Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Colorado, United States

October 19, 2021 Russell Mellin

Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado

1. Kebler Pass

Crested Butte, CO
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

Kebler Pass

The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. With 50 square miles of golden aspens.

Reviewed By K2149OJmichaelm - Buffalo, United States

I spent 16 days from the end of September into October traveling in Colorado ,I was hoping to see the aspens in fall color and got my wish ,one of my favorite spots to see them, lodging can be tricky if you wait to book and it does get crowded but well worth seeing .

2. Million Dollar Highway

Hwy 550, Silverton, CO http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html
Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 701 reviews

Million Dollar Highway

A six mile section of the San Juan Skyway with incredible views.

Reviewed By KristinalynRN - Joplin, United States

We traveled this highway from Montrose Colorado all the way down to Durango. Please plan on taking your time and enjoying all of the scenic beauty this highway has to offer. There are hairpin turns, sheer cliffs and drop offs, beautiful scenic overlooks, several mountain summits, a couple of old mining structures to see, if you’re lucky a few wild animals, a waterfall, and a hot spring! Be sure your brakes are good and you have plenty of gas in your car and snacks! Bring your camera and hit the road!

3. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Denver, CO +1 303-567-4660 http://www.codot.gov/travel/scenic-byways/north-central/mount-evans
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,006 reviews

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

This high-altitude scenic drive climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,264 feet.

Reviewed By Michelehodges

The climb up was exceptional. Beautiful views, lots of wildlife, wildflowers everywhere, and a great stop at the historic Echo Lake Lodge all made for a wonderful experience.

4. Vail Recreation Path

Vail, CO http://www.allvail.com/nature/recreation_paths.php
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 186 reviews

Vail Recreation Path

This seven-mile, paved path meanders through alpine fields, aspen groves and Vail's picturesque villages.

Reviewed By 15deannah

We had a great ride meandering through Vail and riding along the creek. We were able to hop off for a cup of coffee at Yeti's in the Village.

5. Hanging Lake Trail

Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, CO +1 970-384-6309 http://www.visitglenwood.com/things-to-do/hanging-lake
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,186 reviews

Hanging Lake Trail

Reviewed By debsA9982ZB

This is a very pleasant surprise when staying in Glenwood Springs CO. The location is an environmental protected area, allowing only specific numbers of visitors. Reservations are needed as bus takes you to the trailhead and from there your adventure begins. The trail winds and switchbacks up the cavern walls, the views are amazing and the quiet is covered by the running brook you criss cross over by small bridges as you ascend. The hike is strenuous at times, recommendation to take your time and breath in experience. Hanging Lake is peaceful, a place to reflect, the short detour to Sprouting Rock is well worth the effort brings a smile and gives a needed cooling spray.

6. Flatirons

Boulder Mountain Park, Boulder, CO 80302
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,107 reviews

Flatirons

Reviewed By kelshutch - Baltimore, United States

Beautiful area, great for walking. It's a big far/steep for toddler legs, so be prepared to carry little ones. But even if you don't get very far before turning around, the trip to see the park is worthwhile. Great couple of hours of sunshine, fresh air, and hiking for our family.

7. Independence Pass

Hwy 82, 20 miles E of Aspen, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970-925-3445 http://www.independencepass.org
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,695 reviews

Independence Pass

Reviewed By 688juddc - Aspen, United States

Everyone should check out the Continental Divide and Independence Pass - also a fantastic bicycle ride up from the Aspen side - best early in the day or in the off-seasons, due to narrow sections and sometimes heavy traffic. There are a lot of places to pull off and admire the scenery, take pics, or go for a little hike - especially alongside the creek, at the Grottos - where there's a plunge pool (not safe in times of heavy water runoff). Also several camping sites exist closer to the Aspen side where the scenery is all amazing...

8. Cottonwood Pass

Highway 306/209 Between Crested Butte and Bueno Vista, CO http://cottonwoodpass.net/
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 109 reviews

Cottonwood Pass

Reviewed By stijntailly - Waregem, Belgium

Just another gorgeous scenic byway in a State that seems to be littered with them. Cottonwood Pass Scenic Drive - its namesake is right on the Continental Divide - cuts from Buena Vista to Almont and offers a more visually pleasant alternative to driving US-50. The entire byway is paved now, contradicting information that I gathered before this trip. The first stretch of the highway passes through Aspen stands and spectacular mountain terrain. The second part of the trip is along the beautiful Taylor River, wich cuts a canyon trough its surrounding bedrock until it becomes the Taylor Park Reservoir. If you take this trip East to West, you'll actually see the reservoir first. There are plenty of hiking options along the way and plenty of vista points to get out of the car and take in the prime scenery too.

9. Trail Ridge Road

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO +1 970-586-1222 http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,391 reviews

Trail Ridge Road

Reviewed By JMJR2K - Independence, United States

I’ve been driving Trail Ridge road for many years and discover something new and different each time. There are amazing views all around- High mountain lakes, hikes, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, ptarmigans, marmots, deer-you name it. While you won’t see all of the wildlife all the time, usually you’ll stop with others and get out your camera for at least one of these critters. On the weekends, everyone else has the same idea to make the drive so it’s terribly crowded. There are three entrances with the Kawanuchee side the least crowded for entry. The Alpine Visitor Center is a cool place to relax and take in the Picturesque views and there is a museum there that covers the early geological and evolutionary history of the area. As you would imagine, there is a souvenir shop with trinkets and clothing as well as a concession area with food and drinks. Just a beautiful park you won’t want to miss!

10. Guanella Pass

Georgetown, CO http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/scenic-byways/north-central/guanella-pass
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 341 reviews

Guanella Pass

Reviewed By SRMueller1 - Littleton, United States

If you find yourself in Denver in the Fall while the Aspen leaves are changing colors, don’t miss talking a couple of hours to drive over Guanella Pass!!! This is one of our favorite afternoon drives. We head into the mountains on US285 and drive to the West of Bailey - and go up and over Guanella Pass and then drop back down into Georgetown, and then head back east on I-70 to Denver. Beautiful colors, amazing mountains, and perhaps some wildlife.

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