above)…Just get a burger.
School Lunch at Ivywild
Located in Colorado Springs, Ivywild is a former elementary school, turned Public Market. Complete with great food (served on trays, of course) and 5 bars and breweries. It is a true experience.
Mango House
Founded by, and to help Denver local refugees make a livelihood, this hidden (and completely unassuming) gem is home to some of the most authentic global cuisine options in all of Colorado. Urban Burma (Burmese Cuisine) is a regular favorite of mine, but Mango House also hosts Jasmine (Syrian), Ayny’s Kitchen (Somalian), Nepali Mountain Kitchen and Golden Sky Sushi.
Traveling To, From and Within Colorado
Rent a Car
Not really a good way around this, unfortunately. If you are not staying with/relying on others, Colorado is spread out enough that if you want to explore it fully, you will need a car. Even if you plan on staying in a central location, like Denver…the public transportation is not great. Exceptions to this rule is carpooling to the mountains, via apps like RideSki or Carpool websites like Carpool World.
Luckily, though, we have a handy guide for how to find the best deals and leverage discounts when renting a car that you can find HERE.
Road Tripping
Colorado is great for being a starting point or destination on just about any US road trip. Located pretty near the center of the map, you can drive anywhere in just a few days.
- Denver to Chicago: 14.5hrs
- Denver to Calgary, Alberta Canada: 16.5hrs
- Denver to Los Angeles: 15hrs.
- Denver to New York City: 27hrs.
Tips for Visiting Colorado
The altitude is no joke.
The capitol building sits a mile above sea level and some spots are triple that. Bring a water bottle and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I can’t tell you how many times friends of mine have had their trips cut short due to altitude sickness.
Pack your hiking shoes.
Chances are you will want to hick a trail or two (or, you will have a friend that will talk you into it)
Pack for all seasons, every season.
Whether you are here in summer or winter, pack a bit for the other. It can get cold quick on your way up the mountains.
Be wildlife aware.
Bears are a thing, but Bull Moose and Mountain Lion are scarier. Learn a little about each.
Colorado Fun Facts
coming soon
Do you have suggestions or recommendations for visiting Colorado? Post Them Below and Thanks For Reading!
