15 fun and unique things you can only do in Colorado

From rugged mountain ranges to winding rivers, Colorado is jam-packed with things to do. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, find solace in nature, stroll a hip neighborhood, or soak up history, we’ve rounded up a stacked itinerary of adventures you can’t miss while in the Centennial State.

Carve out some time to shop, eat, and stroll around Denver’s many downtown districts. Right in the heart of the city, 16th Street features a mile-long outdoor promenade packed with restaurants, shops, cinemas, and sightseers. Less than a mile northwest is the over century-old Union Station, which today is flanked by the trendy LoDo district, where you’ll find breweries, boutique hotels, and hip boutiques.

For high-altitude exhilaration, take a hike up Highland Bowl, a more-than-12,000-foot summit at Aspen Highlands mountain. During the winter months, you can take a snowcat about a third of the way up the mountain, then hike the remainder of the trail up to the peak. After you reach the top, pop your skis back on and soar down to the bottom. It’s a slope that’s best for experienced skiers, with epic views to boot.

Hot springs are abundant in cool Colorado. Head to Desert Reef Hot Springs, near the quaint mountain town of Florence, to soak in a therapeutic natural pool in the foothills of the Rockies. Keep the relaxation going with a night in one of the property’s plush, renovated Airstream trailers, complete with private pools.

Located in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a registered national natural landmark that features dramatic red rock formations set against a backdrop of the Colorado mountains. Learn how the 300-foot sandstone pillars were formed in the park’s immersive theater experience.

What could be more scenic than an early morning sunrise hot air balloon ride with epic views of the mountains? Adventures Out West offers a leisurely three-and-a-half hour flight from Colorado Springs with views 100 miles in each direction—not to mention plenty of opportunities for sightings of deer and bighorn sheep.

The annual Aspen Food & Wine Classic is one of the most sought after events of the summer for Coloradans. Gourmands flock to Aspen to taste the latest and greatest offerings from world-renowned chefs and sommeliers, all amid the gorgeous backdrop of snow capped mountains.

Located near Colorado’s western border, Palisade is known for its succulent peaches. Plan to visit in late August for the annual Peach Festival, where parades, farm-to-table dinners, orchard tours, and more celebrate the ripe harvest. The area is flush with wine grapes too, with local vineyards offering tastings and tours year-round.

A visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science will keep kids engrossed for hours—and adults, too. At over 700,000 square feet, the landmark downtown Denver attraction is known for its award-winning wildlife dioramas, a domed planetarium that hosts laser shows, and interactive games and mazes.

A summer visit to Colorado is not complete without a bit of rafting. Renowned outfitter AVA Colorado Rafting has outposts throughout the state, from charming Steamboat Springs to scenic Vail. Choose your own adventure, from a laid-back float down the river to an overnight excursion tailored to your group’s experience level.

Dunton River Camp is a former cattle ranch-turned luxury lodge that offers five-star service and accommodations while embracing the stunning nature around it. It’s a splurge, but a worthy one: spend the day exploring the breathtaking grounds surrounding the camp before cozying up in a luxury tent or cabin with a private hot spring or sauna.

The Denver Nuggets shoot hoops at the 20,000-seat Ball Arena, just steps from downtown Denver’s vibrant culinary and nightlife scene. You can also cheer on the local pro hockey or lacrosse teams, or catch a concert at the multi-use arena, which is easily accessible by train via nearby Union Station.

Situated nearly 12,000 feet above sea level in the Rockies near Keystone, Loveland Pass (also known as US Highway Route 6) is known for its mountain unparalleled views. It’s the choice of many road trippers looking for a more scenic alternative to Eisenhower Tunnel during a route through northern Colorado. Plus, it’s located on the Continental Divide (which splits rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean versus the Atlantic), and its sign makes for a great photo op.

Known for its incredibly well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, visiting Mesa Verde National Park is a one-of-a-kind experience. Opt for a self-service audio tour or a guided tour of the 700-year-old site before setting off for a hike during the day or stargazing after dark. Depending on the time of year, you may also be able to experience a dance or cultural performance from members of one of the Pueblo or Meso Verde–area tribes.

A hike in the Rockies is a must when you’re in Colorado. Located within Rocky Mountain National Park, Lily Lake Loop offers a mile-long, family-friendly trail with plenty of opportunities for wildlife-spotting and no shortage of nearby spots for picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Other popular hikes in the national park include the moderate, 3.2-mile Emerald Lake Trail; the steep, nearly 10-mile-long Sky Pond hike; and the wheelchair-accessible Sprague Lake Trail.

Catch a live show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, an open-air venue built into a natural rock formation just 10 miles outside of downtown Denver. The amphitheater is known for its world-class concerts (The Beatles, Earth Wind & Fire, and U2 are among the legendary artists who have played its stage), but it also hosts other worthwhile activities such as yoga and movie nights.