Are you in the middle of planning a dream trip to the state of Colorado? Do you want to make sure you visit the most entertaining venues and locations, and fill your holiday with exciting activities? It’s all about making the absolute best use of your time while visiting so that you get a true sense of what the state has to offer. So, as you plan your itinerary, there are some must-do and must-see items you’ll want to add to that list. Let’s take a look at a few of the standout activities and attractions that Colorado is known for.
Rocky Mountain National Park – a Staple on Any Itinerary
Choosing the top thing to visit or do while in Colorado is a difficult thing to do, but most would agree it has to be a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. The state is known for its mountain landscape so you’d be remiss not to soak it in and experience it first-hand. It’s not just well known in the state, but it’s one of the most popular national parks in the country.
So, what will you find within the park? There are plenty of mountains for starters, with the highest peak reaching 14,259 feet, also known as Longs Peak. There are actually more than 100 peaks that come in at over 10,000 feet, so it’s pretty awe-inspiring. Other highlights include the natural wildlife you’ll be able to see, thick forests, crystal clear lakes, and quiet and serene meadows to traverse.
If you want to explore the park, you can travel along Trail Ridge Road, which is a driving trail perfect for taking in the best of the best. If you’d rather explore by foot, there are a number of hiking trails that are rated at different difficulty/skill levels.
Planning a Trip in Winter – You’ll Want to Hit the Slopes
For anyone who is planning a trip during the winter months, you’re most definitely going to want to hit the slopes. Whether skiing or snowboarding, there is no shortage of excitement on the hills. Arguably the most popular ski town is Vail, and the town itself is both scenic and charming, making it ideal for exploring.
Sand Dunes in Colorado – Yes, It’s a Thing
Picture the sand dunes that are known to exist in the many desert landscapes; they almost look like mountains themselves. Now, did you know they can be found in Colorado? That’s right, Colorado actually has North America’s tallest sand dunes, which can be found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This is a really unique experience in that it feels completely unexpected. The highest dune is 750 feet, and looks incredible with snow-capped mountains in the background. There is a four-wheel drive trail, hiking trails, and even campsites all in the vicinity so you can really experience this natural beauty.
Check Out the Many Casinos
While Colorado is of course known for its many outdoor activities and attractions, there are still lots of things you can do indoors if you prefer. The casinos are a great example of how you can have a great time inside, and you can actually tie it into your accommodation. There are a number of casino resorts where the casino is found right inside your hotel. This makes for an all-in-one option, guaranteeing that you’ll never be bored. Some of the more notable hotel casino options include the Century Casino & Hotel Cripple Creek, the Sky Ute Casino Resort, and
Century Casino & Hotel Central City.
Once you’re ready to leave the casino and head up to your room to rest, you can extend your gaming time by checking out an online casino. These are accessible from your mobile device, which means you can play in the comfort of your own room. It could be a great way to wind down after a busy day. As for which online casinos to check out, you can look over the best online casino options by visiting the Online Casinos site. They review the tops sites for you, looking at bonuses and pay-out rates, so you might even be able to win some extra cash to spend on holiday.
Scenic Railroads are Big in Colorado
Another unique feature you can find in Colorado is scenic railroads. These give visitors a chance to get up close and personal to the towering mountains with tracks that are cut into the sides of steep cliffs. They aren’t for the faint of heart, and you can expect this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It really highlights just how tall the mountains are.
Mesa Verde National Park – Feel as Though You’ve Gone Back in Time
For those heading to southwest Colorado, a trip to Mesa Verde National Park is a must. It’s actually a World Heritage site that showcases the history and culture of the Puebloan cliff dwellings. It’s truly spectacular as these dwellings are carved from the rock of these cliffs, right against steep drop offs. Experts believe it was built in 650AD but it has been inhabited by the Mesa Verde since 7500BC. The dwellings that you can see today were built in 1200AD. For history buffs, this is a unique opportunity to take in.
Relax and Unwind in the Hot Springs
The perfect way to relax and unwind while on holiday in Colorado, is a trip to the hot springs. Be sure to check out Strawberry Parks Hot Springs which is a natural hot spring that is surrounded by nature and beauty. It’s a wonderful way to relax those tired and sore muscles after all the exploring and activities you’ve done.
The List of Options Goes On and On
A vacation in Colorado means you’re going to have a lot of choices before you. This is a state that prides itself on showcasing its natural beauty and scenery, and tourists have plenty of ways to experience it. Be prepared to be active throughout your holiday in Colorado, and make sure you do all you can to fit in as many highlights as possible. This is the kind of location that you could visit a number of times and still not see and do it all.
