things to do in co
Colorado (CO) is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant cities. Here are some things to do in Colorado:
Outdoor Activities:
- Hiking and Backpacking: Explore the Rocky Mountains, including the Maroon Bells, the Flatirons, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Visit world-class resorts like Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone.
- Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking: Experience the thrill of navigating Colorado’s rugged rivers, such as the Arkansas River and the Colorado River.
- Cycling: Ride the scenic trails of the Rockies, including the Continental Divide Trail and the San Juan Skyway.
- Rock Climbing: Scale the granite cliffs of Garden of the Gods, the Flatirons, and other iconic formations.
City Attractions:
- Denver: Visit the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Art Museum, and the History Colorado Center.
- Boulder: Explore the Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder Farmers Market, and the Chautauqua Trail.
- Aspen: Stroll through the charming downtown area, visit the Aspen Saturday Market, and enjoy the Aspen Saturday Concert Series.
- Colorado Springs: Discover the Garden of the Gods, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
- Fort Collins: Visit the New Belgium Brewing Company, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Horsetooth Reservoir.
Cultural and Historical Attractions:
- Mesa Verde National Park: Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Marvel at the deep, narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park: Hike and sandboard in the tallest sand dunes in North America.
- The 16th Street Mall: Stroll through the pedestrian mall in downtown Denver, lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
- The History of the American West: Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Golden, the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, and the History Colorado Center in Denver.
Food and Drink:
- Craft Beer: Colorado is famous for its craft beer scene, with over 300 breweries statewide.
- Farm-to-Table Cuisine: Enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients at restaurants like The Kitchen Denver, Mercantile Dining & Provision, and The Populist.
- Colorado Wine: Visit the wine country in Palisade, where you can taste some of the state’s best wines.
- Food Trucks: Try the delicious eats at one of the many food trucks in Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins.
- S’mores: Roast marshmallows and enjoy s’mores at one of the many campgrounds or outdoor recreation areas throughout the state.
Events and Festivals:
- Denver March Powwow: Celebrate Native American culture with music, dance, and food.
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival: Enjoy live music and bluegrass performances in the picturesque town of Telluride.
- Aspen Music Festival: Attend classical music performances by world-renowned musicians.
- Colorado Shakespeare Festival: Watch a production of a classic Shakespeare play in Boulder.
- Denver Film Festival: Catch the latest independent films and documentaries at the historic Denver Film Festival.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Colorado. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or food and drink, the Centennial State has something for everyone.