13 Things Locals Want You To Experience When You Visit Colorado

To state the obvious, Colorado is a big state. To be precise, it has an area of more than 104,000 square miles, making it the 8th-largest American state. For decades, it has been touted as an incredible vacation spot. In the winter, hordes of people visit to ski and snowboard. In the summer, hikers come in search of placid lakes and 14,000-foot peaks. Plenty of people love Colorado so much that they have moved there, often to big cities like Denver, which have their own charm.

Because the state is so culturally and geologically diverse, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning your next epic vacation. To help you out, we have compiled this list of things locals want you to experience when you visit Colorado. We interviewed locals and scoured the web for insightful reviews to supplement our suggestions; you can find more notes on our methodology at the end of this article. For now, get ready to take notes on some of the most unique experiences you can savor in the Centennial State.

In 1906, a brass band led by Italian Pietro Satriano inaugurated Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre (then called Garden of the Titans). Since then, headliners like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Strings, and Stevie Wonder have graced the concert venue, which is known for its incredible acoustics and aesthetic appeal. The amphitheater can seat 9,525 audience members and is set among creviced rocks in varying hues of rust red, gray, and beige. Its uniqueness attracts music lovers from around the country, but it is a favorite among locals as well. The park covers 738 acres, with a number of hiking trails that can introduce you to the area's birds and critters. Just be prepared for the high altitude; at 6,450 feet, you will need to make an extra effort to stay hydrated. 

Channing Morris, who runs the Colorado-based blog Blue Mountain Belle, emphasizes that it is critical to bring a rain jacket and dress in layers. She also suggests checking out the museum, which can teach you more about the park's geological history, the construction of the amphitheater, and past musical acts.

Hundreds of ghost towns are scattered throughout Colorado, and which one you visit depends on what you wish to see and learn. Many ghost towns can trace their history back to the mining craze of the 19th century, while others were more focused on agriculture and the business brought by railroads. St. Elmo is a classic example of a ghost town that boomed in the late 19th century thanks to gold and silver that had been found in the Sawatch Range. Easily accessible and not far from modern-day Buena Vista, it features relics preserved for over a century. You could easily spend an hour or more wandering around St. Elmo's 43 buildings, including a saloon, a general store, and private homes.

Alternatively, if you have a car with four-wheel drive, check out Animas Forks, once one of America's highest mining camps and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In writing for Coloradan, photographer Dawn Wilson notes that Ashcroft is another fantastic choice, especially when the aspen trees turn golden in September.

With a name like "Boulder," it should come as no surprise that Denver's sidekick city is a stellar home base for rock climbing. The sandstone formations known as the Flatirons have caught climbers' eyes since at least 1919, when the first recorded ascent was made on the Third Flatiron. You don't have to be an expert climber to enjoy an outing here, however. Plenty of routes exist for beginners, and hiking to the Flatirons can be an enjoyable endeavor in and of itself. Neither will you be at a loss for trained guides, as several companies run tours year-round.

Plan to spend half a day climbing Boulder's Flatirons, and don't forget to allot an extra few hours to enjoy Boulder's excellent shopping and dining scene afterward. Bramble & Hare, for instance, is a highly-rated upscale restaurant that serves seasonal produce and does a fantastic job capturing the earthy essence of the Boulder community. The restaurant has even been awarded a Green Star from the Michelin Guide for its sustainability efforts.

You would be hard-pressed to visit Colorado without seeing at least one advertisement of someone waist-deep in the water fly-fishing. The rivers are famous for their trout, but you might also reel in species like sunfish, bass, catfish, and walleye. You can even fish during the winter. For instance, Eleven Mile State Park is one of the best spots for camping and fishing in Colorado, and ice fishing is common here during the winter. Just make sure the ice is at least 4 inches thick, and consider hiring a guide if it is your first time.

Year-round, the Frying Pan River is another hotspot for locals and tourists. According to Seth Kulas, blogger for Vail Valley Anglers, the river is chock-full of trout and a treat for the eyes. Over the years, it has become a legendary destination for fly fishing. On good weather days, Kulas notes that some sections offer "less elbow room than a Mini Cooper loaded with four NFL linebackers." For the best catch, head to the area of the river that flows between Basalt and the Ruedi Dam. Here, you'll find Gold Medal classified waters, meaning that the section boasts plenty of large trout and receives extra environmental protection.

History buffs will love towns like Telluride and Steamboat Springs, which are over a century old. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride can trace its roots back to 1878, when it was established as a silver mining town. As you walk through downtown Telluride, you will be transported back in time to when saloons were ubiquitous and opera music was fashionable. However, there is more to this town than its historic appeal; Telluride is also a modern-day adult playground. Coloradan Abigail Bliss recommends via Travel Lemming that outdoor adventurers use Telluride as a home base for skiing or snowboarding during the winter and hiking or canyoning during the summer.

Steamboat Springs developed around a similar time in the late 19th century. Initially known for its hot springs, the area later became integral to the railroad and cattle industries. Today, you can still take a relaxing soak in the mineral waters, not to mention ski, hike, and mountain bike. Visit the Tread of Pioneers Museum to learn more about the area's history, including its indigenous heritage and how Steamboat Springs came to be known as Ski Town USA.

Colorado's majestic peaks and enchanting canyonlands make the state a paradise for hikers of all levels. "Bagging 14ers" is a challenge commonly undertaken by Coloradans who aren't afraid of a little high altitude and physical exertion. Fourteen-ers are peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level, and there are a whopping 58 of them in Colorado alone. Note that the altitude of each peak does not necessarily correlate with climbing difficulty. For instance, Mount Elbert is Colorado's highest peak, but with no technical climbing required, it is one of the easiest 14er mountain peaks to scale.

Not in the mood for a steep climb? Another technically simple hike is the Ouray Perimeter Trail. Local hiker Amanda Beseler explains on 57 Hours that this is a prime spot for viewing canyons and waterfalls, and you can actually embark on the route straight from town. However, she warns that "[...] You will encounter some sections of trail that have steep drop offs to one side and a tall bridge that crosses over a deep gorge," so if heights aren't your thing, you will be better off taking an alternate trail.

Get wind beneath your wings and view Colorado from an aerial perspective by launching yourself from one of the state's many mountain ledges for a paragliding experience like no other. If you are slightly afraid of heights, don't write this adventure off quite yet. Many people feel so secure in their paragliders that they experience no more than a mild (and pleasurable) adrenaline rush. Our sources recommend penciling in your paragliding trip on the front end of your itinerary in case the weather necessitates rescheduling. This is also a good idea if you decide to have another go at it after a memorable first time!

You can book a paragliding trip in many towns, including Boulder, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs. As long as you are flying in tandem with a certified instructor, you are typically not required to have any prior experience. If you are lucky, you will be accompanied by a bird or two during your journey, which can be a spiritually moving experience. No matter what, though, you will have stellar views of the ground below. If you are paragliding in the mountains, this excursion tends to be incredible in September when the aspens turn golden.

It's a pick-your-own adventure when it comes to how you would like to enjoy Colorado's rivers. Test your bravery and strength on whitewater rapids or opt for a more leisurely kayaking trip down a slowly meandering stream. You can also pile your kids into a canoe or go solo on a stand-up paddleboard. While the gushing waters accompanying melting snow in the springtime are known for creating dangerous conditions, the summer is generally a safe time for amateurs and intermediate paddlers to take on Colorado's rivers.

Of all the water sports, whitewater rafting stands out as a Coloradan specialty. One option is to head to the Cache la Poudre River, which will grant you unparalleled views of parks and forests in Colorado's Front Range. The Poudre, as locals call it, is Colorado's only official Wild and Scenic River, meaning it receives special protections and promises fantastic recreational activities both on and off the water. Another option is to hire Colorado Rafting Co. to explore Central Colorado's Clear Creek, Upper Colorado River, and Blue River. Boulder-based adventurer explains on Tripadvisor that Colorado Rafting Co. does an exceptional job of conducting a professional yet amicable outing, stating that "the entire experience was intimate, from start to finish."

If your muscles are screaming after all your adventuring, head to one of Colorado's famous hot springs for some well-deserved TLC. A soak in geothermally heated water will rejuvenate you and give you a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of Colorado from a state of stillness. Some of these hot springs can be savored by wading into manmade pools, usually part of luxurious spas and resorts. Others are free and can be accessed by hiking to rivers or naturally formed pools.

There are 93 areas known to have geothermally heated water scattered across Colorado. Some of the most popular hot springs can be found around Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs, and Mount Princeton, but top-notch springs exist all over Colorado. When writing about Durango Hot Springs on Only in Your State, Christy Articola, a Coloradan who has visited most of the state's commercial hot springs, notes that " ... the entire property felt quiet and serene; despite the number of visitors onsite during our visit, there were so many spaces that felt private." According to Articola, Durango Hot Springs is an especially fitting choice if you are seeking a diversity of minerals for their unique health benefits.

Grab a helmet and a mountain bike to explore more of Colorado's terrain. Fat bikes are a great way to hit the trails during the winter, but if the weather is warm and the ground is free from snow, you'll be able to access a larger number of trails designed specifically for bikers. It is an immensely popular sport, so whether vacationing in forested mountains or barren canyonlands, it should not be too difficult to find a route near you.

Crested Butte is one town that offers a wide selection of mountain biking trails. Here, you can tackle trails like the 401 (for advanced riders) or the Lupine (for beginner and intermediate riders). Crested Butte is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, so time your visit for the spring or summer to enjoy some of nature's grandest gestures. Alternatively, head to Durango to test your mettle on gorgeous trails like the single-track stretch from Molas Pass to Engineer Mountain. Afterward, stop by Steamworks Brewing Company to refuel. It's a favorite among locals that serves cold beer and everything from Bavarian pretzels to fish sandwiches.

It almost goes without saying: The ski resorts dotting Colorado's Rocky Mountains are some of the best in the world. With runs ranging from undemanding greens to nerve-wracking double black diamonds, there is something for everyone on these powdery slopes. Colorado's ski resorts receive copious amounts of snow each year. For instance, on average, Breckenridge sees an astounding 355 inches of snowfall annually. The season generally lasts from November until April, but many people rush onto the slopes during the holiday season. To avoid the worst crowds, opt to ski at local favorites like Aspen Highlands Ski Resort. Cross-country skiing trails can also be less crowded.

Ski lodges range from comfortable and affordable to fancy and luxurious, but no matter what, you'll be grateful for a warm bed to come back to at the end of each day. That's because, in addition to snow sports, you will likely fill your time with other activities like shopping in downtown Breckenridge and ice skating on public rinks. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, too. Many ski towns are home to hot springs that can rejuvenate your weary muscles. For example, Pagosa Springs is one such town that features the world's deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer.

With so many gorgeous Coloradan towns tucked away in nature, it can be tempting for tourists to view Denver simply as a city to fly in and out of. However, it is well worth spending a few nights here if you are interested in craft beer, space history, and a world-class zoo. Let's start with the craft beer, one of Denver's top attractions. 

With over 70 breweries in the city, you won't have any trouble finding a pint to sip on alongside some delicious pub food. Nor will you struggle to find other spirits like moonshine and rum. Westbound & Down has previously been voted Colorado's best brewery; it offers both German and West Coast-style brews. Aside from beer, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is an excellent attraction for kids and adults alike. Here, you can lay your eyes on historical artifacts and hop into a flight simulator to leave the worries of the world behind for a little while. Or, if the weather is pleasant, spend the day at the Denver Zoo, where you can watch giraffes, lemurs, penguins, and hippopotamuses play.

That's right: Colorado has vineyards. They might not be as famous as Napa Valley or Bordeaux, but they produce excellent wines and are worthy of your attention. Specifically, Grand Junction, Colorado, is the perfect destination for tasting wine and playing outside. Here and in the neighboring town of Palisade, you can combine your vineyard visits with activities like listening to live music and taking a romantic ride on a horse-drawn carriage. Thirty wineries and tasting rooms sprawl across this region, perfect for spring, summer, and fall outings. Indeed, each season holds its own appeal, as spring wildflowers and autumnal foliage can provide stunning backdrops for your tasting sessions.

Grand Junction and Palisade are famous for wine varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. If you hardly know the difference between your bottles, don't fret: Colorado's wineries are generally laid back and frequently offer comprehensive tours. Influencer Natalia Story, a certified travel advisor, recommends hitting up Colterris Winery in Palisade for its diversity of wines that can please everyone in your party — or just keep you coming back for more.

We compiled this list based on conversations with two Colorado locals. We also extensively researched recommendations on online forums, articles, reviews, and blog posts written by folks who call Colorado home. There are endless adventures you can take in this magnificent state, but we sought to curate a diversity of activities that speak to a wide breadth of interests. While you may never have heard about some of the activities on this list, others may seem obvious. In such cases, local tips are given to help make the experiences more unique.