- In this Colorado bucket list, you’ll find…<\/a><\/li>
- Colorado bucket list: Outdoor adventures<\/a><\/li>
- 1. San Juan Mountains<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Roxborough State Park<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Hanging Lake<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Paint Mines Interpretative Park<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Garden of the Gods<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Maroon Bells<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- Colorado bucket list: National Parks<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Great Sand Dunes National Park<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Mesa Verde National Park<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Colorado National Monument<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- Colorado bucket list: Towns<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Glenwood Springs<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Estes Park<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Telluride<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Aspen<\/a><\/li>
- 16. Boulder<\/a><\/li>
- 17. Crested Butte<\/a><\/li>
- 18. Leadville<\/a><\/li>
- 19. Steamboat Springs<\/a><\/li>
- 20. Manitou Springs<\/a><\/li>
- 21. Vail<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- Colorado bucket list: Scenic drives and road trips<\/a><\/li>
- 22. Trail Ridge Road<\/a><\/li>
- 23. Mount Evans <\/a><\/li>
- 24. Million Dollar Highway<\/a><\/li>
- 25. Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway<\/a><\/li>
- 26. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway<\/a><\/li>
- 27. Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- Colorado bucket list: Hikes<\/a><\/li>
- 28. Lone Eagle Peak<\/a><\/li>
- 29. Emerald Lake<\/a><\/li>
- 30. Chasm Lake<\/a><\/li>
- 31. Bridal Veil Falls<\/a><\/li>
- 32. Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route<\/a><\/li>
- 33. Pikes Peak<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- Colorado bucket list: Extras<\/a><\/li>
- 34. Dinosaur National Monument<\/a><\/li>
- 35. Red Rocks Amphitheater<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- PIN THIS COLORADO BUCKET LIST<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Colorado bucket list: Outdoor adventures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. San Juan Mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBoasting 13 of 58 fourteeners in Colorado, colossal waterfalls, and an array of charming alpine towns, the San Juan Mountain is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Centennial State for outdoor adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you explore, you’ll get to choose from a plethora of activities, ranging from exploring alpine locales that act as great gateways to nature (think Ouray, Durango, Telluride, and more!). As a bonus, the entire area in the San Juan Mountains brims with historical places, especially when it comes to abandoned mines and ghost towns from Colorado’s mining rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Roxborough State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf a hidden gem is what you’re after, make sure to place Roxborough State Park on your Colorado bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, you’ll find a world of whacky-looking red rock formations, a myriad of wildlife, and a wide array of plants unique to the area. Activities to do inside the park include bird watching, wildlife spotting, hiking, biking, and trail running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Hanging Lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHanging Lake may just be one of the most idyllic places in the state, making it one of the most popular items on any Colorado bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being inside this gem in Glenwood Canyon may very well make you feel as though you landed in a storybook setting, with rocky walls draped by greenery covering the walls around the turquoise-blue lake and water falling down from a cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Paint Mines Interpretative Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nInto surreal landscapes and places that make you feel as though you were transported to a different planet? A trip to Paint Mines Interpretative Park is sure to please!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This park’s unique terrain is made up of vibrant multicolored rock formations made of sandstone that range from colossal spires to hoodoos that look as though they were splashed by buckets of paint. Aside from that, the park covers over 750 acres of grasslands, prairies, and wetlands, with plenty of hiking trails available for you to enjoy the rare colors of the park as well as the rest of its scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a place that is a must on your Colorado bucket list if you’re a photographer, a geologist, a hiker, or if you’re simply into all things weird and wonderful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip! As always, I recommend Safety Wing<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> for great prices and coverage abroad. It starts at only $45 USD per month and will have you covered with everything you may need during your trip! Check them out here<\/a>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Garden of the Gods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBring red rock formations and looming snow-dusted mountains are a pretty strange combination, but that’s exactly what makes visiting the Garden of the Gods such a unique experience to have in Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a plethora of activities to enjoy the outdoors, including hiking, camping, jeep tours, and horseback riding. A highlight aside from enjoying the landscape is getting to see clear views of Pikes Peak, the highest mountain in the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Maroon Bells<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs one of the most photographed places in the state, visiting Maroon Bells is not just a must on your Colorado bucket list, but it’s also a sort of rite of passage in the Centennial State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, you’ll be treated to views of gorgeous alpine lakes, aspen forests, and quintessential Rocky Mountain scenery all over, but the true gem to see at Maroon Bells lies on a lake that reflects two humongous bell-shaped mountain peaks: North Maroon Peak and South Maroon Peak – this is definitely one of those places that look EVEN better in real life than on pictures!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorado bucket list: National Parks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Great Sand Dunes National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-7.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEven though a desert-like landscape is what you’d expect to find in Colorado, the Centennial State is actually home to the tallest sand dunes on the entire continent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this unusual national park in Colorado, you’ll find a landscape made up of humongous sand dunes that can reach heights of a whopping 700 feet, all while getting to see sets of snow-capped peaks in the distance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiking is one of the favorite things to do at Great Sandunes, with unique trails taking you up to some of the tallest sand dunes in the park, including Star Dune which rises 750 feet from its base to its top!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other fun activities to try at Great Sand Dunes National Park include sandboarding and sand sledding, not to mention it’s one of the best places in Colorado to go stargazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Rocky Mountain National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-8.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHome to some of the tallest mountains in Colorado, five glaciers, and over a hundred lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park is the most popular national park in the state and a must on any Colorado bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiking is the main thing to do here, with over a hundred trails to choose from that range from easy lakeside strolls to tougher challenges that will have you conquering some of Colorado’s most sought-after peaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from all things mountain goodness, other incredible landscapes you’ll get to see at Rocky Mountain include wildflowers during the summer, gorgeous fall foliage in the fall, pretty meadows, pristine lakes, and plenty of forests to get lost in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wildlife viewing is also huge here, with species like bighorn, moose, black bears, and sheep residing inside the park. During October, elk make their way here for their annual migration, an experience that is worthy of being on your Colorado bucket list on its own!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-9.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMysterious and incredibly awe-inspiring, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is made up of a canyon so deep that sunlight only touches it for 33 minutes every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison choose to explore by driving the Rim Drive, which loops around the rim of the canyon and provides access to some of the most incredible lookout points of the canyon. Be aware though that this drive is definitely not for those who are scared of heights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to adventure further and get to see the canyon from a different perspective, you can also hike down to the bottom of it and, if you’re feeling brave, you can even book a camping spot there! Be aware that the trail is considered a wilderness area, so it’s not exactly ideal if you’re new at hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Mesa Verde National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-10.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWant to combine a dose of history with gorgeous natural landscapes? If that’s the case, make sure you include Mesa Verde National Park on your Colorado bucket list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike the rest of the national parks in Colorado, Mesa Verda focuses more on the anthropological side of the area. Here, you’ll find plenty of ruins perched on cliffs where Ancestral Puebloans once lived in, providing a pretty interesting glimpse into the past!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Colorado National Monument<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-11.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocated on the Colorado Plateau, the Colorado National Monument is a sheer-walled canyon that formed into sandstone and granite rock formations, creating an extremely peculiar-looking landscape that is worth traveling for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from the canyon, you’ll also find a world of unique geology here, including dramatic cliffs, spires, and gigantic monoliths. Driving the park’s scenic road is a surefire way to cover as much ground as possible, but hiking is another great way to explore, especially if you want to get up and close to the area’s wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorado bucket list: Towns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12. Glenwood Springs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGlenwood Springs is a lovely mountain resort town where hot springs, glorious alpine views, and quaint historic buildings reign supreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, you’ll find a plethora of hiking and biking trails to enjoy during the warmer months, but the main reason most people make it a must on their Colorado bucket list is that it is the perfect destination to relax or have a staycation in a gorgeous natural setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Estes Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-13.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile Estes Park is known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s also worth considering as a destination of its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you explore the town, you’ll be treated to charming Bavarian-style architecture, views of mountains everywhere you look, and fine dining as good as it gets. Aside from treating this town as a base to go hiking in the Rockies, there are also plenty of offers when it comes to milder adventures in nature, including several river walks, gentle strolls through the forest, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Telluride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-14.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHidden inside the alluring San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a gorgeous place to visit in Colorado if a little variety of activities is what you’re after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from strolling its charming historic downtown, Telluride acts as the perfect gateway to exploring lakes, hiking through forests, traversing canyons, and walking through ghost towns from the state’s mining boom. Moreover, if you’re up for a dose of adrenaline, you can also brave the famous Telluride Via Ferrata!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
15. Aspen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-15.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAspen is known for being one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Colorado, but even if you don’t visit in winter, there’s a lot more this incredible town has to offer that makes it worthy of belonging on your Colorado bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being here will make you feel as though you were transported to a town deep in the mountains of Germany, with Victorian-era houses still retaining their original architecture and plenty of cultures that still celebrates the town’s European heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from its world-class winter sports offering, other things to do in Aspen throughout the year include checking out breweries, hiking in the mountains, and experiencing its famed dining and wining scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
16. Boulder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-16.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocated a short drive from Denver, Boulder is a stunning student town with plenty of entertainment options, a wide cultural offering, and an excellent bar scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As if that weren’t enough, Boulder knows how to combine city-like amenities and nightlife with natural activities. Thanks to its location on the foot of the Front Range, there are plenty of options to choose from in order to experience the outdoors, including hiking to the Flatirons, tubing at Boulder Creek, boating at Boulder Reservoir, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
17. Crested Butte<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-17.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSet on the foothills of Mount Butte, Crested Butte is a lovely mountain locale where alpine vibes and outdoor activities are king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though Crested Butte is known for being a winter sports destination, there’s plenty more to do if hitting the slopes isn’t exactly your jam. Forests, mountains, and several wilderness areas surround the town, making it a perfect destination for hiking, water activities, and photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, Crested Butte is a wonderful summer destination to see wildflowers, so much so that it is considered their global capital of them! Around late June, the entire landscape around the town gets blanketed in colorful flowers, making visiting Crested Butte in the summer a must on any Colorado bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
18. Leadville<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-18.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLeadville is the highest city in the United States, making this fact alone enough reason to place it on your Colorado bucket list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from holding a pretty impressive record, another aspect that makes Leadville worth visiting is the fact that it is surrounded by two of the tallest mountains in Colorado. Mount Elbert and Mount Massive stand right next to it, which means the views here are pretty much unbeatable. Moreover, the San Isabel National Forest is just a stone’s throw away, which means hiking here is an absolute treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
19. Steamboat Springs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-19.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you’re more the type of traveler who prefers exploring hidden gems, Steamboat Springs is a pretty great choice, especially if you’d like to combine history, the outdoors, and a dash of culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the summer months, Steamboat Springs offers plenty of activities, ranging from enjoying the beach around a lake, to hiking, biking, and dipping in several hot springs. Come winter, skiing, fat biking, and other winter sports take over. As a tip, you can ride a real-life sleigh here, all while getting a hearty dinner served to complete the adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
20. Manitou Springs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"colorado](\"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/colorado-bucket-list-20.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you feel as though your body and spirit need a little love, this town in the base of Pikes Peak offers a wonderful setting to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For centuries, the hot springs in Manitou Spring have been used for their water, which is said to contain healing properties. Whether or not the statement is true, we guarantee simply getting to be in the mountains surrounded by fresh air will do just the trick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 35. Red Rocks Amphitheater<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- 29. Emerald Lake<\/a><\/li>
- 23. Mount Evans <\/a><\/li>
- 13. Estes Park<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Roxborough State Park<\/a><\/li>
- Colorado bucket list: Outdoor adventures<\/a><\/li>
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