Things to do in  Colorado

The Garden of the Gods encompasses 1,341 acres (542 hectares) of Colorado’s unique high-desert wilderness, Great Plains grassland, and juniper woodlands—it's also a designated National Natural Landmark. Highlights include the red rock formations of Balanced Rock, Gateway Rock, and the Three Graces, as well as petroglyphs left by the original American Indian inhabitants of the area, the Ute people.

As you wind your way up the Pikes Peak Highway, prepare for an awe-inspiring vertical climb up to the 14,115-foot (4,302-meter) summit. Known as “America’s Mountain,” the drive is lined with countless scenic vista points, plus lakes, picnic areas, trails, and even gift shops, restaurants, and a historic lodge at the mountain’s base. It’s a high-elevation mini world of things to do.

Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a music venue unlike any other—a sandstone stadium forged by the elements and blessed with natural acoustics. Many musicians have taken to this stage, and when shows are in town, concertgoers are also rewarded with stellar views of the Colorado landscape. The best part: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre tickets are only required for concerts or special events.

Just outside of Colorado Springs, the towering Pikes Peak—at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) high—is full of national lore. Katharine Lee Bates wrote the song “America the Beautiful” after gazing over the landscape from the top of this very mountain, and today, visitors can enjoy the same view that inspired Bates, looking down across the rolling plains and jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

The site of the 1858 pioneer camp that became Denver, Larimer Square is the oldest part of the city. Passionate preservationists saved its Victorian-era buildings from demolition in the mid-20th century, turning it into a historic district that’s now home to many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s popular among both locals and tourists, who stroll beneath its signature strings of lights and flags.

Originating in the Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River flows through four states before emptying into the mighty Mississippi. The part of the river near its Colorado headwater is a top rafting destination, with rapids ranging from mild to extreme as the waterway winds through the scenic Royal Gorge.

Though it’s just a short drive from downtown Denver, this mountain feels like another world. Once used as a lookout by the Ute tribe who lived in the region, the 7,300-foot (2,225-meter) peak has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails—from easy walking paths to strenuous switchbacks—that attract outdoor enthusiasts from the city and beyond. From the summit, you can see the Denver skyline 12 miles (19 kilometers) away.

The Colorado State Capitol, built a mile above sea level with a bell-shaped gold dome, is a striking feature in Denver’s skyline. The historic structure is made from Colorado rose onyx, a rare marble that’s entire known stores were used on the building. On your way in, look for the step that marks the capitol’s “mile high” point.

A lively district of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Lower Downtown Denver (or LoDo) is a top destination for Denver culture. In addition to its vibrant scene, though, LoDo is also home to some of the city’s best-preserved historic architecture and more Victorian–era buildings than anywhere else in the United States.

With an elevation of 14,265 feet (4,348 meters), Mount Evans is the 12th-highest peak in Colorado and one of the state’s 58 “Fourteeners”—peaks above 14,000 feet (4,300 meters). Part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, it’s easily accessible from Denver via the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

The 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado, is a pretty, tree-lined pedestrian corridor filled with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and shops. Along the popular downtown promenade, visitors can enjoy performances from local street performers, stroll and people-watch, or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage while searching, among dozens and dozens of options, for the perfect craft beer or dining spot.

Colorful flower beds bloom amid a lineup of historical monuments in Civic Center Park, a green space bordered by some of the city’s most important landmarks. Its tree-shaded paths lead to the Denver Art Museum, the State Capitol, and the City and County Building. A stop on many city tours, it’s a great place to start exploring downtown.

One of the largest museums between Chicago and California, the Denver Art Museum showcases a wide range of art in its 70,000-piece collection. From Native American art to ultramodern contemporary pieces, interactive exhibits to works sparking profound cultural reflection, DAM (as locals call it) is a destination for art lovers of all ages.

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave commemorate the legendary cowboy at his resting place atop Lookout Mountain overlooking Golden, Colorado. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was buried on the mountain in 1917 and the original museum at the site was opened a few years later. The museum’s Buffalo Bill artifacts and exhibits have been attracting Wild West enthusiasts ever since.

Spanning four city blocks and offering more than 10,000 total seats, this massive cultural complex anchors downtown Denver’s Theater District and diverse performing arts scene. From musicals and ballets to comedy cabaret and cutting-edge drama, it’s where Denver goes to be entertained.