There’s no shortage of things to do around the state of Colorado thanks to its countless mountain towns, thousands of peaks, and many parks.

Looking for some travel inspiration? Here’s a list of 101 things to add to your Colorado bucket list:

Note from the author: As always, make sure you’re practicing the principles of Leave No Trace while visiting any of these destinations and always follow all posted signage. The open status of some of these spots can be subject to change and some spots may be better to visit in a certain season opposed to another, so check with an official source before you go.

1. Rifle Falls: This is an easy-to-access trio of waterfalls that provides a stunning view in a lush landscape near Rifle.
2. Devil’s Causeway: This remote hike travels across a narrow land bridge in the Flat Tops Wilderness.
3. The Telluride Via Ferrata: Traverse a cliff face 400 feet above a stunning landscape while secured to cables and rungs.
4. Skyline Drive: This narrow road above Cañon City is brief, but provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Plus, you might spot some prehistoric features along the way.
5. Colorado Gators Reptile Park: This reptile rescue in the San Luis Valley is sure to provide a memorable experience, with many alligators able to survive the harsh conditions of the San Luis Valley thanks to geothermal pools.
6. Medano Creek: Located in the Great Sand Dunes, this seasonal creek peaks between late-May and early-June, soon to disappear until the next spring. People flock to this destination when the creek is present to get a beach-like experience in the sand.
7. The Terror-Dactyl: This thrill ride drops those onboard 150 feet off the side of a canyon wall at Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs.
8. Manitou Incline: A classic hike you’ve probably heard about already, a trek up this during a cool morning is sure to provide exercise and great views. With 2,768 steps from start to finish, the hike climbs around 2,000 feet in less than a mile. It can be hiked year-round, but if you’re attempting it during the winter months, be prepared for plenty of snow and ice (and note that the return trip down Barr Trail can get especially slick).
9. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Skip the trail for a day and kick back and relax as this train delivers views of high-elevation terrain found at 14,115 feet above sea level. Plus, there’s a donut shop on the top of the mountain.
10. Million Dollar Highway: Perhaps the most beautiful stretch of roadway in Colorado, this drive between Silverton and Ouray winds alongside a cliff amid a mountainous scene.
11. St. Elmo Ghost Town: Found just outside of Buena Vista, this ghost town is one of the easiest-to-access and best-preserved in the Centennial State.
12. Strawberry Hot Springs: One of several ‘must-visit’ hot springs around Colorado, this spot has a natural feel in rugged terrain near Steamboat Springs.
13. Iron Mountain Hot Springs: Another ‘must-visit’ Colorado hot spring, plan to hit this Glenwood Springs destination in the evening for a riverside sunset view.
14. The Stanley Hotel: While fall might be the best time to visit this spot, Estes Park in the summer is a ‘can’t-miss’ experience and a stop by this hotel should be on any visitor’s list. It’s pretty great to visit in the winter, too – cozy and with the town a bit less crowded with the drop-off in traffic to Rocky Mountain National Park. Find a great collection of whiskey at the hotel bar, too.
15. The Coors Brewery Tour: You might prefer craft beer, but this macro-brewery tour in Golden is still totally worth checking out. It shows how breweries of such a large scale operate, it’s educational and you’ll to try some beer.
16. Tubing the Clear Creek: Also in Golden, tubing at this waterway is quite the party – plus, there are plenty of local spots for food and drinks once you’re dried off.
17. Track down a Beau Jo’s: Is this the best pizza spot in Colorado? That’s up for debate. That said, Beau Jo’s offers a true ‘mountain pie’ experience, with its thick crust and honey sauce for dipping.
18. Maroon Bells: This one’s a classic near Aspen and one of the most photographed mountainscapes in the world for a reason. Use it as a launch point for adventure or simply go to gaze at its beauty.
19. Independence Pass: This route travels from the Leadville area into Aspen. It’s another can’t-miss drive that delivers stunning high-alpine views.
20. Palisade Wineries: If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in wine country, look no further than the two-dozen or so wineries in Palisade. Grab some local peaches, too.
21. Cuddle with kangaroos: Kangaroo Ranch offers an up-close encounter with it’s namesake species in Wheat Ridge on days when the this company’s kangaroos aren’t living life on a Golden-area ranch.
22. Hike to Devil’s Head Lookout Tower: The last full-time lookout tower in Colorado, find this destination at 9,748 feet above sea level. Plus, the tower is open to public visitation during certain times.
23. Kayak on Dillon Reservoir: This high-elevation mountain town reservoir is the perfect place for renting a boat or kayak and soaking in the mountain views. Kayaks are particularly fun, as small islands scattered around the lake can be fun to explore.
24. Curecanti Reservoir: If you’re renting a kayak at Dillon Reservoir, rent a pontoon at Curecanti. The largest body of water in Colorado, this is perfect for a full day – just make sure you pack the sunscreen.
25. Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Secure a wilderness permit to hike to the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. There are multiple routes, including the Tomichi Route, which offers a more rugged experience.
26. Attend a concert at Red Rocks: It’s a classic summer must-do – make the annual pilgrimage to this iconic venue for one of the many shows it hosts spanning a wide range of genres. Find the event list here.
27. Feed giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Perhaps one of the best up-close animal encounters around, this one is fun regardless of your age. Don’t skip the wallaby exhibit, either.
28. Climb the ‘Shrine of the Sun’: Access to this spot comes with admission to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, providing a great look at Colorado Springs and the surrounding mountains.
29. Walk a ‘Mile into the Wild’: A trip to The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a great place to see some lions, tigers, and bears…oh my!
30. Go moose-spotting in Grand Lake: A moose sighting is far from guaranteed, but Grand Lake is one place where population numbers are relatively high. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, keep your distance. Whether you see one or not, Grand Lake is a great summer town to add to your list. In the winter, Grand Lake is great, too – perfect as a basecamp for a snowmobiling adventure.
31. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: A classic train ride through Colorado’s mountains, this route offers up stunning views and means a visit to two noteworthy towns.
32. Casa Bonita: If you’re a fan of the popular South Park television series, a visit to the recently renovated Casa Bonita in Lakewood is a must. If you’re not a fan of the show, you’ll probably still have fun thanks to the cliff divers, magic show, face painting, and more.
33. Visit a ski resort for summer activities: Nowadays, a lot of Colorado’s ski resorts go year-round. One spot to check out is Arapahoe Basin for its via ferrata, high-ropes course, disc golf, and more.
34. Whitewater raft the Arkansas: Perhaps the most iconic stretch of rafting state-wide, find a commercial guiding company like AVA Rafting and head south down this gorgeous stretch of river.
35. Walk the Royal Gorge Bridge: Suspended nearly 1,000 feet over the Arkansas River, this attraction is one that everyone should visit at least once. There’s a bridge, a gondola, a giant swing, and a via ferrata tour. This bridge can also be seen from below – more on that later.
36. Track down some cliff dwellings: Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is perfect for a summer visit. Book a tour with a park ranger to get to see some of the cliff dwellings in this area up-close.
37. Hanging Lake: This iconic destination is set to be open for visitors this summer – but you’ll need a reservation. It’s got it’s own interstate exit for a reason.
38. Colorado National Monument: Located in the Grand Junction area, this spot is cliffy and stunning, offering hikes, scenic drives, and rock climbing. It gets hot though – so make sure you’re bringing plenty of water.
39. Explore some arches: An often-overlooked Colorado spot, Rattlesnake Canyon in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is one of the largest collections of natural arches in the world. As noted, this part of the state is rugged and hot though, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
40. Catch dreamy views at Dream Lake: One of the shorter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the scene found here is breathtaking.
41. Drive Trail Ridge Road: Another Rocky Mountain National Park attraction, Trail Ridge Road travels from the east to the west side of the park as the highest continuous paved road in the country reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level.
42. Paint Mines Interpretive Park: This spot has gotten quite a bit more popular in recent years, which has upped the effort to preserve its colorful rock formations. Make sure you’re following all posted rules and the principles of Leave No Trace during your visit. Don’t climb on the rocks!
43. Crystal Mill: Another Colorado scene that people around the country may recognize, accessing Crystal Mill means traveling a rugged road with plenty of great views to a final scene that’s quintessential Colorado.
44. Take the Telluride Gondola: If you’re on this gondola, it already means you’ve made it to one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Take in the views from a great vantage point on this ride.
45. Hartman Rocks: Found in Gunnison County and home to camping, crags, and singletrack trail, there’s a reason this spot is so popular among climbers and mountain bikers.
46. Shelf Road: Perhaps there’s no better place to go rock climbing in Colorado than Shelf Road. Located near Cañon City, this one is a must-visit for climbers and perfect to couple with a camping trip.
47. Visit Cripple Creek: At an elevation of about 9,500 feet above sea-level, this high-elevation mountain town found beneath Pikes Peak is home to casinos, dive bars, and Rita the Rock Planter, a giant wooden troll.
48. Visit the Four Corners: It’s been called the ‘most overrated tourist attraction‘ in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean this one isn’t worth visiting. Sure, it’s not known for the outdoor recreation it provides, but getting there is half the fun and when else can you claim to be in four states at once?
49. Check out Paonia: This funky little town has a great vibe and there’s plenty of camping nearby.
50. See a game at Coors Field: Whether you’re a fan of baseball or not, checking out the Rockies on a summer night is something most will enjoy – even if they’re one of the worst teams in the league.
51. See the ‘world’s deepest’ hot spring: The Mother Spring is located at The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, reaching a depth of at least 1,000 feet and typically referred to as the ‘world’s deepest hot spring.’ You can’t get in this spring – it’s too hot – but you can soak in its waters in other pools at the resort.
52. Explore Pueblo Reservoir: This water spot doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Not only is it a great spot to rent a boat, the trails in the area are fun to check out, too.
53. Visit the Garden of the Gods: One of the most well-known parks in the state for a reason, this one is touristy, but a must-add to the road trip list if you haven’t seen it before. Walk a paved loop, check out some trails in the area, or bike the road around the park.
54. Dotsero Crater: Visit Colorado’s only active volcano. Don’t expect a ton of development related to this attraction, but if you’re looking for a quick break during the drive down I-70, this is a cool pitstop between Vail and Glenwood Springs.
55. Bent’s Old Fort Historic Site: A reconstruction of a crucial trading post during the early days of Colorado’s development, this one is a great stop for history buffs and it’s found near La Junta.
56. Walk the path of dinosaurs: The largest dinosaur tracksite in North America is located at Picket Wire Canyonlands, consisting of more than 1,900 foot prints and 130 distinct trackways. Pack plenty of water and don’t expect to find much escape from the sun.
57. Stroll around Old Town: This area of Fort Collins is home to shops, restaurants, bars, and more, also a spot that inspired Disneyland’s Main Street USA.
58. Scale the Flatirons: Take a hike to the top of this iconic rock formation in the Boulder area.
59. Climb a Fourteener: If you’re looking to climb your first 14,000-foot peak, Quandary Peak is a great option. It’s close to Breckenridge and a parking reservation and shuttle system can help make the climbing day a bit more organized. There’s often a chance to spot some mountain goats on this peak, too.
60. Track down some petrified redwoods: Believe it or not, Colorado used to be home to a thriving population of redwood trees. See evidence of this at the Florissant Fossil Beds. This one is a particularly cool experience for those into fossils and prehistoric finds.
61. Ride the Monarch Crest Tramway: This high-elevation ride travels to 12,012 feet of elevation on the top of Monarch Pass. It provides stunning 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains.
62. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: This mountaintop theme park in the area of Glenwood Springs is home to multiple roller coasters and other thrill rides, plus there are cave tours that will get you out of the heat and underground.
63. Water World: Regularly dubbed one of the best water parks in the country, long-time locals have fond memories of their trips to Water World for good reason.
64. Bishop Castle: This wild structure has a long history of being free-to-visit, constructed over decades by Jim Bishop. Jim Bishop passed away in recent months, but as of now, the spot remains open to the public.
65. Meet Isak Heartstone: This giant wooden troll created by artist Thomas Dambo is tucked away on a wooded trail near Breckenridge. Track down this 15-foot-tall behemoth via a short beginner-level hike and then pop into town to enjoy the day. Closer to Cripple Creek? Check out Rita the Rock Planter in Victor instead.
66. Attend a festival in Telluride: This mountain enclave is home to many festivals throughout the summer months and fall, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Horror Show, and the Telluride Mushroom Festival. The list goes on, but finding some sort of event in Telluride to attend is sure to be a blast.
67. Go off-roading in Silverton: One of the best places to rent an off-road vehicle in the state, the many forest service roads and mining routes in the San Juans can mean days of exploration. Check out Animas Forks Ghost Town or parts of the Alpine Loop.
68. Durango Hot Springs: Massive amounts of investments have gone into this destination in recent years. If you’re looking for a great place to soak this, this is definitely another one for the list.
69. Drive the Bachelor Loop: This route travels through Creede’s historic mining distance at 17 miles in length. Creede might be a bit remote, but that’s part of its charm. Find a less-crowded trailhead for fourteener San Luis Peak outside of town, too.
70. Give downhill mountain biking a try: Several of Colorado’s resorts will transition to lift-serviced downhill mountain biking parks during the summer. This isn’t your typical mountain biking – you’ll need a special bike and safety gear to partake, but that’s available for rent. One great spot to check out is Trestle Park, which travels down the slopes of Winter Park Resort.
71. Visit the Loveland Pass Summit: Found along the Continental Divide, the Loveland Pass summit offers up stunning views and a few nearby hiking trails make above-treeline terrain very accessible.
72. Plan a day at Horsetooth: Just west of Fort Collins, find Horsetooth Reservoir, Horsetooth Mountain, and Horsetooth Falls – all of which can offer great outdoor recreation experiences.
73. Go bison spotting: One of the best places to spot bison in Colorado is Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. There’s also an opportunity to see them at Genesee Park and along US 24 just west past Harstel. Like any animal encounter, nothing is guaranteed – these spots will give you your best chance though.
74. Look for UFOs: The UFO Watchtower in the San Luis Valley is a great place to visit or camp, with a focus on the vast starry skies above.
75. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway: Another Estes Park activity to add to the list, this historic tramway first opened in 1955. The ride isn’t that long, but exploring its landing point is fun and the views make this one worth it.
76. St. Mary’s Glacier: This spot – technically a semi-permanent snowfield – is a popular hike in Arapaho National Forest. Be prepared to pay $20 cash for parking. This one can get crowded, too, so have a backup plan in case parking is full.
77. Manitou Springs Penny Arcade: This attraction near Colorado Springs features dozens of games that were produced over the decades, with at least one being more than 100 years old.
78. Hike to an aircraft crash site: There are many of these around Colorado, one of which is at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. If you visit these sites, treat them with the utmost respect.
79. The Crestone Ziggurat: Find this stunning monument in the San Luis Valley. Read more about it here.
80. Chase wildflowers: There’s perhaps no better place to find wildflowers during summer months than Crested Butte. In fall, the same could be said about the town’s aspens, and in the winter, Crested Butte offers what’s one of the state’s best ski towns. Either way – visit during summer for a colorful show you’ll never forget.
81. Give paragliding a try: A few hotspots to find tandem paragliding include Glenwood Springs, Golden, and Vail.
82. Zipline over a canyon: The Broadmoor’s Soaring Adventure zipline experience is a favorite in the Centennial State for good reason. One portion of the course travels over forested area while another zips through a canyon.
83. Give hot air ballooning a try: You can find plenty of places around Colorado that offer hot air balloon rides. A ride in a hot air balloon is a great way to see the state’s landscape from a different point-of-view.
84. May Natural History Museum: Just outside of Colorado Springs, this spot offers an up-close look at what’s reported to be the largest private bug collection in the world.
85. National Museum of World War II Aviation: This is one of the highest-rated attractions in Colorado Springs. It’s a must-see for history buffs and the general public.
86. Pawnee Buttes: Amid a mostly flat landscape, these buttes seemingly rise up out of nowhere. There’s a reason that legendary nature photographer John Fielder called this one of his favorite places in the state.
87. Zapata Falls: Found near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Zapata Falls is a great place for hiking and camping. Stick around to watch the sunset over the San Luis Valley.
88. The North Pole: This theme park along Ute Pass is Christmas-themed year-round. Sure to appeal to families, it’s also home to that ‘highest-altitude’ Ferris wheel in North America.
89. Tour the Mineral Belt: This loop near Leadville offers a first-hand look at the rich mining history of this part of the state. It’s great for a hike or bike ride at about 12 miles.
90. Fruita mountain biking: Known among mountain bikers for good reason, Fruita offers some of the best mountain biking in the state and new trails are sure to please.
91. Imondi Wake Zone: This water park is a game-changer when it comes to water sports in Colorado. Using a cable system, it makes it possible to practice wakeboarding skills without a boat.
92. The Pueblo Riverwalk: A lot of money has gone into making this part of Pueblo a great summer attraction in recent years. Explore restaurants and shops by the water or take an informational boat ride.
93. Wheeler Geologic Area: Found in the La Garita Wilderness, this other-worldly destination was formed by volcanic ash. It’s a little tricky to get to unless you’ve got the right vehicle for the job.
94. Denver Botanic Gardens: Find a bit of nature in the Mile High City.
95. Stroll around The Broadmoor: This iconic Colorado Springs hotel and resort is worth checking out, even if you’re only plan is to enjoy mountain views from the property with a cocktail in hand. Find plenty of shops and top-notch restaurants on the premise, as well.
96. Pearl Street Mall: Another attraction in the Boulder area, you’ll find an eclectic collection of shops, art, and restaurants here.
97. The Pikes Peak Highway: The cog railway already got a mention on this list, but if you’re wanting a non-hiking experience that takes you to the top of a fourteener that also allows for time to stop and go as you please, reserve a time slot to head up this high-elevation route and take in the stunning scenery you’ll encounter along the way at your own pace.
98. Catch some views of Lone Eagle Peak: This mountain looks like something out of a fairytale, and one of the best ways to check it out is via a long and rugged hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The trail to Crater Lake offers some of the best views of this mountain.
99. The Royal Gorge Route Railway: Travel through a stunning Colorado canyon by rail and gaze up at massive walls of rock along the way.
100. Check out ‘The TANK’: The Tank Center for Sonic Arts is an extremely unique venue that’s found in a massive water tank near Rangely. Originally built in 1940, the tank is seven stories tall and was transformed into a performing arts venue in recent years.
101. Hike a segment of the Colorado Trail: Traveling 567 miles in length, this trail consists of 33 segments. Find one that fits the experience that you’re looking for and start walking. Find more info here.
102. Hit the slopes: Of course I couldn’t leave this one off the list. With Colorado being home to more than 20 places to ski or snowboard via lift, this is a classic Centennial State activity. Looking for a way to make this activity particularly memorable? Branch out to a place you’ve never been before or try one of the independent spots like Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper. Or if you’re looking to avoid the slopes, give cross-country skiing a try.

What’s something else that belongs on this list? Let us know in the comments.

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