Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the United States, if not one of the most unique places in the world. The state’s main draw is its stunning natural beauty–from the towering mountains of the Rockies to the rolling grasslands of the plains, much of the state has wilderness that is perfectly intact and seemingly untouched by human hands. However, the state is not all rustic wilderness: Colorado’s cities, in particular Denver, boast a cosmopolitan atmosphere rich with art, cuisine, and entertainment. Even smaller cities have their unique historical and bohemian charms. There is so much to do in the state, ranging from outdoor activities to city sightseeing, that narrowing down things to see in one visit seems impossible. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Colorado, USA so take a peek and get inspired to plan your trip.
Tip from tour guide
All of Colorado resides on the Colorado Plateau. This is the 4 corners region of the South West including Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Colorado’s elevation begins at 3,000’. Hydration is very important! Electrolyte additive is a valuable preventative for altitude sickness. Drink water and go easy on the altitude at first arrival.
1. Explore the Rocky Mountains National Park from Denver or Boulder
Planning a day trip to the Rocky Mountains National Park when you’re staying in the city can be challenging. Book this tour and let someone else do all the planning–and driving–for you! This intimate day tour will bring you from the city up into the mountains in a comfortable vehicle. From the moment you start your tour you’ll see gorgeous vistas as you drive along the Front Range. Stop in Estes Park, the charming town at the entrance to the park, before exploring one of the most majestic places on earth! Your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the park as well as point out wildlife like elk and eagles.
Book Tours : Discover Rocky Mountain National Park
2. Discover the natural landscape of Colorado Springs in an open-air jeep
Colorado Springs has one of the most unique and rugged landscapes in Colorado. Rocky formations jut out from lush forests and there are mountains as far as the eye can see. Get the most out of visiting Colorado Springs by hopping on this open-air jeep tour! While on the tour, literally nothing will be between you and the fresh mountain air. The tour goes through breathtaking spots like the Garden of the Gods and the pristine Helen Hunt Falls. Snacks and blankets are also included for your comfort.
Book Tours : Foothills, History, and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour
3. Fly down with zip lines at Seven Falls
Colorado is a place for adventurers, and a fun way to experience it is by zip line! Zooming through the air gives you a unique and exciting perspective of the stunning natural surroundings. On this day trip, you’ll get to fly down a whopping five zip lines that are as long as 1,800 feet (548 meters). Plus, you will also get to walk over two suspension bridges and rappel down 180 feet (54 meters)! As long as kids meet the weight requirement, they are more than welcome to participate in the fun.
Book Tours : Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour
4. Take a food tour in Denver
Another great way to experience downtown Denver is through your taste buds. Eat your way through the Mile High City on this guided food tour! Denver is a city with a dynamic food scene and your expert guide will bring you to the trendiest eateries as well as classic restaurants. The tour will include six stops and even some behind-the-scenes looks at the city’s best restaurants. To aid in digestion, you’ll walk around town and stop at some landmarks in between tastings. Save room at the end for a sweet treat!
Book Tours : Downtown Denver Food Tour
Colorado Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Go on a snowshoeing tour at Colorado's Front Range
If you’re not a big fan of skiing, consider this snowshoeing tour to experience Colorado’s beauty in the wintertime. This four-hour adventure brings you along trails in Colorado’s Front Range. The trails vary in difficulty but the guide will design the tour based on participants’ ability. You’ll use state-of-the-art snowshoes and poles to ensure safety and comfort. Do note that transport is not included in the tour.
6. Have fun with friends while exploring the cutural sites of Denver
If experiencing Denver on your typical walking tour isn’t appealing to you, join this exciting scavenger hunt as a way to learn about the city’s cultural side while solving clues! Teams of two to five members will compete via their smartphones to discover interesting locations around the city. You’ll begin at the state capitol building and walk about 2 miles (3.2 km) in total, and you can use the free 16th Street Mall trolley, too. Whether you’re a newcomer to Denver or looking to see the city through new eyes, this scavenger hunt is sure to be fun for all!
Book Tours : Denver Scavenger Hunt Adventure
7. Take a guided tour of Royal Gorge
Royal Gorge is one of the most impressive sites in Colorado, which is saying a lot given the state’s natural wonders. This narrow canyon is 1,250 feet (380 meters) at its deepest. It is also the site of America’s tallest suspension bridge which you will get to cross by jeep as part of the tour! You’ll also drive to the top of Fremont Peak, which offers an amazing vista including Pike’s Peak and mountains and plains. As you drive back down, your tour guide will point out dinosaur tracks that are 107 million years old.
Book Tours : Royal Gorge Loop Half Day Jeep Tour
8. Explore Denver while riding a motor scooter
Why simply walk around Denver when you can cover more ground and have a great time on this guided scooter tour? This three-hour experience begins with training if you’ve never driven a scooter, but by the end you’ll be riding around like you own the place. You’ll get much better visibility of Denver sites than you can from a car, and can duck off onto side streets to avoid the traffic. It is a great way to see Denver through locals’ eyes.
Book Tours : Denver Guided Sightseeing Tour on Motor Scooters
9. Go for a private tour to Pikes Peak and Gardens of the Gods in Colorado Springs
There is so much to see right around Colorado Springs that you might as well do it the right way by booking this private tour. You’ll start by driving to the top of Pikes Peak, the tallest mountain in the Front Range. It offers stunning views of the rolling mountains below in all directions. After that, the tour will drive back down to Manitou Springs, a small artsy town where you can browse boutiques or stop at a cafe. Finally, you’ll visit Garden of the Gods, a stunning place where unique rocky formations reach towards the sky.
Book Tours : Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods - Private Tour
10. Explore the city of Denver in luxury
With both morning and afternoon departure times, this half-day private tour of Denver is a great way to see spots around the city if you’re short on time. Your driver will navigate tricky mountain roads while all you have to do is sit back and take in the views. Stops include Evergreen Lakehouse, a pretty cabin overlooking a pristine mountain lake, Buffalo Herd Overlook, where you can spot dozens of these wild animals from the highway, and the town of Golden, home to Coors Brewery.
Book Tours : Private Denver and Foothills Mountain Tour
11. Take your kids on a floating tour on Colorado River
Spend a relaxing and fun day floating down the Colorado River on this tour. You’ll float through a scenic landscape and only have to do minimal paddling on your own. Spot historic mining villages and natural wonders like the painted cliffs of the Gore Range right from the boat. Stop along the way to sunbathe or take a swim in the refreshing river. You can even do some cliff jumping if you’re up for a challenge!
12. Experience mountain biking in Colorado's Front Range
Colorado’s Front Range is a mountain biker’s dream–there are over 1,000 marked trails that total 4,051 miles (6,519 km). These are some serious mountains so the trails’ level of difficulty range from novice to advanced. Each one is going to offer stunning views of the area’s natural beauty. If you’re having a hard time deciding, check out the popular Buffalo Creek Trail an hour southwest of Denver, with pretty views of the mountains and forests. Those up for the challenge should try Apex Park Tour, a steep ride just outside Golden.
Mountain biking in the Front Range
Address: Depends on the trail
Website: Mountain biking in the Front Range
Price: Depends on the trail
13. Check out the themed gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens
The natural beauty around Denver is not limited to the areas left to grow wild. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens to see some beautifully curated flowers, shrubs, trees, and more. Visiting the botanic gardens is like traveling the world: the themed gardens are inspired by international locations. Gardens have a wide variety of plants, from those native to Colorado, Japan, South Africa, and the tropics. Relax in a peaceful shady garden or beside one of the water gardens with aquatic plants.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Address: 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
Website: Denver Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 9 - 12.50 USD
14. Admire American Indian art at Denver Art Museum
Denver’s culture is greatly influenced by it’s original native inhabitants. The Denver Art Museum has an extensive collection of American Indian art where visitors can learn about their ancestral traditions and culture. The collection contains many artifacts like shields, clothing, and housewares that date back hundreds of years. You’ll also find contemporary pieces like paintings and sculpture that examine what it means to be American Indian today.
Denver Art Museum
Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Website: Denver Art Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm
Price: 8 - 13 USD
15. Take the kids to Denver Zoo
If you haven’t caught a glimpse of any native Colorado animals out in the wild, head over to the Denver Zoo to see some creatures from around the world. This expansive zoo has tons of animals that kids and adults will enjoy. Whether your favorite is the tiny clownfish, the huge lion, or the scaly komodo dragon, you’ll find it at the Denver Zoo!
Denver Zoo
Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Website: Denver Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
16. Take a relaxing stroll along Bear Lake
Not everyone has the ability or energy to do a big hike around Denver. If you still want to experience hiking in a less challenging way, hike around Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail around this scenic lake is only 0.8 miles (1.3 km) and the path is easy to navigate. Visitors can also pick up a nature guide at the start of the trail which has information corresponding to 30 marked spots along the route.
Bear Lake Loop
Address: Bear Lake Trail, Colorado 80517
Website: Bear Lake Loop
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 25 USD
17. Learn more about the history of aviation at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
This interesting air and space museum is located on the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. The museum is housed in a huge hanger and has an impressive collection of aircraft, space vehicles, and military uniforms. Learn about the United States’ space exploration program and get up close to missiles, space capsules, and even a moon rock!
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Address: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
Website: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Thu, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue & Fri)
Price: 16.95 USD
18. Soak in the scenic beauty from Lookout Mountain
This intimate, private tour is completely customizable so you can see exactly what you want to around the foothills of Denver. Tours are available for less than 5 up to 14 guests. You’ll be picked up right from your accommodations and taken to sites like Red Rocks Amphitheater, Bear Creek Canyon and the mountain town of Evergreen, and up the scenic Lariat Loop to the top of Lookout Mountain. The peak has stunning views and is also the place where Buffalo Bill was buried. There is a small museum in his honor.
Book Tours : Rocky Mountain Escape - Private Tour
19. Sample the local food of Vail
You may know of Vail as being one of the top ski resorts in the world and not just of Colorado. You’ll be pleased to surprise it’s also a haven for foodies–and you can try out the local cuisine yourself on this guided food and walking tour! Visit some of the town’s top eateries with menus inspired by local produce and meat as well as international cuisine. If you don’t get too stuffed on the tour itself, you might find yourself coming back later for dinner.
20. Explore the history of La Plata Canyon
La Plata Canyon is not only beautiful, but it is also historic. This scenic area was a center for the mining industry, and relics of the past still stand like old mining villages and abandoned equipment. On this tour, you’ll ride around in a 4x4 vehicle, which is perfect for your next stop: the top of Kennebec Pass. This harrowing ride up to 12,000 feet (3567 meters) elevation is along a gravel road with steep pitches and sharp turns–you’ll be glad you let an experienced tour guide drive instead of doing it yourself, but the views are definitely worth it!
Book Tours : La Plata Mountains - Half Day Tour
21. Ride a professional racing car
It’s not often for most people to get to drive a car that costs several hundred thousands of dollars. For a fraction of the cost, you can drive a 2014 Lamborghini Spyder, a 2011 Lamborghini Superleggera, or a 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo and see how a luxury car rides! The route winds through the canyon and you’ll be guided by an instructor through walkie talkies as youd rive. This is a unique way to take in the stunning sights, and certainly the most luxurious! Buckle up!
22. Go hiking through the Rocky Mountains
You can take in the mountains while bouncing over whitewater rapids or zooming down a zip line but nothing beats a regular old hike to take in the breathtaking majesty of the Rockies. This three-hour tour leaves from Denver in the afternoon and brings you on a hike through the mountains just in time to catch the sunset. Catch a glimpse of the Red Rocks amphitheater as well as downtown Denver from atop the mountains. The hike is moderately difficult, but you’ll be led by a local expert who can accommodate your needs and fitness level.
Book Tours : Hiking in the Rockies - Group hike tour near Denver
23. Uncover the brewery scene of Fort Collins
Experience the craft brewery scene of Fort Collins in a fun and active way by touring local breweries on a bike! The tour includes visits to three breweries, but participants can also choose from a pre-selected itinerary or build their own. Some of the breweries you can visit are New Belgium, Horse & Dragon, and Equinox. Bikes are included in the tour, and best of all there is room in the basket for a six pack of your favorite beer.
24. Go on a ghost hunt and pub crawl in Denver
A historic city like Denver is bound to have some spots where spooky activity occurs. Learn all about them while having a few beers on this pub tour! The pub crawl lasts about two-and-a-half hours and you’ll visit several different haunted pubs. A costumed guide will tell you all about the legendary characters whose souls are said to haunt the establishments. This tour perfectly combines education about Denver’s history with exploring its fun nightlife scene.
Book Tours : Twilight Ghost Tour
25. Sink your teeth into a hickory smokehouse sandwich at Hard Rock Cafe
The Hard Rock Cafe is one of the most well-known restaurant chains in the world with locations in more than 63 countries. The Mile High City’s location is music-themed and serves up delicious American fare. This tour includes two prix-fixe menu options that come with an entree, dessert, and soda. Fill up on a burger, a hickory smokehouse sandwich, or fajitas–the list goes on and on.
Book Tours : Hard Rock Cafe Denver
26. Go on a rafting adventure on Animas River
Whitewater rafting can be daunting if you’re traveling with little kids but this tour down the Animas River is a fun, family-friendly experience. You will safely bounce over class I to III rapids, which are a safe range but still exciting. Everything is included, including safety equipment like helmets and life vests, and you’ll also get a snack after the rafting as you come down off the adrenaline high.
Book Tours : Durango Rafting - Half Day Family Friendly Trip
27. Explore the archaeological sites of Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde is a spot that is hard to believe is real. Stone cliff dwellings carved from rock are snuggled beneath towering cliffs. These homes are where ancestral Pueblo people used to live, and it is now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour will bring you to see Mesa Verde but you’ll also learn all about the site’s history and cultural heritage from a knowledgeable guide. The tour departs from Durango and includes lunch and the entrance fee.
Book Tours : Mesa Verde Full Day Tour with Cliff Palace and Lunch
28. Take a sightseeing tour of Denver
There are so many natural wonders around Denver that it can be easy to forgo sightseeing around the city in favor of taking day trips. Book this Denver sightseeing tour and be sure to not miss any of the city’s top spots! As you ride around town, you will learn how Denver went from a rustic mining town to a booming metropolis. Tour the Victorian houses on Capital Hill, learn about the city as a cultural center through the Denver Art Museum, and check out governmental buildings like the United States Mint. Lots of places to see around the city!
29. Experience whitewater rafting on Colorado River
One of the most thrilling ways to experience Colorado is by taking a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River! On this exciting three-hour excursion, you’ll be safely guided through class III to IV rapids that are daunting to navigate on your own. The tour includes safety gear like helmets and life vests so all you have to worry about is having an amazing time.
Book Tours : Glenwood Springs Half-Day Rafting Trip
30. Catch a glimpse of the native wildlife at Mt. Evans
One of the biggest draws to Colorado is its abundance of wildlife. The rugged landscape along with the many preserved lands are home to hundreds of species. It can be challenging to spot them in the wild, which is why if you have your heart set on seeing wildlife you should hop on this tour. Sit back as you ride up to the top of Mt. Evans and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and bison. You’ll also pass by historic mining towns and hear about how the state became a silver mining hot spot.
Book Tours : Private Scenic Rocky Mountain Experience
Experience the best of the Mountain State
Colorado has something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies will love riding through whitewater rapids and zooming down a zip line. City lovers can enjoy uniquely Coloradan cuisine and see world-class art exhibits. Children may get their very first exposure to towering mountains and wildlife. It would take a lifetime to experience all Colorado has to offer, but this list can help you start crafting a vacation that is perfect for you.
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