Top Colorado Outdoor Activities

Make the most of your visit to the Rocky Mountains with a photo-focussed 4x4 tour of Estes Park. In addition to capturing incredible views en route, you will learn about the history of the park, starting with the iconic 1909 Stanley Hotel. Watch the surroundings change as you ascend by 12,0000 feet (3,658 metres), crossing three ecosystems, and look out for wildlife such as Moose, Elk and Deer.

The backcountry of Western Colorado is often unreachable by footpath, making river rafting one of the best ways to soak up the rocky cliffs and canyon views. But many rafting excursions can be intimidating for young or inexperienced travelers. Ideal for the whole family (from young children to grandparents), this 2-hour rafting trip features gentle waves and calm stretches—and lets you spot wildlife and even hop in the water.

Enjoy unobstructed views–come rain or shine–as you discover all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer in a retractable glass-top vehicle. This half-day, small-group adventure takes you above the treetops, to cascading waterfalls and past glaciers. Fill your lungs with Rocky’s fresh mountain air during a pleasant short hike or two to some of the points of interest.

The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a fragrant, floral escape from the Mile-High City, right in the heart of a historic urban neighborhood. Your general admission ticket grants you access to 'living exhibits' of native Colorado species plus plants from around the world. Wander beautifully landscaped trails at your leisure, pop into Offshoots Cafe for a refreshment, and let the kids explore at a rooftop children’s garden.

Experience the excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure on this guided, 3-hour excursion. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, then ride along Shoshone Rapids in Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River. Challenge Class III-IV rapids including Baptism, Tuttle's Tumble, The Wall, Tombstone, Superstition and more. All the necessary rafting equipment, including a life jacket and helmet, are included.

There are so many great hikes in the Denver area, how can you choose? Let a local do the work—on this guided tour, you’ll get whisked off to the mountains, where you’ll hike at your comfort level (snacks and breaks as needed), learn about the flora and fauna of the Rockies, and get incredible bird’s-eye photos of Colorado. Simply put, you'll get more out of your time spent in the mountains.

If you've always wanted to try rafting, grab a paddle for this thrilling half-day whitewater tour through Glenwood Canyon. Expert guides help you navigate the roaring Colorado River, from floating along gentle class I stretches to splashing through exciting class II and III rapids. Along the way, get a new perspective on the canyon’s ancient layers and keep an eye out for Colorado wildlife. This tour is available in English and Spanish.

Visit one of the most beautiful parks in the American West on a full-day tour from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. Picnic among a summer landscape of thick green trees and wildflower meadows, and drive above timberline on an alpine road with stunning mountain views. Stroll around and look for Colorado wildlife inside the park, with time for a dose of mountain culture in the charming resort town of Estes Park.

See for yourself why Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States on this small-group day trip from Denver. Let a guide handle the winding mountain roads while you soak up views of dozens of peaks surrounded by alpine forests, lakes, and meadows. Cross the Great Divide on soaring Trail Ridge Road, look for abundant Colorado wildlife, and get a glimpse of the legendary Stanley Hotel: the inspiration for Stephen King’s "The Shining."

Immerse yourself in Rocky Mountain National Park’s spectacular landscape with miles of rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife. On this private tour, take a scenic drive and cover more ground in less time with a step-on guide. A fully customized itinerary allows you to make stops for photo opportunities and hiking.

Get an eyeful of stunning Colorado scenery as well as learn about the canyon's Gold Rush history on this whitewater rafting tour. Appropriate for intermediate rafters, this tour shoots a long stretch of free-flowing whitewater. All equipment and the leadership of an experienced guide is included for your safety and comfort.

Get your whole family out on the rapids with this whitewater rafting trip down the Animas River in Durango. Spend two hours in the company of an adventure guide, paddling over Class I, II, and III rapids, suitable for novices and experts alike (including children). Shoot down the river and take in the scenery, coming away with a sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of Colorado's wilderness.

Experience the thrill of soaring through a Rocky Mountain landscape on some of the longest ziplines in Colorado. The small group size ensures more personalized attention as you whiz through fresh air and admire the scenic landscape below on a series of cables totaling more than 6000 feet (1828 meters) in length. Soak up some of Colorado’s famous sunshine while you hike between the tracks.

Escape Denver and immerse yourself in the nature of Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans) and the Rocky Mountains during this small-group day trip. Reach the summit via tour vehicle, get out to explore, and get epic views over the surrounding Rockies. Along the way, stop at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Clear Creek Canyon, Idaho Springs, Summit Lake, and Echo Lake.

See the towering mountains and vibrant woods of La Plata County with the kind of thrills and adventure that you just can’t experience staying on the ground. Take to the air on a wild zipline course that runs across the treetops of the La Plata woods. Choose how you finish your tour, as well – get beautiful photos from the Full Blast Adventure Center’s rooftop patio, or strap in for an exhilarating 40-foot freefall from the center’s giant tower.

Join an adventure to Mt. Blue Sky—one of Colorado’s tallest peaks—and experience wild beauty on a small-group day tour from Denver. Begin at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, then enjoy a lakeside lunch at Echo Lake before ascending to Summit Lake for stunning views. Drive along scenic byways with panoramic mountain vistas. This tour suits nature lovers seeking dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and an easy way to explore beyond city limits.

Explore Colorado’s famous protected playground on a small-group tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive through the foothills into the unspoiled western wilderness, stopping in the resort town of Estes Park and the historic—and allegedly haunted—Stanley Hotel. Wintertime means stops at snow-ringed lakes, cozy mountain hideouts, and visitors’ centers, while summer allows access over the soaring Trail Ridge Road and other alpine vistas.

Enjoy an active introduction to Boulder, Colorado—and discover many of the city’s top attractions—on this small-group e-bike tour. Pick from multiple convenient, daily start times; meet your guide in central Boulder; and get acquainted with your e-bike. Then, follow your guide to local landmarks like Wonderland Lake Park, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Flatirons, and much more.

Greet the day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight that offers unbeatable views of Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and other Colorado Springs wonders. Help the crew inflate the giant balloon for a hands-on experience, and then soar over the enchanting landscape in the changing morning light. Back on solid ground, toast your flight with a celebratory glass of sparkling wine and light breakfast.

See sections of the scenic Arkansas River with a guide to lead the way and keep you safe on a half-day rafting adventure through Colorado’s Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Navigate class II and II whitewater rapids with an expert guide, and soak up the beauty of the surrounding high desert landscape, home to an abundance of native wildlife.

Discover Colorado’s natural beauty–and leave the crowds behind–on this small-group hiking tour of the Rocky Mountains at sunset. Walk on a picturesque trail and pass by where dinosaur fossils have been discovered. Along the way, learn about the landscape, look out for wildlife, and hear stories from your guide. Please note, this trail is challenging for those who do not exercise regularly or are not used to altitude.

This full-day, small-group tour takes you out of the city and into the rugged Rocky Mountains. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an acoustic masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature; travel through rugged Clear Creek Canyon to the Continental Divide; and visit an old mining town. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the iconic ski town of Breckenridge, then head back to Denver, passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel—the longest, highest, passenger car tunnel in the world.

NEW to Viator, but a longtime local favorite! If Red Rocks is on your Denver bucket list—but you don’t want to rent a car, pay for a pricey Uber, or commit to a half-day tour—this quick, hassle-free experience is the easiest way to visit Red Rocks from downtown Denver. Enjoy 45-50 minutes of free time to wander the scenic amphitheatre, capture stunning photos & delve into the Visitor's Center or Music Museum. What You'll Experience: - Convenient round-trip transport from Union Station - Small group experience for a personal touch - Walk the legendary amphitheatre steps - Take in breathtaking views of Red Rocks, the Front Range, & Denver skyline - Explore the amphitheater, Visitor's Center, Music Museum or enjoy the café - Capture incredible photos of one of Colorado's most scenic spots - Ideal for first-time visitors and short trips This thoughtfully designed express experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want something simple, memorable, and easy to fit into your day.