Experience Outdoor Everything in Colorado
Whether you’re seeking a thrill or just a bit of peaceful nature, Colorado’s got year-round activities for you. As one of the most versatile and active states in the US, Colorado is the proverbial one-stop-shop for all of your adventuring aspirations. The state’s outdoor offerings are virtually endless, including hiking, skiing, rafting, biking, climbing, soaking and more. With so much to do in Colorado, we recommend circling the whole state. Fly into Denver, and then loop back a week or two later once you’ve seen it all.
Denver, Colorado
With roots in America’s Old West era, Denver has historic landmarks like 19th-century buildings, as well as modern marvels such as the Denver Art Museum. Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver provides access to tons of outdoor activities, as well as beautiful, sprawling views. If you come in September, you can see the Denver Crush Walls festival --the public art celebration held in the River North Art District (RiNo). Head about 16 kilometers west of Denver for an incomparably scenic yoga session at Red Rocks Amphitheater, then stay for a concert, where the highest seat has an elevation of nearly 2000 meters.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Experience local food from the land at Denver’s farm-to-table favorite, The Kitchen Restaurant.
- Try something different: The Wolf’s Tailor offers a unique menu loosely influenced by Italian and Japanese cuisine.
- Check out Safta, an Isreali spot in Denver’s RiNo district.
What to See:
- If you’re a yogi, you’re going to want to catch a scenic session at Yoga on the Rocks.
- Feeling artsy? Explore Denver’s River North Art District.
- Take a hike. Rocky Mountain National Park has nearly 500 km of hiking trails, and is home to one of the tallest peaks in Colorado, Longs Peak.
Durango, Colorado
Once there, hop aboard a train on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for unbeatable views of the vast nature. While in the area, take a hike, hit the mountain biking trails, and drive the San Juan Scenic Byway. Make sure to visit Mesa Verde National Park, where the Ancestral Pueblo People inhabited the site’s cliff dwellings for 700 years.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Enter the Old West with a meal at Diamond Belle inside the historic Strater Hotel.
- Enjoy award-winning food with a view at the Mesa Verde Metate Room Restaurant.
What to Do:
- Explore the Native American culture of Mesa Verde National Park.
- When the leaves change, there’s no better way to see the foliage than aboard the Durango-Silverton train.
- It’s all about the views in Durango. Catch some of the best ones on a drive along the San Juan Scenic Byway.
Telluride, Colorado
In fact, you can take skiing off the agenda, and still have a surplus of activities to fill your days (and nights!) We suggest driving toward Telluride where you can soak in the area’s hot springs. You’ll also have Telluride’s world-renowned ski and golf offerings on option, depending on the season. And if you do take the drive, make sure you take the Mount Evans Scenic Byway to experience the highest paved road in North America.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Cozy up at the quaint, rustic Telluride tradition, La Marmotte.
- For an upscale seasonal menu, reserve a table at The National.
What to Do:
- If you like it luxe, head to the hot springs at 5-star hotel, The Dunton,
- In the warmer months, take a car up Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
- Hit the slopes at Telluride Ski Resort.
Boulder, Colorado
You can pass through forgotten ghost towns, see a massive waterfall at Wolf Creek Pass, and stop by Buena Vista River Park, a popular whitewater rafting destination in Colorado. Once in Boulder, go see the Flatirons, massive slabs of slanting sandstone that form the backdrop of the area. And if you’re in the mood for fresh food, you’re in luck. Boulder was named home to the number one farmer’s market in the country by USA Today.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Don’t miss the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, an authentic Central Asian tea house gifted to the city of Boulder from Tajikistan.
- Stop by the 4th Street Diner in the teeny town of Sagauche as you travel.
- For a meal with a view, check out Boulder’s Flagstaff House, where you can enjoy New American cuisine at 2,000 meters.
What to Do:
- Experience Boulder like a local at the Boulder Farmers Market.
- Stop for a soak at the Pagosa Hot Springs.
- Fit in a ski session at Wolf Creek Ski.
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