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Colorado is a hiker's heaven! With unsurpassed natural scenery, rugged mountains, deep canyons, alpine meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls, it's perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities: whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The best time to visit Colorado is during the warm season which runs from June to October. In June, snow melts in the mountains, so it's a high time to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Elbert, Mount Bierstadt, and drive through some of the highest passes in the state. In the summer, visitors can also see a unique phenomenon of fire rainbows and meet rare blood-shooting lizards. Winter months in Colorado are all about skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and exploring frozen waterfalls.

149 things to do in Colorado

Climbing Mount Elbert

June–September Activity

This so-called "Gentle Giant" is rocked by violent thunderstorms in the summer and avalanches in the winter

American Discovery Trail

all year round Activity

You'll find no better way to discover America than this lengthy hike across 15 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For such a long journey, one needs at least a year of time reserved

Fire Rainbows

late March–September Nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

Blood-Shooting Lizards (Phrynosoma)

March–November Nature

Usually, it protects itself by the means of camouflage, but when business is serious, it puffs up to double-size and shoots blood from its eyes

Telluride Film Festival

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

The San Juan mountains are​ the place where new cinema stars are discovered annually

Dinosaur National Monument

all year round Nature

The beautiful natural scenery of this area could be the main reason to visit it, but it's also historical importance that makes this place even more attractive

Colorado Renaissance Festival

June 15-August 4, 2025 Event

Are you ready for a flashback into 16th century?

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

June 8-August 11, 2024 Event

One of the oldest and most atmospheric theater events in Colorado

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off

August 31-September 2, 2024 Event

A beautiful way to say goodbye to the summer during the Labor Day Weekend

Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

September 20-22, 2024 Event

Spice up your life in Pueblo, Colorado

Colorado Irish Festival

August 14–15, 2021 Event

For three days, everyone in Colorado can become Irish

Pikes Peak Celtic Festival

mid-June 2023 Event

Immerse yourself in Irish and Scottish culture and traditions

Colorado State Fair

August 23-September 2, 2024 Event

Watch a rodeo and take some carnival rides at a traditional summer fair

Mesa Verde National Park

May–September Activity

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest archaeological​ preserve in the U.S.

The Colorado Marathon

May 5, 2024 Event

Enjoy the iconic Colorado views during this scenic long-distance race in Fort Collins

Kayaking

May–September Activity

Colorado whitewater rivers and crystal clear lakes with beautiful surroundings are perfect for adrenaline rides and peaceful puddling

FIBArk

June 13-16, 2024 Event

Hundreds of athletes and spectators flock to FIBArk Whitewater Festival to mark the start of boating season

Concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

April–September Event

An iconic open-air amphitheatre created by natural rocks

Garden of the Gods

all year round Nature

This place is gorgeous enough for Gods to assemble

Hanging Lake Trail (Glenwood Springs)

April–October Activity

One of the most popular lakes in Colorado illustrates an interesting geological phenomenon

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

late May–late October Activity

Take a picturesque steam train trip through the American West that you will never forget

Whitewater Rafting

May–September Activity

The Rocky Mountain rivers of Colorado offer world-class whitewater rafting

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

all your round Activity

Some of the most beautiful mineral hot springs in North America

Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

April–June Nature

A seasonal creek brings fun to a beautiful park surrounded by mountains

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

mid-April–mid-November Activity

An impressive work of nature with some of the steepest rocks, oldest formations, and the roughest spires in North America

Skiing and Snowboarding

late November–mid-April Activity

Find out what makes Colorado the number one skiing destination in the United States

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

July 12-21, 2024 Event

Immerse yourself in the symphony of flowers in beautiful Crested Butte

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

June 20–23, 2024 Event

The bluegrass festival in a famous ski resort is among the most famous of its kind

Greeley Stampede

June 26–July 7, 2024 Event

Wild West 4th of July experience is not complete without a visit to a rodeo, especially if it's one of the largest in the world

Colorado Fall Colors

mid-September–mid-November Nature

Discover gorgeous spots throughout the state to celebrate fall

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

June–September Activity

View a spectacular alpine scenery and amazing wildlife in one of the most popular U.S national parks

Frozen Waterfalls

January–February Nature

Colorado's gorgeous nature is especially impressive in the winter

Hiking the Colorado Trail

early July–mid-September Activity

The longest and challenging Colorado hiking adventure

Fishing

all year round Activity

Fly-fishers, ice-fishers and rod-and-reelers can find many great spots in Colorado

Dog Sledding & Snow Tubing

late November–mid-April Activity

Even if you are not into skiing or snowboarding, you can still enjoy famous Colorado slopes

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

late May–early September Activity

Take a scenic ride on the highest paved road in North America

Denver Christkindl Market

November 22-December 23, 2024 Event

This German Christmas fair offers great food, beer, Gluehwein, and handmade crafts

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

November 15–17, 2024 | November 22–24, 2024 Event

This Denver Christmas Gift Show is one of the major fairs in Colorado

Breckenridge Snow Sculptures

January 20-29, 2025 Event

Teams of snow artists from around the world descend on Colorado for the International Snow Sculpture Championships

Cripple Creek Ice Festival

February 17-February 25, 2024 Event

Fun time in a picturesque Colorado old mining and gambling town

Ouray Ice Festival

January 18 - January 21 Event

A celebration of everything associated with mountain and ice climbing

Steamboat Winter Carnival

February 7-11, 2024 Event

The oldest running winter carnival west of Mississippi

Colorado Springs Festival of Lights

December 7, 2024 Event

The official start of Christmas holidays in Colorado Springs

Mount Bierstadt

May–November Activity

Conquering the mountain of such size is a must for every hiker in Colorado

Hike to Grays and Torreys Peaks

June–October Activity

Highly popular 14ers not far from Denver

Conundrum Hot Springs

July–September Activity

Popular hot springs near Aspen

Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop

July–October Activity

A beautiful long hiking trail near Aspen

Kite Lake

May–October Activity

A beautiful high-altitude lake with five campsites and some impressive peaks nearby

Lone Eagle Peak

June–September Activity

Hike Colorado's most photogenic mountain reflecting in the Mirror Lake

Jones Pass

late June–early November Activity

One of Colorado's highest mountains with an easy access

Decalibron Loop

May–October (the area is currently closed) Activity

Hike four epic Colorado mountains at once

Colorado Springs St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 16, 2024 Event

Plenty of festivities as the city goes green

X Games Aspen

January 23-25, 2025 Event

One of the biggest extreme sports events of the year with a great music lineup

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

June 23, 2024 Event

An exciting race to a top of a legendary Colorado fourteener

Frozen Dead Guy Days

March 15-17, 2024 Event

One of the most funny and quirky festivals in the USA

Breckenridge Oktoberfest

September 13–15, 2024 Event

The largest street party of the year in the Rocky Mountains

Great American Beer Festival

October 10-12, 2024 Event

Experience the best of American craft brewing at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver

Sonic Bloom

mid-June 2023 Event

Free-spirited electronic music festival in Colorado

Trail Ridge Road

June–October (check updates) Activity

The so-called 'highway to the sky' is a kind of true inspiration

Alta Lakes

late June–September Activity

A magical Alpine setting by the three lakes

Webster and Red Cone Pass Trail

late June–September Activity

A perfect ride for a 4WD with scenic views of the Continental Divide

Crystal Mill

late May–mid-November (mid-September–early October for fall colors) Activity

An iconic Colorado attraction is one of the most photographed in the state

Mystic Falls

May–October Nature

Visit one of the lesser-known waterfalls of Colorado

Guanella Pass

late May–mid-November Activity

Enjoy the striking combination of nature and architecture

Tincup Pass

July–October Activity

One of the highest and most beautiful mountain roads in Colorado

Owl Creek Pass

June–October Activity

Aspen and pine forests, rugged peaks, and picturesque lakes make an exceptionally scenic drive

Bear Lake Road

late May–September (all year round) Activity

A beautiful drive through Rocky Mountain National Park

Hagerman Pass

late May–mid-October Activity

A rugged trail crossing the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains

Mosquito Pass

late July–September Activity

One of the highest passes in Colorado accessible by a car

Ophir Pass

June–October Activity

A scenic high-mountain road with alpine scenery

Old Fall River Road

early July–September Activity

A historic high mountain road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

June–September Activity

Take a scenic drive through the American Switzerland

Boreas Pass

May–October Activity

A beautiful drive with alpine scenery, waterfalls and mountain views

Independence Pass (Hunter Pass)

late May–mid-November Activity

The second highest pass in Colorado that can be reached by a paved highway

Berthoud Pass

all year round Activity

Drivers, backcountry skiers and hikers can't get enough of this scenic pass

Cottonwood Pass Road

June–October Activity

One of the highest roads in Colorado traversing the Continental Divide

Kebler Pass

mid-June–mid-October Activity

A scenic drive through aspen forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes

Black Bear Pass

mid-July–September Activity

You don't have to be crazy to drive this road, but it helps—the road sign says

Donkey Derby Days

June 28–30, 2024 Event

Donkey race in a historic Colorado gold rush town—Cripple Creek

Snowmass Balloon Festival

September 13-15, 2024 Event

A popular ballooning event in a picturesque ski resort, not far from Aspen

Colorado 4th of July Fireworks & Events

July 2–6, 2024 Event

From wild flowers to 4th of July fireworks, from charming sunrises to Independence Day parades, you'll find bursts of color along every Main Street and on every trail

Radium Hot Springs

June–November Activity

A secluded relaxation spot nestled among the picturesque cliffs

Paradise Cove

May–September Activity

Enjoy a spectacular 35-ft (10.7-m) cliff jump

Butler Gulch

June–September Activity

The wildflower paradise not far from Denver

Devil's Punch Bowl

June–August Nature

A stunning swimming hole not far from Aspen

Mount Ida

late May–mid-October Activity

A hidden gem of the Rocky Mountains National Park

Twin Sisters Hike

May–October Activity

An outstanding trail in the Rocky Mountains

Maroon Bells

mid-June–early October Activity

The iconic landscape is the most photographed site in Colorado

Chicago Basin

late June–mid-September Activity

A popular hiking destination with access to four fourteeners

Shelf Road Rock Climbing

September–May Activity

A climbing paradise in Colorado

Mount Zirkel

mid-July–September Activity

The tallest peak of the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

July–September Activity

An amazing collection of fourteeners in the heart of the Sawatch Range

Hudson Christmas

November 29, 2024–January 12, 2025 Event

A beautiful light display just a few miles south of Denver

Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo

July 26–28, 2024 Event

Watch the sky fill with over 25 giant balloons

Erie Town Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival

July 12–14, 2024 Event

Mark your calendar for Historic Downtown Erie's biggest event of the year

Telluride Balloon Festival

May 31-June 2, 2024 Event

Set in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Telluride is a beautiful setting for ballooning

Denver Labor Day Weekend

August 31–September 2, 2024 Event

The Mile High City is packed with festivals, live music, and plenty of late-summer activities for Labor Day Weekend

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Usher in the New Year somewhere in the mountains or in the capital of Colorado

Chinese New Year

February 10, 2024 Event

Lion dances, festive dinners and parties all over Colorado's capital

Tarantula Migration

late August–early October Nature

For a few months, arachnids can be seen roaming prairies outside their hideouts

Monarch Butterfly Migration

March–May | September–October Nature

Watch the annual butterfly spectacle as tiny creatures fill the sky with colors

Hummingbird Migration

late April–early September Nature

For nearly five months, Colorado hosts thousands of wee birds on the move

Sandhill Crane Migration

late February–March | mid-September–mid-November Nature

Thousands of cranes can be spotted at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado

Wildflowers

April–August Nature

From columbine to bluebells, the Rockies are blanketed with blooms every spring and summer

Colorado Blue Columbine

June–August | best July Nature

The state flower of Colorado is the queen of the Rocky Mountains

Lupines

June–August Nature

When summer comes to Rockies, it turns everything purple and blue

Sunflowers

June–August Nature

Yellow wildflowers create amazing vibrant displays across the mountains and deserts

Indian Paintbrush

May–July Nature

Stunning red flowers add brilliant accents to Colorado landscapes

Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park

late September–early October Nature

Golden aspens carpet the mountains while snowy peaks tower above

Fall Colors in Colorado Springs

late September–early October Nature

Southern Colorado is a fall foliage heaven

Halloween in Denver: Parade, Zombie Crawl, and Wild Fall at the Zoo

late September–October Event

Spooktacular October fun at the Mile High City

Fort Collins Christmas Lights

early November–mid-February Event

Northern Colorado is a perfect getaway for a holiday trip

Colorado Christmas Lights

early November–mid-February Event

Holiday light displays brighten up the winter in Colorado

Frederick in Flight

June 21–23, 2024 Event

Plan yourself a colorful summer weekend of ballooning only 30 minutes north of Denver

Water Lantern Festivals

July 2023 Event

An extremely spectacular celebration has taken over pretty much the entire USA

Cherry Blossom

late March–early April Nature

Gorgeous blossoming cherry trees can be viewed in Denver and Boulder every spring

Cherry Blossom Festival

June 22-23, 2024 Event

The annual Sakura Matsuri in downtown Denver

Colorado Springs Comic Con

August 23-25, 2024 Event

Colorado Springs hosts one of the most popular cosplay events in the country

Fan Expo Denver (Denver Comic Con)

July 4–7, 2024 Event

The annual gathering for Colorado geeks and comic fans

Stargazing

all year round (best from October to December) Nature

Colorado offers plenty of amazing places for stargazing. All you need is a car and a thirst for adventure

Stargazing

all year round (best from October to December) Nature

Denver and its outskirts offer you breathtaking stargazing spots. Check them out!

Denver Oktoberfest

September 20–22, 2024 | September 27–29, 2024 Event

A huge Bavarian beer festival in Colorado

UllrGrass

January 31-February 2, 2025 Event

A popular wintertime beer and music festival near Denver

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

September 13–15, 2024 Event

Three days of fantastic music in a breathtaking scenery

Denver Winter Brew Fest

January 27 Event

An indoor/outdoor beer festival showcases the finest Colorado brews

San Juan Brewfest

August 23-24, 2024 Event

The top beer festival in the Four Corners region!

Arapahoe Basin Oktoberfest

September 21–22, 2024 Event

Free chairlift rides, plenty of beer, and German food

Fort Collins 4th of July Parade, Fireworks & Events

July 4 Event

Choose from a bunch of activities at this patriotic event

Vail Oktoberfest

September 6–8, 2024 | September 13–15, 2024 Event

One of the ten greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States, according to USA Today

Kenosha Pass Fall Colors

late September–early October Nature

Kenosha Pass features amazing aspens that fascinate with their vivid fall colors

Squaw Pass Fall Colors

mid-September Nature

A scenic drive through the Mount Evans Wilderness

Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival

November 1–3, 2024 Event

A ballooning event in Rocky Ford, Southeastern Colorado

Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival

August 2–4, 2024 Event

Be sure to grab a camera to this beautiful summer balloon festival

Grand Junction Air Show

October 14–15, 2023 Event

The largest aviation event in Western Colorado

Jazz Aspen Snowmass

June 20–23, 2024 | August 30–September 1, 2024 Event

One of the Roaring Fork Valley's best festivals, known for its legendary lineups

Telluride Jazz Festival

August 9-11, 2024 Event

A music festival in the heart of the Rocky Mountains

Winter Park Jazz Festival

July 20-21, 2024 Event

Put your inner jazz lover into overdrive at this amazing music event!

Colorado Medieval Festival

June 7-9, 2024 Event

An epic medieval fest, where reality turns into a fairy tale

Elizabeth Celtic Festival

July 20-21, 2024 Event

Get transported to another realm, where legends and old sagas come alive

Evergreen Jazz Festival

July 26–28, 2024 Event

Three days of excellent jazz without crowds

Vail Jazz Festival

August 30-September 1, 2024 Event

A laid-back party spanning all summer well through Labor Day

Palisade Peach Festival

August 16–17, 2024 Event

A traditional summer celebration east of Grand Junction

Lafayette Peach Festival

August 19, 2023 Event

Don't miss out on this peachy fiesta!

Windsor Harvest Festival

August 31-September 2, 2024 Event

Windsor's largest and longest-running event

Denver Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Events

May 25–27, 2024 Event

Street festivals, arts, crafts, and plenty of entertainment

Colorado Springs Memorial Day Weekend Events

May 24–27, 2024 Event

Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend with annual run and vivid festival

Rockies To The Red Rocks Colorado

April 25–October 17, 2024 (selected dates) Activity

A scenic two-day railway route through stunning landscapes between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

July 5–7, 2024 Event

The premier art fest in the Mile High City

Krampus in Denver

early December, 2024 Event

Colorado celebrates the Christmas season with a spooky twist

Last updated:

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