Best time to visit Colorado
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Best time of year to visit Colorado
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.
45 THINGS TO DO IN COLORADO (SEPTEMBER 14 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Fire Rainbows
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
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Take a picturesque steam train trip through the American West that you will never forget
Blood-Shooting Lizards
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
Concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
An iconic open-air amphitheatre created by natural rocks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
An impressive work of nature with some of the steepest rocks, oldest formations, and the roughest spires in North America
Mesa Verde National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest archaeological preserve in the U.S.
Dinosaur National Monument
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
Hanging Lake Trail (Glenwood Springs)
One of the most popular lakes in Colorado illustrates an interesting geological phenomenon
Climbing Mount Elbert
This so-called "Gentle Giant" is rocked by violent thunderstorms in the summer and avalanches in the winter
Bear Lake Road
A beautiful drive through Rocky Mountain National Park
Deer Creek Trail
Once famed gold and silver mining area is nowadays a popular hiking destination cherished for its landscapes and wildlife
Trail Ridge Road
The so-called 'highway to the sky' is a kind of true inspiration
Red Cone Pass
A perfect ride for a 4WD with scenic views of the Continental Divide
Owl Creek Pass
Aspen and pine forests, rugged peaks, and picturesque lakes make an exceptionally scenic drive
Mosquito Pass
One of the highest passes in Colorado accessible by a car
Independence Pass (Hunter Pass)
The second highest pass in Colorado that can be reached by a paved highway
Kebler Pass
A scenic drive through aspen forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes
Black Bear Pass
You don't have to be crazy to drive this road, but it helps—the road sign says
Garden of the Gods
This place is gorgeous enough for Gods to assemble
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Some of the most beautiful mineral hot springs in North America
Kayaking
Colorado whitewater rivers and crystal clear lakes with beautiful surroundings are perfect for adrenaline rides and peaceful puddling
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
View a spectacular alpine scenery and amazing wildlife in one of the most popular U.S national parks
Hiking the Colorado Trail
The longest and challenging Colorado hiking adventure
Whitewater Rafting
The Rocky Mountain rivers of Colorado offer world-class whitewater rafting
Fishing
Fly-fishers, ice-fishers and rod-and-reelers can find many great spots in Colorado
Mount Bierstadt
Conquering the mountain of such size is a must for every hiker in Colorado
Lone Eagle Peak
Hike Colorado's most photogenic mountain reflecting in the Mirror Lake
Hike to Grays and Torreys Peaks
Highly popular 14ers not far from Denver
Conundrum Hot Springs
Popular hot springs near Aspen
Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop
A beautiful long hiking trail near Aspen
Jones Pass
One of Colorado's highest mountains with an easy access
Decalibron Loop
Hike four epic Colorado mountains at once
Alta Lakes
A magical Alpine setting by the three lakes
Crystal Mill
An iconic Colorado attraction is one of the most photographed in the state
Mystic Falls
Visit one of the lesser-known waterfalls of Colorado
Guanella Pass
Enjoy the striking combination of nature and architecture
Tincup Pass
One of the highest and most beautiful mountain roads in Colorado
Hagerman Pass
A rugged trail crossing the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains
Ophir Pass
A scenic high-mountain road with alpine scenery
Old Fall River Road
A historic high mountain road in Rocky Mountain National Park
Alpine Loop
Take a scenic drive through the American Switzerland
Boreas Pass
A beautiful drive with alpine scenery, waterfalls and mountain views
Berthoud Pass
Drivers, backcountry skiers and hikers can't get enough of this scenic pass
Cottonwood Pass Road
One of the highest roads in Colorado traversing the Continental Divide
Radium Hot Springs
A secluded relaxation spot nestled among the picturesque cliffs
37 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
A beautiful way to say goodbye to the summer during the Labor Day Weekend
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Immerse yourself in the symphony of flowers in beautiful Crested Butte
Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
Spice up your life at Pueblo, Colorado
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
A seasonal creek brings fun to a beautiful park surrounded by mountains
FIBArk Whitewater Festival
Hundreds of athletes and spectators flock to FIBArk to mark the start of boating season
Breckenridge Snow Sculptures
Teams of snow artists from around the world descend on Colorado for the International Snow Sculpture Championships
Telluride Film Festival
The San Juan mountains are the place where new cinema stars are discovered annually
Frozen Waterfalls
Colorado's gorgeous nature is especially impressive in the winter
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
One of the oldest and most atmospheric theater events in Colorado
Cripple Creek Ice Festival
Fun time in a picturesque Colorado old mining and gambling town
Snowmass Balloon Festival
A high altitude balloon event at a famous Colorado ski resort
Pikes Peak Celtic Festival
Immerse yourself in Irish and Scottish culture and traditions
Colorado State Fair
Watch a rodeo and take some carnival rides at a traditional summer fair
Colorado Fall Colors
Discover the gorgeous spots throughout the state to celebrate autumn
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Are you ready for a flashback into 16th century?
Skiing and Snowboarding
Find out what makes Colorado number one skiing destination in the United States
Steamboat Winter Carnival
The oldest running winter carnival west of Mississippi
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights
The official start of Christmas holidays in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs St. Patrick's Day Festival
Plenty of festivities as the city goes green
X Games Aspen
One of the biggest extreme sports events of the year with a great music lineup
Colorado Freeride Festival
The largest freeride bike contest in the US
Greeley Stampede
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
Dog Sledding & Snow Tubing
Even if you are not into skiing or snowboarding, you can still enjoy famous Colorado slopes
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Take a scenic ride on the highest paved road in North America
Ouray Ice Festival
A celebration of everything associated with mountain and ice climbing
Frozen Dead Guy Days
One of the most funny and quirky festivals in the USA
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
The largest street party of the year in the Rocky Mountains
Colorado Irish Festival
For three days, everyone in Colorado can become Irish
The Colorado Marathon
Enjoy the iconic Colorado views during this scenic long-distance race
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
The bluegrass festival in a famous ski resort is among the most famous of its kind
Denver Christkindl Market
This German Christmas fair offers great food, beer, Gluehwein, and handmade crafts
Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show
One of the major fairs in Colorado
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
An exciting race to a top of a legendary Colorado fourteener
Great American Beer Festival
Visit the largest ticketed beer festival in the United States
Sonic Bloom
Free-spirited electronic music festival in Colorado
Donkey Derby Days
Donkey race in a historic Colorado gold rush town—Cripple Creek
4th of July
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
