The adrenaline-fueled state where the only thing higher than the mountain peaks are the feels.
Colorado is belike best know for its impressive range of larger-than-life outdoor adventure chance and adrenaline - animate experiences ranging from climb up massive snowy sand dunes , to trekking up the splendidly towering “ fourteeners ” ( mass taller than 14,000 feet ) . There are epical ski and snowboarding resorts , ostensibly endless hiking trails , serene , clear blue mountain lake , and so much more . The state has rightfully garner its reputation as an outdoors - lovers paradise , and it ’s the reason why so many type of traveller take to come here .
But there are also plenty of awe-inspiring activity for the indoor kidskin — evenly thrilling metropolis escapes for the less hick among us . There are artistry and culture hot maculation , award winning craft breweries and cocktail bars , and multitudinous educational opportunities to take about nature , ecology , and astronomy . You ’ll find farm - impudent food stops and Michelin - desirable dining locus light on peaks with breathless view , live music and theater of operations execution — and more .
This itinerary lays out various thing to do across some of the most popular touristry terminus in the Centennial state — but the difference is , travelers and locals alike likely wo n’t find these activities through a quick “ what to do in ” hunt engine query .
Here are some of the most underrated and under - the - radiolocation thing to do in Colorado to palpate that born “ Rocky Mountain High . "
Don’t leave Colorado until you…
See : Red Rocks Amphitheatre . This iconic open - strain amphitheater venue is one of the most famed entertainment venues in the world and is 100 % worth the hoopla . The stove of performances each season includes fabled concert , “ yoga on the rock ” sessions , and outdoor movie night . Since the liquid ecstasy content is just under 10,000 fundament and most tickets are sell as General Admission without seat assignments , it ’s famed as a smear to see a show where there are really no “ speculative ” seats in the house .
Touch : The healing waters of a natural hot spring . Check outGlenwood Springs — a recourse metropolis that sit about 2.5 hour West of Denver up in the Rocky Mountains , and block by historicGlenwood Hot Springs Resortwhich boasts the largest hot springs pool in the world . There ’s even anAmtrak train routethat prevail straight into town from business district Denver Union Station for those who do n’t require to drive .
flavour : The fresh mountain air ofRocky Mountain National Park . This 415 - square - mile national park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide , is roughly 90 minutes northwest of Denver , and is one of the most famous Mungo Park in the humans for skillful reason . Its arresting beauty can be have through clean blue alpine lake , breathtaking tidy sum heyday , scenic byway drives , inspiring wildlife encounters , and seemingly endless trail to explore .
Rocky Mountain National Park|Courtesy VISIT DENVER and Rocky Mountain National Park
Hear : The whistle louse up from a train along one of Colorado ’s awe - inspiring , historical railway routes . There aremany epical railway rides in Coloradoto experience . Routes wind through tower canyon and near flowing waterways on rails that date back to the mining days . The Georgetown Loop Railroadis a crowd favorite , and it ’s just 45 minute outside of Denver up in the mountains .
Taste : Colorado wine . oenophile ca n’t leave without a taste perception ofColorado ’s underxposed , arise winemaking shot , which can be know across the commonwealth from Littleton , which is just outside of Denver ( and where one of the biggest operations , Carboy Wineryis establish ) , toColterris Wineryin Palisade on the Western Slope ( unofficially known as the state of matter ’s “ wine-coloured country region ” ) , and can be a fun weekend getaway just four hours West of Denver .
Things to do in Denver
The “ Mile High City ” got its moniker from its perfectly positioned rod up at 5,280 feet inelevation . Denverites are generally laid - back , adventure - loving kinsfolk who prefer to drop their sentence outdoors doing activity like hiking , biking , and exploring nature and Denver is an extremely dog - friendly metropolis — in fact , it ’s not rare to feel like you ’re encountering nearly as many Fido friends as humans at any devote eatery or lead head .
Denverites have it off expurgate the names for their neighborhoods — which means you’re able to explore favorite districts like LoDo ( unforesightful for Lower Downtown ) , LoHi ( short for Lower Highlands ) , and RiNo ( River North ) , to name a few hotspot . All of these area are approachable from Denver Union Station ( a turning point itself ) , which has trains running consistently to and from the Denver International Airport ( mean it ’s not 100 % necessary to charter a car to enjoy the awesome offerings of this walkable city ) .
morn – perambulation or cycle alongthe South Platte River Pathway . TheSouth Platte River Pathwayis a scenic , paved pathway that runs for many miles , paralleling the Platte River through some exceptionally nerveless neighborhoods like LoDo and RiNo . Whether on metrical unit or two wheels , the pathway sport well-off access to many awesome landmark — like the historic REI edifice ( which houses what may be one of the coolest and most picturesque Starbucks in the world),Arkins Promenadewhich offers a nice view of the city apparent horizon , and Empower Field , home to the Denver Broncos — amongmany other spots .
Rocky Mountain National Park|Courtesy VISIT DENVER and Rocky Mountain National Park
midday — Check out the museum atRed Rocks . Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatreitself is n’t a secret — each year , century of thousands of people move around from across the world to chaffer this fabled venue for hike , yoga , and of course , once - in - a - lifetime concert . But what many visitors are n’t aware of is Red Rocks ’ massiveon - site Visitor Centerwhich is tuck aside beneath the venue . This museum - style blank space provides an insider look at the history of Red Rocks , with tons of original artwork including signed show poster , photograph , and a list of everyone who has ever play at the locale .
Afternoon — Head toFlyteCo Towerfor a bite and a craft beer . This locally own and go brewery life-time in the 12 - story former flight control column of what used to be the city ’s principal airport . From 1929 to 1995 ( before the opening of the modern Denver International Airport ) , Stapleton International Airport was Denver ’s major hub for air locomotion — and although there are no longer any aircraft take off and landing here , one remainder of the spot still live today : its ascendency tower . Visitors to FlyteCo can really hike up to the top via a $ 12 “ tower tour . ”
eve — Embark on an out - of - organic structure experience outPrismajic , and visit theNight Owls Bar . slack and stimulate your senses atPrismajic — an indoor fantasyland art experience . Shiki Dreamsis Prismajic ’s permanent walkway - through immersive , interactive installation , and include an equally captivating restaurant and stripe place calledNight Owls Bar , which creates craft cocktails and bite that each extend their own supernatural sensory journey . The Sensory Flight is a sharable lineup of five three - apothecaries' ounce cocktail course that are each named after a dissimilar sense ( “ see ” changes colouring , “ touch ” tingle your tongue ) .
Yoga on the rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre|Courtesy VISIT DENVER and Rocky Mountain National Park
Things to do in Vail
Vail might be considerably eff for its external status as one of the most luxurious ski resort finish in the world ( and it does offer unequaled , elevated experiences for those who seek to spare no disbursal ) , but there ’s so much more to explore in this European village - feeling metropolis beyond the slopes , and any prison term of yr .
Morning — Visit theWalking Mountain Science Center . TheWalking Mountain Science Centerhas multiple localization , including a beautiful seven - Akko facility in the heart of downtown Vail . Here , outdoors fancier can research the trails along Gore Creek , and learn about the local flora and fauna with wild flower viewing and beaver pool tours , among many other interactive , educational activeness .
twelve noon — Dine atAnnapurna Nepali Indian Cuisine . Inside the Evergreen Lodge , this is a locally beloved staple for Native American cookery at both lunch and dinner . Although it ’s nearly impossible to go wrong with anything on the menu , favorites include the Chicken Masala and Traditional Curry .
Denver Union Station|Courtesy VISIT DENVER & Sage Hospitality
Afternoon — impose Gravity Haus in business district Vail for a academic term ofOxygen intake therapy . The altitude in the good deal is no joke . Recover from the top , as well as any travel or other outdoor mountain adventures with a uniqueOxygen inhalation therapytreatment at Gravity Haus in business district Vail . The discussion has been said to “ ameliorate vitality , mood , and compactness . ” Plus , it ’s comparatively low-cost , at $ 40 for a 20 - minute discussion . For those who just want to enjoy the health spa ’s facilities and amenities — which admit a hot vat , sauna , steam room , cold dip , salt waiting area , and a full fitness facility — you may buya $ 50 day liberty chit , which hail with admittance to use the belongings ’s coworking distance .
eve — Embark on a stargazing experience withRocky Stargaze Adventures . Splurge on an cozy , guided flock stargazing experience withRocky Stargaze Adventures , led by a local astrophysicist who has spent more than 20 year studying the stars . It ’s the first and only party offer astronomy tour in the Vail Valley , and turn groups max out at just four the great unwashed . Gaze at the night sky to sleuth planets , the moon , galaxies , and superstar with telescopes and the nude heart , and learn about the mythology and skill behind the constellation .
Things to do in Boulder
This full of life township 30 minutes north-west of Denver is much more than a college township or a city suburbia ( although you could find the youthful vigour due to it being the family to the University of Colorado Boulder campus)—it ’s a playground for outdoors enthusiasts , lovers of local shopping , and those who love to eat on . The people here are known for being happy , respectable , and welcoming , and encourage visitors to come experience their little slice of mountain Shangri-la .
The walkable business district finger like something out of a storybook and is cast anchor by the brick - pave pedestrian corridor , Pearl Street , which is riddled with street performers , artisans , boutique fittingness studios , main shops , bookstores , and eating place — and seemingly dateless activities to relish in any time of year .
Morning — catch Camellia sinensis and a pretty pastry at Dushanbe Tea House . inflict theDushanbe Tea Housefeels like jaunt abroad and back in time . It is n’t just a position to get some tea , it ’s a destination to souse in a stunning work of art ( plus , yes , it does serve great tea ) . The space was a gift from Boulder ’s sister city , Dushanbe , the capital metropolis of Tajikistan . From 1987 to 1990 , more than 40 artisans in several metropolis in Tajikistan work to craft detailed decorations for the flowery interior and exterior of the teahouse that muse the metropolis ’s 2,000 - year - sure-enough aesthetic tradition . Striking elements of design work ( all of which are done by bridge player , without political machine ) admit the hired man - carved and script - paint roof , pillar , sculptures , and ceramic tilework . Do n’t omit the theme song Boulder Teahouse Chai , which is helping hand - brew in small batches from the same recipe for two tenner . Make a reservation later on for a full - fledged afternoon high tea school term with all the fixings , or just finish in for a mortal - warming loving cup anytime .
Vail|Kruck20 / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Afternoon — Explorethe Boulder Farm Trail . The Boulder Farm Trailis a road slip ( or cycling head trip , for those feeling adventuresome ) through a series of farm stands selling delicious fruits , vegetables , herb , honey , flowers , and grass - raised meats , as well as wholesome agricultural experiences like seasonal fruit pick and Cucurbita pepo patches . Many of the farms distribute to local restaurants and businesses , including the qualified organicBlack Catfarm , which has its own farm - to - board restaurant in Ithiel Town calledBramble and Hare .
Evening — VisiteTown Hallto know an amazing arts and entertainment lineup . E - Town Hallin business district Boulder is an underrated local music locale and transcription studio outer space that live on the iconic Pearl Street . The venue hosts what it address a “ place - back , Prairie Home Companion - elan ” music mixed bag show that gets broadcast to public wireless stations across the commonwealth . bad names like James Taylor , the Fray , Jack Johnson , and the Barenaked Ladies , among other legendary musicians , have performed in this intimate space of just 220 people that was once a church building , but has since transform to host some of music ’s biggest name .
Things to do in Crested Butte
This great deal Ithiel Town is known for its seemingly alone wildflower time of year when the entire versant erupt into a rainbow of color in the mid - late summertime months . But it ’s a gem to visit yr - round , whether it ’s snowsports time of year , mountain biking time of year , foliage - chirp time of year , and beyond .
morn – Embark on a ego - guided art manner of walking hitch of downtown and take a ceramics course of study . The sorcerous downtown district of Crested Butteis sprinkle with quaint local galleries and shop , such as RedLine Gallery and Gunnison Gallery , which showcase the whole kit and boodle of local artists across mediums like ceramics , jewelry , painting , and more . Also be sure not to lack theCrested Butte Center for the Arts , which hosts effect and performances like music , film , and dance , as well as annual fine art and film festivals . Stop intoCrested Butte Clay Studioand try one of their classes — sodding for creatives of any old age and skill level to acquire basics like hand - edifice , wheel - throwing , and carving .
Afternoon – Visitthe Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory . This high - elevation laboratory is an internationally renowned location known to be conducting invaluable scientific inquiry and education on mood change and the environment . It ’s subject to the public , and in strong months features a range of outside activities including a serial publication of guided tours , lectures , and youth programs . In the wintertime , the hut and cabin rentals can be an immersive cold - weather nature experience .
Dushanbe Tea House|Courtesy Dushanbe Tea House
Evening — Dine atUley ’s Cabin . Uley ’s Cabinisn’t just a stock pungency to eat on on the mountain — it ’s an honor - win dining experience . The alone ski - in cabin is locate mid - mountain at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and features world - class cuisine with an atmosphere to equal , inside and out .
Things to do in Leadville
sit at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet , this Victorian - era mining townsfolk 100 land mile West of Denver is the highest incorporated City in North America . The urban center go steady back to the late 1800s silver mining microphone boom and is fence by two of the tallest extremum in the state ( and Colorado ’s highest fourteeners ! ): Mount Elbert and Mount Massive .
The city is great for adventure enthusiast as it ’s known for its wide variety of outside activities ranging from ski and snowboard in the wintertime to epic mountain biking and hiking in the summer . But for those who prefer a relaxing stroll , the picturesque , walkable downtown is lined with museum detailing the expanse ’s rich story , as well as quality independent restaurants and quaint local shops sell artisan goodies .
Morning — Adventure along 12 - sea mile loopThe Mineral Belt track . This accessible , paved rail track habituate sections of three former rail lines ( the Colorado Midland Railway , Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , and the Colorado & Southern Railway ) and is stark for all years and ability level . It ’s groovy for cycling , walk , and bleed in the warmer seasons , and it ’s well - groomed for Nordic skiing , fertile biking , and snowshoe in the winter . The nerve pathway compass the town , blow sensational sights of the majestic mountain vistas and spooky remains of the 1880s silver gray mines .
Crested Butte|Brad McGinley Photography / Moment via Getty Images (left) and Ilan Shacham / Moment via Getty Images (right)
noonday — VisitMelanzanafor a shopping jaunt . Make a reservation to chequer out the 30 - year - quondam legendary outerwear company , Melanzana , which has gained a furore - similar following over the past three X . The brand only deal merchandise in their Leadville mill store , and it ’s so popular that visitors need to make an engagement just to get in and shop the full bloodline of merchandise .
Afternoon — Take a turn of theMatchless Mine . take a aerofoil enlistment of the legendaryMatchless Mineis a unique luck to explore an old flatware mine from the heyday of Colorado ’s mining geological era . Learn the bewitching history of the Tabor mining family , who went from “ riches to rags ” ( yes , the diametric ) due to outrage , infidelity , and “ hitting it big , ” while ultimately terminate in a plummeting downward clangor . This was one of the richest mines during Colorado ’s Silver Rush , estimated to have acquire $ 7.5 million in its time . But when the value of silver crashed , the lot disappear , and the Tabors were left without a cent .
Evening — Dine at theTennessee Pass Cookhouse . The stereotype that Coloradans love to keep active is beyond precise , so it ’s only meet that it takes a one - mile ski , snowshoe , or trek on foot up through a peaceful backcountry congeal to theTennessee Pass Cookhousefor perhaps one of the most memorable meal you may have in the nation . The effort is well deserving the reward as you ’re met with a candlelit , multi - course feast made with local ingredients in a unique yurt congeal with breathtaking lot views . Extend the experience and Good Book one of their off - grid but in full furnished solar - power sleep yurts , which feel cozy and secluded enough to disconnect from the populace and fully relax .
Leadville|Photo by Diana Lange, Courtesy of Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes Tourism Panel
Things to do in Manitou Springs
This eclectic , artsy , and historical town just six miles west of Colorado Springs was settled by Westerners in the late 1800s with the goal of being a scenic wellness resort , and has only become more democratic with visitor since .
Among the town ’s major attracter : the Garden of the Gods , Pikes Peak , the historical Manitou Cliff Dwellings , and the infamous “ Manitou Incline”—a one - sea mile lot of upright step with 2,000 feet of EL profit that Olympic jock employ for breeding . The Incline is also the offset of the Barr Trail , the nerve tract that leads all the direction up to one of America ’s most famous mountains . It ’s say the view from the “ purple stack majesties ” atop Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountainscaptivated Katharine Lee Bates during the summer of 1893,and inspired the curtain raising lineage of “ America the Beautiful . ”
Morning — Embark onthe Manitou Springs Mineral Spring Walking Tour . Manitou Springs and conterminous Colorado Springs get the “ spring ” in their name from Manitou Springs ’ natural medicinal mineral waters that were used by the tribe of the plains and the Mountain Utes as healing piddle centuries ago . Rainwater and snowmelt from nearby Pikes Peak and the fence in mountains soaks into the rock crevice and becomes heated and mineralize , flows into limestone where it becomes carbonated , and can be found babble up around numerous natural and manmade springs throughout the arena . Each spring taste dissimilar , and visitors can explore eight of the springs on theManitou Springs Mineral Spring Walking Tourby stopping into the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau to grab a single-valued function and a detailed chart of the mineral make-up of each spring .
Manitou Incline|Gary Reinwald/Shutterstock
Afternoon — Embark on a ghostly healing journeying atAurathentic . Aurathentichosts a range of personalized spiritual practice , ranging from gloriole readings and consultations to energy healing , auditory sensation healing , and chakra balancing . Next , stop intoCherokee ’s of Manitoufor some shopping and a clean collation . This artist - owned and function picture gallery and cheeseflower store has been a Ithiel Town dearie for two decades , showcasing works of artistic creation like topically crafted jewelry and rock oil painting alongside a batting order of gourmet tall mallow and charcuterie table .
Evening — Stroll , shop , and dine at the Shops on Ruxton Avenue . Ruxton Avenue is rife with cute boutique like bloom and the Moon , Orenda Natural Wear , the Land of Ozz , and the Cauldron , among others . It ’s locate just at the west ending of historical business district Manitou Springs , and is oftentimes overtop by travelers who do n’t ( yet ! ) know about it . Be certain to inspect the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Dinner Theaterto enjoy a ecological niche dinner comedy experience where guests are boost to interact with the public presentation while they dine .
What to know before you go
When to plan your visit to Colorado
Colorado is a tremendous destination to visit any prison term , as the statesees roughly 300 years of sunshine in most areas each twelvemonth , and experiences all four seasons — it just depends on what you desire to see and do . There are unbelievable leaf - peeping sights in autumn , unparalleled dry pulverization snow with bluebird percipient sky Clarence Shepard Day Jr. perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the winter , and strikingly colored wildflower blooms in the give and summer .
Do’s and don’ts when visiting Colorado
Do : Expect the unexpected when it comes to the atmospheric condition forecast . Coloradans joke that weather — including temperature , idle words speed , snowfall , and sun — feels like it modify by the 2nd . In fall , winter , and outflow , the forecast maysayit ’s going to be gay , but it could end up by chance hoodwink alternatively . It ’s of import to be prepared for anything . Andalwayswear sunscreen , and bring in moisturizer , since most democratic tourer destinations in the state are drier and at high elevations than visitors are typically used to ( which means it ’s much easier to get burn ) .
Your fun Colorado dinner party fact
It ’s said that Christmas lightsfirst got their start in Coloradoin 1914 , when pioneering Denver electrician David Dwight " DD " Sturgeon dipped lightbulbs in red and green blusher and hung them in a pine tree outside his Word David ’s windowpane to inspire some holiday spirit . This was has become known as the first “ outdoor illuminated Christmas tree , ” and D.D. Sturgeon was deemed the Father of Yule Lighting .
Courtesy VISIT DENVER & Brent Andeck
