Adrian Berlutti
Step off the beaten path and trade the tourist checklist for real-deal experiences that locals swear by. Chase a hidden waterfall, savor authentic flavors, or climb a secluded hill. Colorado is a playground for those who crave adventure. If you want to see the true beauty of the state, don’t miss these ten experiences.
Ski Or Snowboard At A Less-Crowded Resort
You could fight the crowds at Vail. Or, you could carve fresh powder at A-Basin or Wolf Creek, where locals outnumber tourists. No long lift lines or overpriced food—just untouched snow and laid-back vibes. A bluebird day on Monarch’s powdery slopes? That’s what skiing in Colorado should feel like.
Hike A Fourteener
The climb is brutal, but the view is unmatched. Conquering one of Colorado’s 58 peaks above 14,000 feet is a badge of honor. Beginners should tackle Grays Peak, while thrill-seekers can take on Capitol Peak’s knife-edge ridge. Hydrate and push through the altitude. You’ll never feel more accomplished.
Catch A Show At Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Close your eyes and imagine the sound. Music soars here. It bounces off monolithic red rock walls under a sky bursting with stars. This concert venue is a cathedral of sound. Is it a sunrise yoga session or a bucket-list performance? Every moment at Red Rocks is magic.
Attend A Small-Town Festival
Colorado’s quirky side is best seen in its small towns. Burro races in Leadville? A coffin race in Nederland? Locals love these weird and wonderful traditions. Gatherings like Telluride’s Bluegrass Festival capture the state’s wild, independent spirit. You need to come for the fun that many visitors miss out on.
Indulge In A Green Chile Smothered Burrito
Enjoy drenched burritos you will hardly forget. Smoky, spicy green chile covers tortillas in a molten, flavor-packed layer of goodness! Grab one at a Denver staple like Sam’s No. 3 or a cozy spot like Santiago’s. Eat it, and you’ll understand why Colorado takes its chile seriously.
Explore A Ghost Town
You can feel the Gold Rush in places like St. Elmo and Animas Forks, where empty saloons and weathered wooden buildings tell silent stories of boom and bust. Walk through these abandoned towns and imagine miners striking it rich—or losing it all. Time moves differently in these places.
Bike The Colorado Trail
Pedal through a breathtaking route. For example, the Colorado Trail runs hundreds of miles from Denver to Durango, winding through thick pine forests and rugged backcountry. It doesn’t matter if you ride a section or take on the whole challenge; the reward is the same—scenery that never stops surprising you.
Soak In A Natural Hot Spring
The best way to end an adventure? Sink into steaming, mineral-rich waters while the mountains stand guard around you. The rustic pools of Penny Hot Springs and the cliffside serenity of Iron Mountain are geothermal retreats that give you pure Colorado bliss. Nothing feels better after a long hike.
Raft The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River churns through Browns Canyon and sends rafters through frothing rapids and heart-pounding drops. There are easy-going stretches for first-timers, but if you’re craving a wild ride, the Class V rapids in the Royal Gorge will leave your adrenaline surging long after you’re back on dry land.
Go Stargazing In A Dark Sky Park
Who needs twinkling stars when there are exploding ones? Light pollution is nonexistent at Black Canyon of the Gunnison or Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Milky Way stretches like a glowing highway. Far from city lights, you’ll see constellations you never knew existed. It’s pure cosmic wonder.
Drive The Million Dollar Highway
Buckle up for a thrill ride. Twisting through sheer cliffs and breathtaking valleys, U.S. Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton offers jaw-dropping views with no guardrails to save you from the abyss. Every turn demands attention, but the scenery is so stunning that you’ll wish the road never ended.
Camp Under A Canopy Of Stars
The smell of pine and the flicker of a crackling fire in the absolute silence of the backcountry is Colorado camping at its finest. You may pitch a tent in Rocky Mountain National Park or go remote near Crested Butte. Either way, the Milky Way will put on a show.
Summit Pikes Peak By Cog Railway
This Railway trumps others in height and takes you to 14,115 feet in just over an hour. As you climb, the scenery changes. Lush forests give way to rocky tundra, then endless sky. At the top, grab a famous high-altitude donut. It all feels unreal!
Conquer The Great Sand Dunes By Sandboarding
Leave your snowboards behind. Out here, you carve down golden dunes. The wind shapes the topography at Great Sand Dunes National Park daily, so every ride is a new adventure. Grab a sandboard and drop in from a towering ridge. It’s messy but thrilling—totally worth it!
Attend A Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Or Avalanche Game
Sports in Colorado are both entertainment and a way of life. Mile High Stadium shakes when the Broncos score. The crowd erupts when the Rockies hit a Coors Field home run into that thin, mile-high air. Football, basketball, hockey, or baseball—the locals just love their teams!
Road Trip To A Hidden Waterfall
Follow the sound of rushing water deep into the San Juans, where the best waterfalls aren’t marked by flashy signs. South Clear Creek Falls and Rifle Falls are among the hidden gems here. Pack a picnic and make the trek. The best rewards in Colorado are those you work for.
Dig Into A Bison Burger At A Local Joint
Bison is a piece of the West. It’s leaner than beef and richer in flavor—a must-try in Colorado. Hit The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, or grab one with green chile at The Fort. After eating, you will understand why locals never settle for an ordinary burger.
Take A Dip In A High-Alpine Lake
Brace yourself as the water is freezing! But that first shock? It wakes up every nerve in your body. High-altitude lakes like Ice Lake and Blue Lakes are for the bold. Take the plunge, and let the cold rush remind you that you’re alive and having fun in Colorado.
Explore The Maroon Bells At Sunrise
Mornings don’t get better than this. At dawn, the Maroon Bells ignite in shades of pink and gold. The world stills when the light arrives. The crowds won’t have arrived by then, and it will just be you and the lovely alpine air. Take in the silence of the mountains and forget everything!
Ride The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
A train that takes you back in time? Yes, please. This steam-powered locomotive clatters along the same rugged cliffs miners once braved and weaves through remote canyons and pine-covered mountains. Coal smoke curls into the sky, and the Animas River roars below. The modern world fades into history’s shadowy embrace.
