Exploring Colorado: Top Activities and Must-See Destinations

Colorado is a vast state and has plenty to offer so it can be hard to decide what to do when visiting. Follow this quick guide for some of the top things to do in the state.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a great introduction into the diverse landscapes of Colorado. Located just outside of Colorado Springs, 90 minutes from Denver and free to enter. Head to the visitor centre first where you can scan a qr code to download a map of the area. The visitor centre also has a 3D model of the park. There is also a large balcony overlooking the park for you to get your first glimpse of Garden of the Gods.

There is plenty of parking here and you can also walk from the visitor centre to the park on a dedicated footpath. The park is only a few minutes’ drive with several car parks scattered around. We used the overflow car park and used the underpass to get into the park. This only took us 10 minutes so if you get there later in the day and must use the overflow don't worry. The park is easy to navigate, and the paths are well maintained. This a great place to spend a few hours and get into nature. If you are short on time, you can drive round the park on a one-way road so you can still experience it. We were there in September, and it was hot, so take plenty of snacks and water. There are also tours available from the visitor centre if you want a more in-depth experience.

Coors Brewery

Even if you're not a big drinker, this is at the top our list of things to do in Colorado. Tours run on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can do a tour with tasting, this cost $20 for adults or you can just do the tasting at the bar which is at the end of the tour for $10. Reservations are needed and sell out quickly so book as soon as you can. Reservations are available 25 days before the tour date.

The tour starts in the car park in Golden where you take a shuttle to the main entrance. The drivers are fantastic and very knowledgeable. Once at the main entrance you'll meet your guide, and they will take you around the working brewery and talk you through the full process of how they make the different drinks. There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The tour takes around 60-90 minutes and ends at the bar. The tour includes 3 souvenir cups and 3 drinks. This is the second time we have done the tour.

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

Whilst you're in Golden, Buffalo Bill Museum and grave is only 20 minutes away. Take a drive-up Lookout Mountain Road to the museum where entry is only $5 for an adult. The museum is only small but worth a visit as it gives a good insight into the life of Buffalo Bill. You can still visit the grave if you don't want to pay the admission fee to the museum. The area also has spectacular views over Colorado and the surrounding plains.

Cycle the Rio Grande Trail

There are plenty of bike rides to do in Colorado depending on where you're staying. We had plenty of time in Glenwood Springs so decided to hire bikes there and do part of the Rio Grande Trail. There are several hire shops in the area. We used Sunlight Ski and Bike shop and opted for e-bikes. We did half a day hire and it was less than $100 for two e-bikes. The staff at the shop were very helpful and gave us directions from the shop to get to trail on the edge of town. If you want to go further afield, the trail goes all the way to Aspen and is 42 miles long. There is also a bus that you can catch if you only want to cycle one way on the trail. The trail is well maintained and is not accessible for vehicles making it an enjoyable ride. There are picnic benches, bins, and toilets along the way. You're also parallel to the main road a lot of the time so can get off the trail to the service stations if you need to.

Hot springs

Colorado has an abundance of hot springs to choose from to unwind during your visit. Ouray Hot Springs have been operating for over 90 years and includes 5 pools with varying temperatures. An adult ticket costs $26 and gets you entry all day. You are allowed to exit and come back in if you want to go and grab some food before coming back to soak in the springs as the sun sets. There are also water slides available for an additional $5.

Glenwood Springs also has a few options for hot springs but are more expensive than Ouray. Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located on the Colorado River and has 32 different pools, including 10 world experience pools. There are different packages available from a 3 hour soak, to all day, with tickets varying between $36 - $150. We paid $46 each for the 3 hour world springs access for 21+. This included all pools and separate 21+ area, towels were also included.

Glenwood Hot Springs is also another option. Tickets start at $32 and do not include a towel. Towels are $4 extra. The springs have one large pool and re-entry is permitted. You also do not need to book a slot unlike Iron Mountain Hot Springs, making it a good option if you want to go last minute.

Maroon Bells and Crater Lake

Maroon Bells is the most photographed place in Colorado and with good reason. Located just outside Aspen, Maroon bells is worth a visit if you are in the area. Reservations are needed so it is important to get those booked as soon as possible as they sell out quickly. There is a public shuttle bus operated by Roaring Fork Transportation Authority that takes you to Maroon Bells. The shuttle runs between late May and October and cost $10 for children and $16 for adults. If you don't fancy the shuttle, you can get reservations for your car for $10 which enables you to park at the trailhead. There are different reservations available, depending on the time of day so plan accordingly. We managed to get a 24 hour parking reservation 2 days before. This meant we had to be in the park before 8.00am. Maroon Bells is spectacular and is worth the effort of a little bit of planning to make it happen. If you're as lucky as us, you may even encounter moose.

If you fancy a longer hike, Crater Lake is a 3.6 mile round trip trail which is more challenging. The hike up takes you through the aspen trees and can get very rocky at parts so make sure you have proper footwear.

If you're thinking of booking a trip to Colorado, we hope this quick guide of things to do helps you get started. As you drive through the state, there are plenty of opportunities to pull over and admire the nature. You will also find random museums and activities to do along the way so always keep a look out as you're driving.