Say Hello to The Sunshine State, Colorado! A State in the West of the USA known for its rocky landscapes, vibrant cities, and multitude of outdoor activities to offer. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter, to hiking and mountain biking in the summer, Colorado is a year-round destination that will satisfy any adventurous spirit.
Whilst it’s perfect for adrenaline-chasers and Instagram photos, it’s also known for its amazing history, cowboy culture, and music scene. There are so many things this State has to offer, so let us break it down for you!
Rocky Mountain National Park – A stunning natural area known for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Garden of the Gods – A stunning park in Colorado Springs featuring unique rock formations that are perfect for exploring and taking in the views.
Mesa Verde National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with old Native American houses built in cliffs, showing how people lived long ago.
Pikes Peak – A majestic mountain with amazing views of the surrounding landscapes, accessible by car or train.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – A picturesque park with towering red sandstone formations and an outdoor amphitheater, hosting concerts and events amidst stunning natural beauty.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – Home to North America’s tallest sand dunes, where visitors can enjoy sandboarding, hiking, and looking at the stars in a unique desert landscape.
Aspen/Snowmass – A renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – A historic train ride through scenic mountain landscapes, showing how people used to mine for gold.
Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center – A place where athletes train for the Olympics and Paralympics. You can take a tour and learn about sports.
Denver Art Museum – A vibrant cultural museum showcasing a diverse collection of art, like paintings and sculptures, in downtown Denver.
Hike a Fourteener – Climb one of Colorado’s famous 14,000-foot mountains for amazing views and a feeling of accomplishment.
Raft the Colorado River – Ride through the exciting rapids of the Colorado River on a rafting adventure.
Attend a Concert at Red Rocks – Enjoy a live concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, known for great sound and beautiful surroundings.
Ski or Snowboard in Aspen – Hit the slopes in Aspen/Snowmass for awesome skiing or snowboarding during the winter.
Drive the Million Dollar Highway – Take a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway to see breathtaking views and winding roads.
Soak in a Hot Spring – Relax in a natural hot spring in Colorado surrounded by beautiful mountains.
January: National Western Stock Show – The premier showcase of livestock and agriculture held at the National Western Complex in Denver (more info)
January: The MusicFest at Steamboat – This renowned event offers a six-day immersion in the finest Texas and Americana music with over 50 live performances (more info)
February: Steamboat Winter Carnival – A celebration highlighting athleticism and Steamboat’s rich Western traditions amidst the snowy landscape. (more info)
March: Frozen Dead Guy Days – A quirky festival featuring four days of frosty fun, live music, and entertainment in Estes Park, home to the famous Grandpa Bredo. (more info)
April: Aspen Shortsfest – A prestigious short film festival in Aspen, qualifying films for the Oscar® awards. (more info)
May: Cinco de Mayo – An annual commemoration on May 5th, marking Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire. (more info)
June: Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival – A vibrant three-day event uniting top bluegrass performers in the scenic town of Palisade. (more info)
June: Food & Wine Classic in Aspen – Indulge in three days of culinary delights, including cooking demonstrations, tastings, and discussions led by culinary experts. (more info)
June: Colorado Renaissance Festival – Experience a summer-long journey back in time with medieval shows, incredible food, and opportunities to embrace fantasy. (more info)
July: Fan EXPO Denver – Dive into the world of comics, books, movies, and gaming at this exciting pop culture celebration. (more info)
July: Crested Butte Wildflower Festival – Immerse yourself in the beauty of wildflowers with a diverse range of workshops and activities over ten days. (more info)
August: Colorado State Fair – A showcase of talent and creativity, featuring a plethora of contests and attractions for all ages. (more info)
August: Telluride Film Festival – Join film enthusiasts in the stunning San Juan Mountains for one of the nation’s top film festivals. (more info)
September: Taste of Colorado – A beloved family-friendly event celebrating local cuisine, artisans, and musicians. (more info)
October: Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms – Embrace the spirit of fall with pumpkins and a sprawling corn maze at Chatfield Farms. (more info)
November: Denver Christindl Market – Experience the magic of the holiday season at this authentic German-style market featuring crafts, food, and entertainment. (more info)
December: Ullr Festival – A festive annual celebration honoring winter and snow in all its glory. (more info)
Maroon Bells: Beautiful mountains near Aspen, especially pretty in fall or at sunrise.
Garden of the Gods – A stunning park in Colorado Springs featuring unique rock formations that are perfect for a photo.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: Big sand dunes with mountains behind them, great for unique photos.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Dramatic red rock formations and sweeping views make for memorable photos, especially during concerts or sunrise.
Telluride: Pretty town surrounded by mountains, great for scenic pictures.
Crystal Mill: Old wooden mill in a beautiful area near Marble, Colorado.
Denver Union Station: Beautifully restored train station with old and new buildings, good for city photos.
Mesa Verde Cliff Palace: Ancient homes built in cliffs, showing Colorado’s history.
Pikes Peak Summit: Top of a famous mountain with amazing views all around.
Royal Gorge Bridge: Suspended high above the Arkansas River, with great views of the gorge and mountains.
La Loma, Denver – One of the best places to try Colorado’s famous Green Chile.
Sam’s No.3, Denver – A nearly 100-year-old American diner, known for serving the special Denver Omelette.
Denver Biscuit Company, Denver – Try their biscuit, of course!
King’s Chef Diner, Colorado Springs – This diner is in a purple castle, and serves the famous Green Chile among other things.
Enstrom Candies, Grand Junction – This family business is a hub for any sweet tooth, plus is great for gifts!
Bingo Burger, Pueblo – Pueblo is known for it’s Pueblo Chiles, and Bingo Burger uses them right inside their burgers!
Anywhere in Palisade – The town of Palisade is known for it’s peaches, so grab them from any local peach stand!
Little Man Ice Cream – Enjoy Denver’s best homemade ice cream and treats at this iconic spot.
Colorado beats Florida each year with its days of Sunshine. On average it gets 300 days of sun per year – that’s why it’s the Sunshine State!
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any U.S. state, with lots of tall Rocky Mountain peaks.
Denver, the capital of Colorado, hosts the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, the Denver Annual National Western Stock Show.
The first cheeseburger ever served was supposedly at the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado, in 1935.