The most fascinating thing about Colorado is that you will find the essence of adventure in every corner, from white water rapids and hiking trails to towering dunes and world-class mountain resorts. The beautiful state of Colorado offers an incredible tourist experience for all visitors, with many attractive things to do and different experiences to unlock. 

But Colorado has more to offer than just some Instagram moments and adrenaline rushes. You will have wonderful things to do in Colorado. The state is also popular for its rich history, sparkling art background, musical scene, cowboy culture, and delicious craft brews. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Colorado that represent the many things this beautiful state offers. 

Best things to do in Colorado 2024

1. Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells are the most photographed place throughout North America. The gorgeous set of 14,000-foot peaks surrounded by Maroon Lake and beautiful wildflowers is all you can have on your bucket list. 

You do not have to pay anything to access Maroon Bells if you use non-motorized transport, whether hiking, rollerblading, biking, or doing something else.

Instead of driving, it is more convenient to take a bus, which you can find in abundance during the summer. Even if reaching there sometimes gets complicated, the journey is worth enjoying. 

Address: Aspen Highlands, Maroon Creek Road, Aspen, CO

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is a Spanish word that means “green table.” It was occupied between 600 and 1300 AD, and today, you will find almost 5000 archaeological sites within the park itself; the structure includes 600 cliff dwellings, which are some of the best-preserved places in the country.

You can plan to go to the Cliff Palace, and even in winter, you will have plenty of opportunities for adventure, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the gorgeous snow-covered trails.
So, Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best things to do in Colorado.

Address: Mesa Verde, CO 81330

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is the place that people ramble to visit. The park has unforgettable hiking trails spread over 355 miles, and they are turning their way around the mountain.

They are bordered by Colorado vegetation, which draws huge numbers of adventurers each year. Wildlife photography, mountain climbing, camping,  horseback riding, and fishing are the few things that attract tourists.

If you want more relaxation, grab a picnic table or bench and enjoy the mesmerizing views.

Address: 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517

4. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has been a favourite spot in Denver for over 100 years. It has a cool planetarium and a big screen for movies.

It is one of the wonderful things to do in Colorado. The museum is made for kids to have fun and learn in places like the Discovery Zone and Expedition Health. Tourists will like the exhibits about different cultures, old times, cool rocks, space, animals, and more. You can even touch real old bones when you go there.

Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has tall sand hills, the biggest in the continent. Besides the sandy hills, cold areas with lakes, trees, wetlands, and grassy lands are worth witnessing. 

This park is awesome for lots of outdoor stuff like sliding on the sand, watching animals, and walking. You can also play in Medano Creek, picnic, join a ranger program for free, or camp out overnight. 

Address: 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146

6. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is special because it’s the only mountain zoo in the country. It’s at a high place, around 6,714 feet, and covers 140 acres. What makes it stand out even more is that it has one of the biggest groups of giraffes in the world.

This zoo is popular in Colorado for all kinds of people, from kids to grown-ups and everyone in between. Colorado has something interesting for everyone. The zoo is also engaged in teaching and involving people. They don’t just treat animals in a bad way. They have strict rules and plans to keep the animals happy and healthy. 

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a special thing called ‘EdVenture,’ which is about having fun and learning simultaneously. So, when you visit this zoo, you will see animals and learn from your experience.

Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

7. Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Another thing to do in Colorado is to visit Elitch Gardens Theme Park. The park has two attractions: a water park and a regular park with rides.

This theme park also has concerts, drive-in movies, and other fun stuff, so it’s great for family entertainment and especially for kids when the weather is good. You’ll observe why it’s called the Coaster Capital of Colorado when you go there. They have something to offer everyone: rides for kids, families, thrill-seekers, couples, and everyone.

The water park is awesome for staying cool on a hot day. You can swim, go rafting, or try exciting rides. It’s a cool place to have some fun in the water!

Address: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204

8. Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is like a big park that keeps the land where dinosaurs once lived safely. The park is on the border of Colorado and Utah and was found in the early 1900s.

They found many dinosaur bones there, and it became a national monument in 1915, meaning it’s a special place for everyone to see. Many tourists now visit the Dinosaur Quarry, a part of the park with a big wall of rocks and real dinosaur bones. These bones are super old, over 150 million years!

Besides the dinosaur stuff, there are cool trails for walking in the park. You can see mountains, rivers, and even drawings of rocks made by people long ago.
Visiting the Dinosaur National Monument can be one of the really fun things to do in Colorado.

Address: 4545 Highway 40 Quarry Visitor Center, Dinosaur, CO 81610

9. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Colorado. It’s tall, 365 feet high! The falls get their water from the San Miguel River, the highest waterfall in Colorado because it is way up in the mountains.

When you reach the falls, you can feel a cool mist. There are two ways to look at the falls – from the bottom & the top. Most people reach the falls by hiking. A Bridal Veil hike trail takes you through the mountains, and you can see an enthralling beauty like the Blue Lake.

Address: East Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO

10. Garden of the Gods

Near Colorado Springs, there’s a cool place called Garden of the Gods. It’s a special area with big, pointy rocks and huge boulders sticking up from the ground.

The stones are like towers and fins; they can go up 300 feet high! You can walk on fifteen miles of trails to see these awesome rocks up close. The trails are short and easy, so it’s easy for everyone. People like to do lots of stuff here, like climbing the rocks, riding bikes, and even going on jeep tours.

There’s a Visitor Center that’s like a museum with cool exhibits about the stones. They also have short walks daily to show you interesting things to do in Colorado. 

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