Sites in Colorado for Adventure Lovers
Colorado is a nature-lover’s paradise. Regardless of if you like icy mountains, high-altitude biking, or serene lakes, the state really has it all for you. I took a solo trip to Colorado in the fall of 2021 looking to do as many fun activities that I could get my hands on. It was a lot to fit in just 5 days, but I left Denver feeling jubilant that I did all I could to maximize my time there. Here’s a list of really fun & challenging activities that’ll let you make the most of the action-packed state.
Hike up Flattop Mountain at Rocky Mountain National Park
This was my favorite hike in the famed park because it is the perfect mixture of time and difficulty. Clocking in just over 8 miles roundtrip, it took me around 4 hours to do as it involves some steep inclines throughout. However, it offers stunning views throughout and doesn’t take too much time out of your day, so you can see all that the park has to offer. Additionally, the mountain’s summit puts you at the base of Tyndall Glacier, which if you are brave enough, you can hop over and walk around on it for a bit.
Bike the Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville
The 12-mile stretch may not seem that daunting, but when you consider that you are biking in 5-digit elevations with incredible hills, the challenge sets in very quickly. This may be my favorite bike ride of all time, because the views of cascading hills and sharp cliffs are stunning, and the trail has many historic signposts throughout giving you the context of mining history in Leadville. The city is also host to the famous 100-mile ultramarathon that is considered one of the most challenging in the world given its elevation. Exercising in the city is no joke for any adventurer!
Go Whitewater Rafting and to the Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista
Buena Vista is certainly the place to have fun in nature. Planning a rafting trip in Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas River is something I missed out on in my trip, but definitely would love to go back for. It’s supposed to be one of the more challenging rafting expeditions in the state with choppy waters. However, I did get a chance to go to the Hot Springs in the town which I found to be very fun and relaxing; it’s an adventure to get to and a great way to cool down from all the sweat-inducing activities.
Camp at Green Ridge at Rocky Mountain National Park
I took the night drive to get to this campsite, which I would not recommend! It gets dark very quickly in the park and the directions confounded me. However, once I arrived, it was an awesome feeling to pitch my tent and sleep under the stars. Green Ridge is at the west end of the park, so when you wake up in the morning to head back to the main section, you can do the fantastic drive to see all the sites at sunrise that most visitors never get a chance to do.
Run around the Garden of the Gods Nature Center
Colorado Springs is home to the park with famed red rock formations that span miles. With many trails in the park, it provides an awesome chance to go on a high-altitude distance run to check out all the sites. Of course, it’s necessary to stop along the way (or just when you get tired) to take pictures of some of the more scenic natural structures!
Hike Mount Bierstadt, or any 14er for that matter
A bucket list item for most Coloradans is to hike a 14er, any of the 58 peaks in the state that have 14,000 feet of elevation. I chose to do Mount Bierstadt, one of the easier ones for my first of the peaks. I was unprepared for the very icy conditions, making it quite a slow 7 mile hike with an almost 3,000 foot climb. Other popular first-time 14ers are Mount Evans and Longs Peak. It’s a great feeling once you’re on top!
