Tours, Excursions and Activities, Oh My!

An adventure-loving base camp at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, Denver adds a dose of urban cool to Colorado’s outdoorsy spirit. Whether browsing downtown art museums, hopping between Larimer Square’s craft breweries, or dancing along to the music at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, things to do in Denver highlight the city’s creative energy.

A quintessential Colorado mountain town, Estes Park is also the gateway to the natural wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park, famous for its abundance of elk and other wildlife. It makes an ideal base camp for outdoor adventure, with a charming downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, plus lodging options for any budget. Things to do in Estes Park over the summer span hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, while winter is a perfect time for snowshoeing, scenic drives, and cozying up at the legendary Stanley Hotel.

Nestled in the shadow of Pikes Peak and other stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, Colorado Springs pairs outdoor adventure with all the amenities of a modern city. A hike or drive among ancient sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods is one of the top things to do in Colorado Springs, as is the Woods Course Zipline Tour in Seven Falls Canyon. Urban attractions include the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, which offers public tours, or a five-course meal and round of golf at the historic Broadmoor Hotel.

One of Colorado’s top ski towns, Breckenridge has an allure that goes beyond the epic mountain trails that straddle the Continental Divide. In the summer, the scenic alpine terrain is ripe for hiking and mountain biking, while one of the top things to do in Breckenridge each fall is going leaf-peeping as the local golden aspens begin to blanket the sprawling hillsides. Breck, as it’s fondly known to locals, is also famous for its festivals, spanning art and film showcases to celebrations of its world-class craft beer and distillery scene.

Boasting Colorado’s largest ski resort, Vail draws snow worshippers from around the world to more than 5,000 acres (2,025 hectares) of expertly groomed trails. At the base, Vail Village and Lionshead Village echo the Old World charm of the Austrian alps, with an added upscale flair to abundant dining and shopping options. There are still plenty of things do in Vail outside of ski and snowboard season though, from hiking Booth Falls Trail to tacking the Vail Pass Bike Path on two wheels or fishing in Gore Creek.

It’s easy to see why Buena Vista (“Beautiful View”) got it’s name—look no further than its scenic valley location at the base of the Collegiate Peaks. This Colorado adventure town is also defined by water, and one of the top things to do in Buena Vista is depart for white-water rafting tours on the Arkansas River. However, visitors can even make a splash with river surfing or paddling at the Buena Vista River Park before enjoying the temptations of Main Street bars and restaurants.

Long a favorite of snow-seeking celebrities and other jet setters, Aspen is Colorado’s poshest ski resort, with acclaimed restaurants, upscale shopping, and the high-altitude price tags to match. Beyond its four mountains of world-class terrain, Aspen is also a cultural destination with a focus on arts and sustainability. When the snow melts, the stunning scenery of Independence Pass and Maroon Bells—where a jagged crest of peaks are reflected in an alpine lake—makes Aspen an irresistible summertime destination, with plenty of things to do.

The most popular base for exploring Colorado’s Royal Gorge region, Cañon City is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, served with a side of Wild West history. Thrill seekers can experience the gorge from the bottom on a white water rafting tour on the Arkansas River, while those who prefer to stay dry can cross with a gravity-defying walk across the highest suspension bridge in the US, the Royal Gorge Bridge. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad also tops the list of things to do in Cañon City, offering scenic rides through the canyon complete with wine and dining cars.

Visitors have sought rest and recovery in this mountain resort town since Colorado’s pioneer days, thanks to the healing mineral properties of its several natural hot springs—and a soothing soak remains one of the top things to do in Glenwood Springs. Beyond that, today’s travelers also come to Glenwood for outdoor adventures such as white-water rafting on the Colorado River, hiking or mountain biking through Glenwood Canyon, and the family-friendly thrill rides and cave tours at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Southwestern Colorado’s historic hub, Durango has roots as an important mining town. Today, visitors can get a taste of its prospecting past with a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which winds through canyons and past abandoned gold and silver mines. Outdoor adventurers will also find plenty to do in Durango, from hiking in the San Juan National Forest to skiing at family-friendly Purgatory Resort. It’s also an ideal base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park, the site of ancient stone cliff dwellings built by the Pueblo people.