Page Contents
Things to do in Colorado Today
A state in the Western United States of America, Colorado makes for one of the best tourist destinations for a number of reasons. The state is home to a number of natural sites that will take your breath away with its beauty. If you are a nature lover and want to experience nature at its finest then you must visit Colorado.
Here you will have the opportunity to observe nature in all its colors. Colorado’s capital, Denver is also home to a number of scenic sites that make for a perfect tourist destination. From Colorado Springs to the Rocky Mountains, the state of Colorado has much to offer to all the wanderlust souls out there.
This article will help you figure out the places that you can visit in Colorado today. So wear your most comfortable shoes because we are going to take you on a ride.
Explore the beauty of nature in Colorado with a visit to the following places
Colorado is home to a number of scenic sites and sometimes it can be difficult to choose the ones to visit. If you are under a similar dilemma then worry no more. Here is a list of places that you must visit in Colorado today. Read on to know more:
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park was established in the year 1906 with an aim to preserve the archaeological heritage of the Pueblo people. The park serves to protect over 5000 archaeological sites, which includes 600 cliff dwellings.
The Pueblos dwelled in the region from 600 to 1300 CE and a visit to this park will enable you to travel back in time and appreciate their rich history. If you are interested in history and archaeology, this is just the place for you.
Strawberry Parks Hot Springs
Explore nature at its finest with a visit to Strawberry Parks Hot Springs. Here you have the chance to take a dive in the natural springs and have the time of your life. The park comes with several amenities like changing rooms and picnic areas. This is also an ideal place to visit at night and you can also avail yourself the option of staying overnight.
The place also has hiking trails and biking routes, so you can suit yourself as per your desires. Not to mention that the Hot Spring in itself makes for a serene sight that will instantly put your heart to ease. If you are looking for places to visit with your family in Colorado, this is just the place for you. To know more about Strawberry Parks Hot Springs, check out its website.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park makes for a perfect place to visit on your trip to Colorado. The park is characterized by the sand dunes that cover the area and give it the semblance of a huge desert. This is an interesting place to visit if you are looking to indulge in some outdoor activities.
Here you can explore the trails that will lead you through wetlands and forests. When at Great Sand Dunes National Park, make sure that you check out Medano Lake which makes for a very scenic site. You can also trek to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and have a wonderful time. A visit to this park will be of the best things to do in Colorado and we recommend it.
Comanche National Grasslands
Located in southeastern grasslands, the Comanche National Grasslands is one of the best tourist destinations in Colorado. If you are interested in navigating the rich history of southeastern Colorado then this place is just for you.
This place is also rich in wildlife and here you would have the opportunity to spot rare animals like the Golden Eagle, the Swift Fox, coyotes, hawks, prairie dogs, and other animals. Here at the Comanche National Grasslands, you will have the chance to explore rock art from over 1500 years ago.
This is one of the most exciting places to visit in Colorado and we highly recommend it.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
If you are looking for things to do in Denver then consider a visit to Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Located near Idaho Springs, the place is characterized by its mind blowing row of pine trees that overlook valleys and beautiful peaks. This place makes for an ideal drive as here you will have the opportunity to experience nature at its best.
One of the major attractions includes that here you would be able to spot a number of animals, like bighorn sheep and mountain goats. The height of Mount Evans will make you feel like you are on top of the world.
Arkansas River
Did you wake up today with the urge to do water rafting? If yes, head straight to the Arkansas River. A major tributary of the Mississippi River, the Arkansas River is one of the most famous rivers in the United States of America. The river makes for a perfect spot for water rafting and has different levels of rafting routes.
You can choose the one that works best for you and fits your expertise. You can also camp by the river and relive your college camping days. A visit to the Arkansas River makes for a perfect activity to indulge in with your family and friends.
Colorado Trail
Extending from the mouth of Waterton Canyon to Durango, the Colorado Trail makes for a long-distance trail route. Stretching over an area of 486 miles, the trail makes for an ideal thing to do in Colorado for hiking enthusiasts. On your route, you will pass the scenic sites of the Rocky Mountains, lakes, creeks, and other mountain ranges.
You can also choose to traverse the same route on a mountain bike. The route also has a number of resorts, so if you get tired, you can choose to spend the night. Colorado Trail is ideal for travel enthusiasts who like to explore nature on their own terms. This is recommended for people who are into outdoor activities and would like to break a sweat on their visit to Colorado.
Black Canyon
Black Canyon of Colorado is located in Gunnison National Park and is one of the best tourist destinations to visit in Colorado. The canyon was formed millions of years ago and makes for a pretty sight.
This is an excellent place to hike and if you would like to spend the night by the Black Canyon, make sure you carry your camping equipment with you. Black Canyon comes with the opportunity of exploring nature at its best and we recommend it.
Hanging Lake
Located in Glenwood Canyon lies one of the most scenic places in Colorado, the Hanging Lake. The lake is characterized by its glittering turquoise-colored water and dainty waterfall that falls into the lake. The place has a delicate ecosystem so make sure that you take the necessary steps to preserve and do not indulge in activities like swimming.
This is an ideal place to visit if you are looking for a place away from the hustle-bustle of city life, where you can simply sit and appreciate the beauty of nature. A visit to Hanging Lake will bring calm to your life and we recommend it.
Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Colorado, USA. Owing to its significance, it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in the year 1971. The Garden of the Gods is characterized by its red rock formations, which date back to millions of years and were formed owing to a natural fault line.
The best way to discover the Garden of the Gods is to take a walking tour through it. If you are looking to indulge in some outdoor activities, this is the place for you as here you will find carved out biking lanes. This is an ideal place for mountain biking and if you are taking the trip with friends, we recommend you to explore the area of bikes to have the most fun.
You can also explore the park by opting for a guided walking tour of the same. When at the park make sure that you check out The Garden of the Gods Park Visitor & Nature Center, where you will see a twenty-minute video on the geology of the park.
Cliff Palace and Balcony House
The Cliff Palace and Balcony House are located in Mesa Verde National Park and one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Cliff Palace and Balcony House are cave dwellings that were home to Pueblo Indians. They lived here during the 12th and the 13th centuries. Both of these places are World Heritage Sites and National Monuments.
You can explore the Balcony House with the help of a guided tour. In order to reach the balcony, you will have to crawl through a twelve-foot tunnel so only visit the place if you are up for this challenge. This might not be the best place to visit with kids owing to the challenging routes.
However, this is an ideal place to visit with adults and we recommend you. A visit to this place will take you back in time and will help you understand the history of Colorado in a better way.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Spread over an area of 415 square miles lies one of the best tourist destinations in Colorado, the Rocky Mountains National Park. The park is home to over 100 peaks which are over 10,000 feet in height. If you want to see nature at its best, you have to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
This is an ideal place to visit with your family as it a serene place and will touch your hearts. The park is also an ideal space for people who love to indulge in activities like hiking. Rocky Mountain National Park is a delight to behold and we recommend you to visit in on your trip to Colorado.
Denver Botanic Gardens
One of the best things to do in Denver is to visit Denver Botanic Gardens. Located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, the gardens are spread over an area of 23 acres and are home to a conservatory, a number of themed gardens, and an amphitheater. Here you will have a chance to witness the best of western North America’s flora.
The garden is characterized by its perennial flowers- daylilies, roses, and irises. Here you will also have the opportunity to indulge in a hands-on exploratory workshop. It will bring you closer to understanding nature. Not just this, the park is also home to Japanese and South African gardens.
A botanic garden is an ideal place for lovers of nature. To know more about Denver Botanic Gardens, check out its website.
Must-visit places in Colorado
Here are some places that you must check out in Colorado. Read on to know more:
Red Rocks Amphitheater
The Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Colorado. The open-air amphitheater is awe-inspiring and will thrill you to the core. If you are looking for a place to visit on a date night in Colorado then this is just what you have been looking for.
This stage has seen the performances of many legends- from Bob Dylan to The Beatles. To witness a live performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheater will be one of the best things that you will do in Colorado. To know more about Red Rocks Amphitheater and its schedule of events, visit their website.
The Cumbers & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Abbreviated as the C&TSRR, the Cumbers & Toltec Scenic Railroad is one of the best tourist attractions in Texas. The 64 miles long railroad operates on tracks between Antonio, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, and the United States.
The railroad gives you the opportunity to see some of the most scenic sites in Colorado. A ride on the railroad will enable you to experience the front view of Toltec Gorge. This is one of the best ways to explore Texas as you can simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
If you are taking the trip to Colorado with kids and looking for places to visit, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is just the place for you. Located in Downtown Colorado Springs, the Zoo is located at a height of 6,714 feet above sea level which makes it the highest zoo in the United States of America.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is spread over an area of 140 acres but only 40 acres are in use. It is home to over 750 animals that come from 150 different species. Among these over 30 species are endangered species. The location of the zoo would make for a scenic view of the animals against the natural backdrop. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with the animals as you can hand-feed the giraffes.
A visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will be one of the best things to do in Colorado and we recommend it. To know more about Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, visit its website.
Free things to do in Colorado
Colorado is one of the best places to visit if you are running on a tight budget because her you can indulge in a number of activities absolutely free of cost. Since Colorado’s attraction lies in its beauty, you can simply visit the place and drive around in your car.
These drives will cost you no money and will simultaneously give you the opportunity to bask in the beauty of nature. Not just this, Colorado is also an adventure-friendly place. So if you are interested in hiking or biking, you just need to get your equipment and that is all. These activities come at no cost and will also enable you to experience Colorado at its best.
Museums to visit in Colorado
Even though Colorado is known for its natural beauty, it is also home to a number of museums. If you like visiting museums, make sure that you take out some time and visit the following museums in Colorado.
Dinosaur Journey Museum
Located in Western Colorado, Dinosaur Journey Museum is one of the best places to visit with kids. Here you will have the chance to learn all about Dinosaurs. Not just this, the museum also comes with the opportunity of a number of interactive exhibits where you will have a chance to indulge in hands-on activities.
The museum is also home to a number of fossils and cast skeletons. The major attraction of the museum is the large Triceratops skull, which is probably the largest in the world. A visit to the Dinosaur Journey Museum will be one of the best things in Colorado and we recommend it.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
This Museum is one of the best museums to visit in Colorado as it comes with a lot of attractions. The natural history and science museum has a number of resources dedicated to the study of the Rocky Mountains.
Here you will have the opportunity to learn about the natural history of not just Colorado but also earth and the entire universe. The museum also organizes a number of educational programs from time to time to attract visitors.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Abbreviated as CSPM, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is located in Colorado Springs and is one of the best museums to visit in Colorado. The building of the museum is topped with a domed clock tower which makes it look magnificent.
The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places owing to its historic importance. This will be one of the best places to visit in Colorado and we highly recommend it.
Please also read about the 15 best things to do in Indianapolis.
