A hiker on a Colorado mountain trail with pine forest and peaks

Things to Do in Colorado

Adventure is never far away. Hit the trails, carve the powder, paddle the rapids — or soak up the culture of Colorado's lively cities and college towns.

Hiking a Colorado mountain trail
Spring – Fall

Hiking & Backpacking

With thousands of miles of trails, Colorado is a hiker's paradise — from gentle foothill walks near campus to summiting a 14er. Trails around Boulder's Chautauqua and the Flatirons are local favorites.

  • Beginner: Chautauqua loops, Garden of the Gods paths
  • Intermediate: Trail Ridge area, Maroon Bells
  • Advanced: 14er summits (acclimatize first!)
Best season to hike
Skiing down a powdery slope at a Colorado resort
Dec – Mar

Skiing & Snowboarding

Colorado's legendary powder draws snow lovers from around the world. With 28+ resorts, many are an easy drive from Boulder and Fort Collins — perfect for a student weekend or a family ski week.

  • Iconic resorts: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Winter Park
  • Beginner-friendly slopes & ski schools
  • Watch I-70 traffic on weekends — go early!
Winter travel tips
Whitewater rafting through rapids on a Colorado river
May – Aug

Whitewater Rafting

When the snow melts, the rivers come alive. The Arkansas and Colorado rivers offer everything from family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping Class IV rapids, with outfitters across the state.

  • Gentle floats for first-timers & families
  • Big rapids on the Arkansas River (Browns Canyon)
  • Peak flows in late spring & early summer
Beyond the trails

City & Culture

When you're not in the mountains, Colorado's cities and college towns deliver food, music, art and history.

Denver skyline at dusk
Denver

Museums & Music

Red Rocks concerts, the Denver Art Museum, breweries and the RiNo arts district.

Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
Boulder

Pearl Street Scene

Street performers, farm-to-table dining and a buzzing college-town vibe.

Fort Collins campus and Old Town
Fort Collins

Old Town & Brews

Historic Old Town, craft breweries and a bike-friendly, student-friendly atmosphere.

Plan the perfect activity by season

Make sure you visit at the right time for your favorite adventure.

See seasonal guide