Top 25 Bucket List Destinations in Colorado

Colorado beckons visitors outdoors even (or perhaps especially) during the cold winter months. The mountains, lakes, and springs around every corner are a delight for the senses.

You certainly won’t have any trouble finding things to do in Colorado. In fact, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all there is to see. And you might find it useful to make a Colorado bucket list to help you keep track of everything you want to do.

Bucket List Vacations: Colorado’s National Parks

Some of the best places to visit are our country’s national parks. These natural wonderlands are full of spectacular things to see and epic things to do. 

Colorado has four national parks, and each one is Colorado bucket list-worthy. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Probably the most well-known park in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-do. Be sure to drive Trail Ridge Road – the highest continuous-paved road in the U.S. There’s a good chance you’ll see elk in the park, and it’s also home to moose, bears, marmots, pikas, and a variety of Colorado wildlife.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is a historic Colorado national park. View the ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the Pueblo people who once lived on the land. Be sure to take a guided tour so you can enter a dwelling and get an up-close view of these ingenious living spaces.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, and they make a striking sight rising up in front of the snow-capped mountains. Do some epic sand-sledding, hike to various dunes, and splash around at Medano Creek – the seasonal creek at the bottom of the dunes.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is another awe-inspiring Colorado landmark. Featuring steep cliffs and craggy spires, the landscape here reminds you of the power of nature’s forces working over millions of years.

Drive to the Top of Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s 58 14ers – mountains that are over 14,000 feet tall. It’s also the mountain that inspired the song “America the Beautiful,” and it’s the most-visited mountain summit in North America. You can hike or drive to the top or try the Pikes Peak cog railway for an unusual form of transportation.

Visit Colorado Wine Country

Colorado’s Western Slope is a prime place for growing delicious grapes and peaches. In late summer months, be sure to sample some Palisade Peaches. And year-round, visit the wineries in Palisade and Grand Junction to try tasty Colorado wines.

Stand in Four States at Once

Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park in southern Colorado is the spot where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. You can stand on the marker where all four states meet, or take a picture with each arm and leg in a different state.

Take a Ride on Durango and Silverton Train

The Durango and Silverton train follows the Animas River through the Rockies to an old silver mining town. You’ll get breathtaking views of the Rockies and a ride on a historic steam train.

Explore Garden of the Gods

The striking red rock formations at Garden of the Gods make this a must-see destination in Colorado Springs. Wander among the rocks at this free park and see how the fanciful formations got names like the Kissing Camels and the Sleeping Giant.

Get in Touch with Prehistory at Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument makes a great stop for dinosaur lovers. This NPS site is located on the border of Colorado and Utah. It’s home to hundreds of dinosaur fossils and is the perfect place to learn about prehistory. 

Treat Yourself to Little Man Ice Cream

There’s nothing quite as delicious as a good ice cream treat on a hot summer day. Little Man Ice Cream is a local favorite, and the iconic milk jug-shaped shop usually has a line out front.

Admire the Maroon Bells

If you’ve seen scenic shots of Colorado, you may already have seen the Maroon Bells – they’re the most-photographed mountains in the state. The walk from the parking lot to viewing the mountains is short, but there are lots of longer hikes in the area if you want to explore. You will need reservations to park at this site.

See a Show at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Red Rocks Amphitheater was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, but has hosted scenic outdoor concerts since 1906. Enjoy a concert at the venue that many famous artists say is their very favorite place to perform.

Visit the Breckenridge Troll

Pay a visit to the famous Breckenridge Troll and pose for a picture. Located along the Trollstigen Trail in the town of Breckenridge, the troll known as Isak Heartstone is a fun hiking destination. 

Brave the Royal Gorge Bridge

At almost 1,000 feet above the canyon, the Royal Gorge Bridge is not for those who are afraid of heights. If you can bring yourself to cross over the gorge, you’ll be treated to some seriously cool views. You can also zipline, try the via ferrata course, hike, and much more.

Dine in a Plane at the Airplane Restaurant 

The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs is a unique place to dine. This tiny eatery is actually built inside an old airplane. Only about 40 people can dine in the plane at a time, but it’s worth waiting for.  

Experience the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Those who like to mix education into their travel adventures will appreciate the number of incredible museums in Denver. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is engaging and educational for people of all ages. 

Check Out Hanging Lake

Located in the White River National Forest, Hanging Lake owes its gorgeous blue-green color to the travertine deposits along the shore. It can only be reached by hiking or biking, and though the trail is steep, it’s very popular with tourists.

Taste Rocky Mountain Oysters

Colorado is a landlocked state … so Rocky Mountain Oysters aren’t seafood. They’re deep fried bull testicles. You’ll find them offered in some restaurants, and you can even find them at Coors Field.

Attend a Game at Coors Field

Baseball fans will want to attend a game at Coors Field. This famous field is home to the Colorado Rockies, and you’ll get amazing views of the Rockies while watching America’s pastime here.

Go on One of Boulder’s Flatirons Hikes

Boulder is a charming college town with great restaurants, live music, and places to hike. Several hikes take you near the Flatirons and you’ll get great views of the rocks and the surrounding scenery.

Relax in Glenwood Springs

After all of the hiking and outdoor exploring you’ll be doing in Colorado, you might want some way to kick back and relax. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers an excellent opportunity to soothe aching muscles before hitting the trail again. The resort has the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world, which contains more than one million gallons of water.

Dig into Green Chile Fries 

Another popular local food in Colorado is green chile. You can find burgers with green chile, bowls of green chile, and fries smothered in the tasty sauce. You’ll find green chile fries at a number of restaurants in the Denver area and some places outside of the city. The Original Chubby’s and the Cherry Cricket both serve up excellent green chile fries along with other delicious dishes.

Go Skiing in Aspen

Colorado is one of the best places to go for good skiing in the wintertime. Within Colorado, Aspen is a picturesque (and very upscale) place to ski. Make sure to take some time to explore the restaurants, bars, and shopping in town after you’re done hitting the slopes for the day.

Ride the Winter Park Alpine Slide

Winter Park Resort is another great spot for skiing, but when you’re not doing that, try their thrilling alpine slide. This is Colorado’s longest alpine slide, and is a great year-round, family event.  

As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Colorado, and building a Colorado bucket list is a must-do. Of course, you will need someplace to stay as you travel the state having all of these wonderful experiences. RVshare has plenty of Colorado rental RVs to investigate as you plan your trip. If you plan to visit in winter, be sure to check out RVs that are suitable for winter camping, with heated tanks and good insulation. And if you plan to explore winding mountain roads, you may want a smaller vehicle like a Class B camper or a teardrop trailer.

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