Colorado—a word often associated with cowboys, the Rocky Mountains and (more recently) recreational marijuana. However, as someone who visits at least once or twice a year, I can attest to the fact that Colorado is more than just the Wild West and legalized drugs. Here are seven things you have to try if you ever get the chance to go.

1. Skiing

This is one of the more obvious prospects of a Colorado vacation. With the Rocky Mountains cutting down the middle of the state and no shortage of snow during the winter, Colorado is known for skiing. There are hundreds of resorts to choose from throughout the state although you don't necessarily need a resort to go skiing. Many skiers set aside a day to propel up the back of mountains and ski down the other side (although I have to say I prefer ski lifts).

2. Hiking

Again, goes without saying—beautiful mountains must mean beautiful hiking. Colorado is littered with trails that weave their way through the Rocky Mountains; trails range from easy strolls to strenuous near-climbs, from a few hours to several days or more. Whatever the season, there is a trail out there just waiting to be hiked, and it's definitely something you need to do if you ever visit Colorado.

3. Rock Climbing

They are called the Rocky Mountains for a reason. Another fun activity in Colorado is rock climbing. There is no shortage of rocks and cliff faces for prospective climbers to scale. Rock climbing is a fun and challenging way to exercise and see the beautiful Colorado wilderness all at once—although I wouldn't recommend outdoor rock climbing to anyone who hasn't at least climbed in indoor gyms before.

4. Snowshoeing

If you enjoy hiking and are looking for an exciting new twist to traditional mountain hikes, then snowshoeing is the activity for you. During the winter, it snows a lot in Colorado (duh), and snowshoeing is the perfect way to spend time in the snow without freezing to death in five minutes. You can rent snowshoes at almost any ski shop throughout the state, and snowshoeing gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery without struggling against it.

5. Kayaking

Whether you're looking for an easy ride down valley creeks or a whitewater adventure through mountain rivers, kayaking opportunities abound during the spring and summer in Colorado. Kayaking is a great way to see lots of Coloradoan scenery without having to take long or strenuous hikes.

6. Trail Riding

You are in the Wild West, after all—why not take advantage while you can and go horseback riding in beautiful Coloradoan scenery? Trail riding can lean more on the expensive side as far as recreational activities go, but it's still an amazing experience and definitely something you should try if you ever get the chance to go to Colorado.

7. Camping

Even if you're not a huge fan of camping, you ought to give it a try in Colorado. During the summer months, while most of Colorado is hot and dry, mountain campsites tend to have mild and cool climates, the perfect way to get out of the heat for a little while and enjoy the Coloradoan scenery.

8. Sightseeing Historic Towns

Colorado is filled with small historic towns that are the perfect place to spend a day shopping or just sightseeing. Towns such as Durango, Silverton, Ouray and many more all contain historic streets or districts perfect for anyone interested in Coloradoan history—or just the beautiful scenery!

Colorado is truly a beautiful state, and as someone who goes at least once a year (and is considering college out there), I can definitively say that a vacation in Colorado is worth your time and money. Whether or not you get to any of the above activities, a trip to Colorado is an amazing experience and absolutely a vacation that I recommend!