Please keep in mind some of these places may be closed or have limited capacity due to COVID-19

Colorado is known for its vast outdoors and is a major tourist spot during the summertime. Since I have lived here for over a decade now, I have experienced a lot of different things to do around the state. As a military spouse, I often see people that are moving here or about to move here asking what there is to do in Colorado, so this is a bucket list for them and anyone who is visiting Colorado looking for adventures to go on in the Mile High State.

pink petaled flower Photo by Sara Black on Unsplash

1. Lake Dillon

Lake Dillon is one of the first places I'll recommend to people that are moving to or visiting Colorado. It is about a two-hour drive from Denver, right next to Silverthorne. It has plenty of hiking trails around it and you can even rent a boat to take out on the lake!

green and red metal roller coaster rails Photo by Vine Ramazani on Unsplash

2. Elitch Gardens

If you love amusement parks, water parks, or both this is the place for you! Elitch Gardens has a kid's area, multiple rollercoasters, thrilling rides, and an entire mini waterpark section. It's definitely a place you should visit sooner rather than later because word on the street is they're going to be shutting it down to build apartment buildings in place of it.

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3. Glenwood Hot Springs

If you like swimming but hate cold water, then definitely check out the Glenwood Hot Springs. It's an entire pool that is made up of actual hot spring water. It is also in the mountains, so you get that adventure added in there. Only downside is hot springs smell like sulfur, but you'll get used to it and enjoy that warm water with whoever you decide to visit with!

cliffs on mountain Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

4. Royal Gorge Canyon and Bridge

I'm steering you down to south Colorado on this one but trust me it is SO worth it. Located right by Cañon City, this canyon is one of the deepest canyons in Colorado. The suspension bridge that is built across it spans 1,260 feet. You can take a two hour train ride where you see the beautiful sight of the canyon, bridge, while learning a lot of history about the area!

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5. Winter Park's Alpine Slide

One of the most exciting, strangely fun activities I've done while living in Colorado is visit Winter Park in the summertime and ride on the Alpine Slide. The alpine slide at Winter Park is the biggest one there is in Colorado. It's a lot of fun to go up there and rent a cabin for a week and explore while also riding the alpine slide!

close-up photo of traveling train during daytime Photo by Claud Richmond on Unsplash

6. Georgetown Loop Railroad

This is a place I didn't know about until about two years ago now, but it is definitely one I recommend now. It's not too far up in the mountains and is a railroad ride in Georgetown. The views are gorgeous, and you get a good little history and fun fact lecture during the train ride.

brown concrete building Photo by Megan Ellis on Unsplash

7. Colorado Rockies Game

Regardless if you like baseball or are a different MLB team fan, a Rockies game is something you need to experience at least once while in Colorado. They have cheap tickets in an area called the Rock Pile, which is right in the middle outfield. The atmosphere at these games is always fun!

beige concrete building Photo by Spring Fed Images on Unsplash

8. United States Air Force Academy

This base is located in north Colorado Springs and has some cool historical things to see. They have an area where they have old planes, including an old US Air Force Thunderbird. When the base is completely open, you can see the cadets do their lunch time formations. Once the chapel is open again, it is a place to see as well.

brown landmark mountain Photo by Bailey Galindo on Unsplash

9. Garden of the Gods

Another place in Colorado Springs to go is the Garden of the Gods. This is a gorgeous place for a nice little family or friend hike! It's also a good photo op spot for those wanting to spice up their Instagram feeds.

mountain range under clear blue sky Photo by Jeff Burak on Unsplash

10. Boulder's Flatirons

If you're an avid hiker, this is the place to go. Not only is it a pretty view in Boulder, CO but it is a good place to really get a nice hike in. Again, it also can be a good photo op for those Instagram feeds.