Plan Your Next Colorado Trip Around These 10 Thrilling Activities
Turn Your Vacation Into the Adventure of a Lifetime
Keep the rad in ColorRADo with these exhilarating outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re planning a Colorado family vacation in Colorado, a vacation for couples, or mapping out the ultimate summer trip in Colorado, this guide is packed with unforgettable experiences.
This guide provides you with a list of specific activities and I tell you where to go and how to do them.
From bucket-list thrills to unique Colorado summer activities, these adventures belong on every Colorado adventure bucket list—especially if you’re craving adrenaline-pumping moments.
If you’re an adventure seeker or just looking to try something new, these are some of the best Colorado summer things to do for anyone ready to embrace their inner adrenaline junkie.
Let’s dive into it!
1. Rock Climb at Garden of the Gods
Where to go: Garden of the Gods public park in Colorado Springs, CO.
How to do it: Book a climbing guide with Front Range Climbing Company
Why it should be your next big adventure: This is such a unique way to experience one of the best public parks in Colorado.
You don’t need to have any previous rock climbing experience to book a guide—your trained guide will teach you everything you need to know and make sure you are safe.
There’s nothing more exhilarating than scaling these towering red rocks and getting a bird’s eye view of Garden of the Gods.
This experience will test your boundaries and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
2. Go Sandboarding at the Great Sand Dunes
Where to go: The Great Sand Dunes National Park
How to do it: Rent sandboards or sleds at Great Dunes Oasis
Why it should be your next big adventure: You’ve probably heard of snowboarding, but have you heard of sandboarding?
There are very few places in the country where you can go sandboading, so why not try it on some of the biggest sand dunes in the U.S.
Sandboarding or sledding is a much more exciting way to experience the dunes as opposed to just hiking up them.
It’s the perfect thrilling activity the whole family can enjoy.
3. Traverse the Telluride Via Ferrata
Where to go: Telluride, Colorado
How to do it: Book a group guide or private guide with Mountain Trip
Why it should be your next big adventure: You don’t have to travel to Italy or Switzerland to hike a via ferrata, you just need to visit Colorado!
In fact, there are multiple locations you can choose from including Telluride, Ouray, Canon City, Buena Vista, and Idaho Springs—but I think Telluride is the coolest.
If you’re unfamiliar, a via ferrata is basically an extreme hike where you’re clipped into a cable and walk along the side of a mountain using iron rungs.
Push your limits traversing along the edge of a cliff with a 400 ft drop below you. It’s truly the adventure of a lifetime.
No previous experience required, your guide will instruct you on everything you need to know.
4. White Water Rafting on the Colorado River
Where to go: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
How to do it: Book your trip at Whitewater Rafting, LLC
Why it should be your next big adventure: My first time whitewater rafting was an experience I’ll never forget—and Colorado is one of the best places to try it.
You’ll be guided through rushing rapids, splashed with icy mountain water, and surrounded by stunning canyon views.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking for serious rapids, this is one of the most iconic adrenaline junkie activities in Colorado.
5. Tube Clear Creek in Golden, Colorado
Where to go: Golden, Colorado
How to do it: Rent tubes with Adventure West
Why it should be your next big adventure: Don’t let the seemingly calm waters fool you, this is basically white water rafting in river tubes.
You’ll float, spin, and bounce your way down Clear Creek, making it one of the most fun and refreshing Colorado summer things to do.
It’s a perfect mix of thrill and accessibility, making it ideal for a family vacation in Colorado or a fun day trip from Denver with friends.
6. Zip Across Royal Gorge -the Highest Zip Line in the Country
Where to go: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City, CO
How to do it: Purchase tickets in advance online at Royal Gorge Park
Why it should be your next big adventure: This is a must do bucket list item for all adventure seekers!
The Cloudscraper Zipline is the highest zipline in the U.S.—soaring over the Royal Gorge 1,200 ft above the ground.
If you’re looking to truly test your fear of heights, this experience delivers unmatched views and adrenaline.
7. Mountain Bike in Vail
Where to go: Vail, CO
How to do it: Rent a mountain bike and purchase a bike haul ticket at Vail Resort
Why it should be your next big adventure: Colorado is a mountain biking paradise, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly paths to intense downhill rides.
Vail is just one option, but I highlighted it because it offers a variety of beginner, intermediate, and difficult trails, so you can choose the one that best fits your level of experience.
It also includes a bike lift so you don’t have to bike uphill.
Mountain biking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Colorado’s natural beauty while getting your adrenaline fix.
8. Ski at a World-Renowned Resort
Where to go: Some of the most popular ski resorts are Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen (to name a few).
How to do it: Purchase an Ikon or Epic pass for season access or a one-time purchase at the ski resort of your choice.
Why it should be your next big adventure: Colorado is home to world-renowned ski resorts, drawing visitors from around the globe.
Whether you’re carving down groomed runs or tackling powder-filled back bowls, skiing here is an unforgettable experience.
It’s a popular winter activity and a key reason why many people plan a Colorado Christmas vacation or winter break trip to one of these ski resorts.
9. Hike a 14er
Where to go: Mt. Bierstadt trailhead (this is just one option out of 58 14ers, but is one of the easier ones)
How to do it: Use AllTrails to learn everything you need to know about this trail
Why it should be your next big adventure: Proudly say you’ve conquered some of the tallest peaks in the country.
A 14er is a mountain that is over 14,000 ft. of elevation and Colorado has 58 of them.
Hiking one is no small feat, but the views at the top are more than worth it.
Like skiing, people travel from around the world to hike Colorado’s breathtaking wilderness trails—and you don’t want to miss out.
10. Go paragliding in Golden, CO
Where to go: Golden, CO
How to do it: Book a tandem session with Golden Paragliding
Why it should be your next big adventure: See the Colorado’s front range mountains from the sky!
Paragliding offers a peaceful yet thrilling experience as you glide through the air with panoramic mountain views.
It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for it, this is one of the most unforgettable ways to end your Colorado adventure bucket list.
