I took a stroll down memory lane revisiting my 2022 Colorado Summer Bucket List, and it inspired me to do an updated all-seasons version! I’ll be moving out of the state soon and have been reflecting a lot on how thankful I am to have spent the past four years in Colorado.
It hasn’t always been peaches and cream, but I’m so grateful for the experience of living in such a beautiful state and getting to see so much of it. Since I checked everything off my summer bucket list, here are the 10 best Colorado activities to do throughout the year.
1. Get to the top of a 14er
Regardless if you drive, hike, or ride a train, I highly suggest getting to the top of a 14er (a mountain at least 14,000′ tall) one way or another. It’s a really unique experience to be at high elevation and see how different the environment is above the tree line. Watch for marmots and pikas, and enjoy the 360-degree views.
2. Hike in Maroon Bells
Hiking in the Maroon Bells area is a quintessential Colorado experience. The gorgeous mountain peaks are located near Aspen, making them the perfect day or weekend trip. Fall is an exceptionally beautiful time of year to visit, but the landscape is picturesque year-round. Crater Lake is a beautiful, family-friendly hike with scenic views.
3. Go leaf-peeping
Colorado is famous for its stunning autumn foliage, and leaf-peeping is an essential fall activity to admire the golden aspens. Areas like Breckenridge and Aspen (shocker) are popular for their expansive aspen groves.
4. Try a new sport
There’s something active to do in Colorado year-round, from whitewater rafting and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. While in Colorado, I worked on my (very limited) ski and snowboard skills. Trying a new sport as an adult can be challenging, but it’s really rewarding when you start to get the hang of things.
5. Visit all four national parks
Make time to visit Colorado’s four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. They’re each unique and worth seeing for different reasons. Whether you love hiking, stargazing, wildlife-watching, or history, Colorado’s national parks have it all.
6. Attend a concert at Red Rocks Ampitheatre
Technically, I haven’t seen a musical performance at Red Rocks yet…but I did take a yoga class! Getting up early on a Saturday to stretch in the cool morning air and watch the sunrise was unforgettable. Sharing that experience with the hundreds of people surrounding me was incredibly special and definitely worth the early wakeup call.
7. Soak in a hot spring
Colorado has many hot springs to explore, and Mount Princeton is one of my favorite day trips from Colorado Springs. Try to visit when temperatures are a bit chilly so you can fully enjoy the springs. Most hot springs in Colorado are pretty commercialized, but there are some less popular ones you can only reach on foot.
8. Walk through Garden of the Gods
You can’t miss Garden of the Gods during your next trip to Colorado. This stunning Colorado Springs park is full of vibrant red rock formations. The iconic geologic features in Garden of the Gods make it perfect for strolling around and snapping pictures.
9. Sleep in the hotel that inspired “The Shining”
Head to Estes Park and spend a night at the Stanley Hotel, if you dare. The hotel inspired Stephen King to write “The Shining” after he slept in Room 217, rumored to be one of its most haunted spots. This fascinating historic building has a reputation for its supposed resident ghosts and dark, storied past.
10. See the Flatirons in person
The Flatirons, a series of five large rock features near Boulder, are breathtaking in person. They dominate the skyline and are a top attraction for nature lovers. Hike around the base of the mountains to admire them from below or scramble up the Second Flatiron, the easiest to climb. Arrive early, as this outdoor area is almost always busy.
I’m so grateful to have checked every item off my Colorado bucket list! There are many more things I’d like to see and do throughout the state on future visits. What can’t-miss activities are on your Colorado bucket list?
Looking for more fun things to do in Colorado? Check out my other Colorado travel guides:
Colorado Springs Weekend Itinerary
Wandering the Gap 
Solid bucket list!
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