5 Best Things to Do in Colorado

Famed for its diverse landscape, Colorado is a year-round destination perfect for a day out, a weekend getaway, or a city vacation. The state is particularly famed for its wide gamut of outdoor activities. From hiking and camping on the majestic Rocky Mountains to white water rafting in Colorado, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re planning on visiting or live here and in need of a break, here are some exciting things to do in Colorado:

Visit Rocky Mountain Park

Situated a few miles from Estate Park, the Rocky Mountain National Park is among the country’s most popular national parks. The park boasts breathtaking landscape made up of alpine lakes, meadows, forests, and more than 100 soaring mountain peaks, each estimated to be over 10,000 feet. So, if you like mountain climbing, this is the place to be. The park is also famed for its abundant wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you may come across the elk and the deer.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful things to do in Colorado
The picturesque Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

If you do not fancy hiking, biking, camping, or the likes, you can still enjoy this rugged yet fascinating terrain from your car. The park features the Trail Ridge Road which offers easy access to the beautiful terrain by car.

White Water Rafting

If you thrive on adrenaline and would like to take on some challenge to break the monotony of work, then you should consider white water rafting in Colorado. The Arkansas River flows just outside Colorado Springs, and on it, you can satisfy your need for adrenaline by taking a world-class rafting trip through the Royal Gorge.

Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the most spectacular things to do in Colorado
Royal Gorge Bridge and the Arkansas River near Colorado Springs

You’ll surely put your muscles to work, but in between these soaked and exhilarating rapids, you’ll also enjoy the epic scenery of geology, wildlife, and in the process learn about the fantastic history of the Arkansas River.

Zipline

Since you are already at the Royal Gorge, why not satisfy your need for adrenaline entirely by taking a zip line tour over it? If you’d like to keep things at a minimum, take on the classic zip line tour, which involves traversing over 100 acres of the Royal Gorge Plateau on zip line cable.

 If you’re alone and challenges are your thing, then take on the extreme zip line tour, which involves traversing over 2 miles of zip line cable at speeds of 60mph! 

A Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Located about 10 miles from Denver, the Red Rocks Amphitheater is an open-air amphitheater carved from stone formations. It is set in nature and will surely impress you. It has its restaurant and attracts a string of famous artists such as Bastille, Neil Young, Jimmy Buffet, and many others. 

Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the top things to do in Colorado
Red Rocks Amphitheater is impressive even without any music

Visit the Hanging Lake

If you would like a tough challenge that gets you rewarded instantly, then you should add the hanging lake on your bucket list. Located just 10 miles east of Glenwood Springs, the hanging lake is one of Colorado’s treasures and the best example of nature at its best.

Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most beautiful gems
Hanging Lake in Colorado

It is a rare, breathtaking lake formed by what is described as a travertine geological disposition. It features a beautiful hanging garden and wispy, hypnotic waters. However, to get to it, you must take a walk over a short but incredibly rocky and steep trail. But the end is sure rewarding.

As a rocky state, Colorado has endless attractions all year round. Even if you dedicate your weekends to exploring what this beautiful state has to offer, you couldn’t exhaust it. Start your getaway by white water rafting in Colorado today and thanks us later.

  nick chris_dodds sayamindu

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About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

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