26 Exciting Things To Do in Colorado in 2026 (You’ll Want To Save This List)

I love living in Colorado. There is so much to see and do in our great state, and I make an effort to do as much of it as possible every year. I live in the Denver metropolitan area, and there's certainly more than enough to keep me busy in the Front Range. However, I also enjoy driving long distances to explore and experience everything that the Centennial State has to offer. No matter the season, there are so many fun and exciting things to do everywhere in Colorado, and we're so lucky to have easy access to them all.

I've been fortunate enough to live in Colorado since 2013, so I've already done most of the things on this list. However, that doesn't mean I don't want to experience each and every one of them again. During 2026, I plan on doing all of the things on this list and more. If you're new to Colorado or are a Coloradan looking for more iconic Colorado things to do this year, this list is a great place to start. Read on and start planning. The beauty and excitement of Colorado await you just outside your door.

1. Drive Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

I've been to more national parks in our nation than I can count, but one of my favorites in the entire United States is our own Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is breathtaking, and I try to get there as often as I can. Of course, the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the warmer months of the year when Trail Ridge Road is open, and every Coloradan and visitor should drive this iconic road as regularly as they can muster. It's the highest contiguous road in the United States, after all, and the views along it are unmatched anywhere.

Of course, Rocky Mountain National Park is also a wonderful place for a hike, so make sure you set aside some time during your visit for that, too. You might try the Medicine Bow Trail near the Alpine Visitor Center if you're looking for something elevated but easy, or the 3.8-mile Tombstone Ridge via Ute Trail if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge. Want something even harder? Try the beautiful 10.2-mile-long Timber Lake Trail near Grand Lake; you'll gain 2,365 feet of elevation on that one, and you're sure to be blown away by its beauty. Many of the best hikes in Colorado are in Rocky Mountain National Park, and you certainly can't go wrong with any of them.

No matter what trails you choose to conquer during your visit, your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to be a highlight of your year, year after year after year. Don't forget to get your National Parks Pass for easy entry upon arrival.

2. Eat at Casa Bonita in Denver

There is no other restaurant anywhere that is quite like Casa Bonita! This gigantic, themed Mexican restaurant is on West Colfax Avenue just outside Denver proper, and if you haven't been before, now is the perfect time to go. Not long ago, Casa Bonita was in danger of closing forever, but it was saved and renovated by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and now it's better than ever.

It has been vastly upgraded under new ownership, but the overall experience remains just as exciting. See cliff divers dive, watch puppet and magic shows, explore Black Bart's cave, shop in the gift shop, and play in the arcade. You'll love everything about this place, and it's something the entire family will undoubtedly enjoy. We're so lucky to have Casa Bonita in Colorado.

3. Attend the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo

The Colorado State Fair in Pueblo is a wonderful way to enjoy a summer evening in August. This fair has been a celebration of all things Colorado since 1872, and nearly half a million Coloradans and visitors attend it each year. It's a great place to go to check out exhibitors from all over the state, see animals raised in Colorado, eat fair food, win prizes at the carnival, and ride carnival rides.

Your admission to the fair includes dozens of free attractions, shows, and live music, ensuring a fun-filled day. Last year's event included exciting shows like the All-American High Dive Show, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, or performances by the Xpogo Stunt Team, which holds 18 world records. Fill your belly with foods like hot dogs, cotton candy, cheese on a stick, kettle corn, fried dough, and more. And, don't miss the thrilling rodeo! Your whole family is sure to have a blast at the Colorado State Fair. Grab your tickets from the Colorado State Fair website.

4. Climb to the Top of Bishop Castle in Rye

Bishop Castle is one of the most unique attractions in all of Colorado. This gigantic structure was built independently by one man, the late Jim Bishop, over the course of his entire life. It's quite a marvel and, best of all, it's free to visit and explore.

From the huge grand ballroom with its vast windows to the fire-breathing dragon on the roof, there's so much to view and take in here. Two towers peek out from the surrounding trees, and you can climb to the top of both of them, if you dare. They may seem precarious, but they're safe and solid, and you'll be amazed by the fact that every single brick in the building passed through Jim Bishop's hands to create his impressive magnum opus. Visiting Bishop Castle is one of the best day trips in Colorado—if you haven't been there before, then there's no better time to finally check it out than in 2026.

5. Spend a Weekend in Vail in the Wintertime

People come from all over the world to visit Vail in the wintertime. We're so lucky to have it within easy driving distance from anywhere in the state. It's crazy to think that this small, alpine town didn't even exist until 1966!

Over the past few decades, Vail has evolved into a worthy destination at any time of the year, but it's truly at its best in the winter. It's home to world-class accommodations, upscale and memorable restaurants, and dozens of unique shops. And, Vail Resort offers some of the very best skiing not only in the state but in the entire world. You'll love strolling through this Switzerland-inspired village after a long day on the slopes. There's no better place to celebrate winter in Colorado. You might consider visiting during Vail Snow Days in December—it's one of the best festivals in Colorado—but truly, anytime the snow is falling is an excellent choice.

If you're looking for a great place to stay in Vail, you might consider the cozy Tivoli Lodge or the over-the-top Four Seasons Resort Vail. Looking for the perfect meal? Try Sweet Basil or Osaki's—both have been awarded Michelin stars in the past two years and are among the best restaurants in Colorado. No matter what you choose to do while visiting Vail in the winter, you're sure to leave with memories that you'll never forget.

6. Check Out The Springs Resort's Expansion in Pagosa Springs

There are quite a few hot springs in Colorado, and each and every one of them is both fantastic and unique. I consider myself a hot springs enthusiast, so I've made an effort to visit most of them during my residency here. One of my favorites is The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs. It's wonderful for so many reasons, and it's about to get even better—The Springs Resort just wrapped up a massive expansion in 2025, with their new amenities now open to the public.

The Springs Resort and Spa features dozens of hot spring pools, luxurious accommodations, impressive spa services, great food, and enthusiastic and attentive staff. The recent expansion doubled the number of rooms and added a new full-service restaurant along with more soaking pools, making everything even more spacious and welcoming than before. Add in the fact that it's in the heart of Pagosa Springs, one of the hippest towns in the state, and a visit to The Springs Resort should be on your 2026 bucket list for sure. There's nothing like relaxing in a hot springs pool; you'll feel better as soon as you arrive, and your experience will stay with you long after you depart, too.

7. Attend Seven or More Different Professional Sporting Events in Denver

If you like sports, then Denver is the place to be! We are so fortunate to have not one, not two, not even three or four or five, but seven professional sports teams that play in our state's capital, and it's always fun to try to attend as many games as possible in one calendar year. There aren't many cities in the United States that have professional teams for all major sports, but Denver is one of them. You can attend live, professional sports events in the Mile High City every month of the year.

You may have to do some planning to make sure you can get to all of them, but it's definitely possible if you try. Before you know it, your closet will be full to the brim with various Colorado jerseys proclaiming your allegiance and fandom. Root, root, root for the home team, whether we win or lose, Colorado teams are worth cheering on, and in Colorado, there are plenty of opportunities to do exactly that.

8. Visit the Cliff Dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park

All four of Colorado's national parks are amazing and are worth a visit in 2026. I've already mentioned Rocky Mountain National Park above, but Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are calling your name, too. However, if you want to immerse yourself in the history of the people of Colorado, then there's no better place to visit than Mesa Verde National Park in our state's southwest corner.

Mesa Verde was home to thousands of Ancestral Puebloan people for thousands of years, and today, it's the site of some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. Visitors can visit a variety of sites in this park that show the development of different types of homes when visiting Mesa Verde, but visits to the cliff dwellings themselves are adventures that should not be missed. Join a ranger-led tour to Cliff Palace or Balcony House and imagine what it must have been like to live on a cliffside over one thousand years ago. Between tours, enjoy views, fauna, flora, exhibits, and hikes like the Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail that will stay with you long after you depart. This place is truly magical.

9. Take the Cog Railway to the Top of Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak may not be the tallest mountain in Colorado, but it very well may be our state's most famous peak. This 14,115-foot peak is just outside of Colorado Springs, and it's very accessible to locals and visitors alike. You can climb Pikes Peak on foot, you can drive to the top, or you can ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from its base station in Manitou Springs. The latter is a Colorado adventure that everyone should try at least once, and it's a fun activity for curious visitors of all ages.

This railway opened in 1891 and recently underwent a massive refurbishment from 2017 to 2021. Although cog railways are common in Europe, this one is one of just three operating in the United States today; the other two are located in Washington and New Hampshire, making it the only one easily accessible to us. The ride to the top takes approximately an hour, and riders have 40 minutes to explore and take photos at the summit before returning to the base. The entire experience takes about three hours. This is a great activity to do with visitors from out of state, but even if no one is visiting you in Colorado this year, it's worth doing anyway. The ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is an iconic Colorado adventure, and it's sure to be something you'll greatly enjoy.

10. Marvel at the Royal Gorge Bridge

The Royal Gorge Bridge was built in 1929 and remains the country's highest suspension bridge. It stands at 956 feet above the Arkansas River and includes 1,257 wooden planks from end to end. This bridge is one of Colorado's most exciting and exceptional attractions; it may be a bit off the beaten path, but a visit to it is worth it. No matter how many times I visit, I am amazed!

This attraction is privately owned, and there's so much more to do there than simply walking over the bridge. Ride the aerial gondolas across the gorge, watch a movie about the construction of the bridge, and watch your kids play at the Tommy Knocker Playland playground. For an additional fee, you can ride the thrilling Skycoaster, coast across the canyon on the Cloudscraper zipline, or try your hand at rock climbing via the park's Via Ferrata experience. It's easy to fill an entire day at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park; spending time at this attraction is a truly Colorado experience.

11. Go to the Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show has been held at the National Western Complex in Denver every January since 1906. This is one of the best festivals in Colorado, and it's something that every Coloradan should attend at least once, if not every year. This annual livestock show is one of the biggest in the nation; it's billed as "The Best 16 days in January," and it's certainly hard to argue that it's not. There are so many activities and experiences to be enjoyed at the National Western Stock Show, and it's all about as Colorado as Colorado can be.

People come from all over the nation and the world to attend this event, and with good reason. There are exhibitions highlighting cattle, sheep, cattle dogs, goats, horses, hogs, and more. There are rodeos every day of the event, which include events such as bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bronco riding. There's square dancing and live music. And, there are silly events like kids' mutton bustin' and stick horse rodeos, too. Dozens of exhibitors and vendors are excited to share their offerings, and there's plenty of food and drink to enjoy as well. There's something for everyone at the National Western Stock Show.

12. See a Concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Without a doubt, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is not only one of the most recognizable and celebrated things in Colorado, but it's also one of the very best places to see a concert in the entire world. We're so lucky to have this incredible venue in our great state, and so easily within our reach. Almost every Coloradan makes an effort to attend a concert at Red Rocks every year, and you should, too! As someone who loves seeing live music anywhere and everywhere, I'm so glad to call Red Rocks my home venue.

Red Rocks first opened in 1906, and it's been hosting concerts ever since. It holds 9,525 concertgoers, and truly, everyone who is anyone has performed there at some point in their career. The seating area is flanked by two iconic monoliths—Creation Rock and Ship Rock—and it's arguably the most beautiful place anywhere in the world to take in a concert or other performance.

Furthermore, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is surrounded by numerous beautiful trails like the Red Rocks Trading Post Trail and the Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Loop. The red rock for which this park is named is striking and is the result of oxidized minerals on uplifted rock from the Foundation Formation; similar formations can be viewed at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and in The Flatirons in Boulder, but there's no doubt that Red Rocks, in particular, will win your heart.

13. Get Lost in Meow Wolf: Convergence Station

If you like weird and wacky art, then you'll love Meow Wolf: Convergence Station. There's nothing like it anywhere else—it's not even all that similar to Meow Wolf's other locations in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, or Texas, so even if you've visited those, you really ought to visit this one, too.

What is Meow Wolf, you ask? Well, it's kind of hard to explain—and it's almost better that we don't tell you too much about it before you go. You'll enjoy it even more if you go in blind. So for now, all you need to know is that this is a gigantic, immersive, hands-on art experience that's great for visitors of all ages.

Inside this vast space, you can touch, climb, photograph, and explore 60,000 square feet of strange creations by over 100 different artists, all combined into a unique outer space-themed world. You can just look at it all if you'd like, or you can try solving puzzles on a narrative journey to further enhance your experience. We're very fortunate to have the largest Meow Wolf right here in Denver, and even though you still may not be able to explain it even after you've visited it yourself, it's definitely not like anything else you've ever done before, and that alone makes it well worth a visit.

14. Learn About History at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

History buffs will love visiting Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in La Junta. This fort is a replica of the original Bent's Fort that was built right on the footprint of the original. Brothers Charles and William Bent, along with Ceran St. Vrain, constructed the fort in 1833 to create a trading post where settlers could trade with local Native Americans. The fort became an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. It was the only settlement along that trail not under the jurisdiction of Native Americans or Mexico and was a safe place for soldiers, explorers, and other travelers to stop, rest, and replenish their supplies.

Because this fort was important to people from many walks of life during its heyday, it's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Colorado history. The exhibits and staff here will teach you a great deal about this important time in our state's past and will give you the opportunity to look back at a time when Colorado was truly the Wild West.

15. Check Out the Waterfalls at Rifle Falls State Park

Do you like waterfalls? Who doesn't, right? There are numerous waterfalls in Colorado, but some of the most accessible are at Rifle Falls State Park near Rifle. This state park is quite small at just 48 acres in size, but those 48 acres pack a punch. Rifle Falls State Park offers hiking trails, a small campground, and abundant wildlife, but the centerpiece and main draw is the park's 70-foot triple waterfall. The area surrounding the falls is lush and green with a tropical quality to it; you'll feel more like you're in the Caribbean than in Colorado when you visit this special place.

The fact that Rifle Falls itself is just steps from the parking area means that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the steps adjacent to the falls and even get behind them if you'd like. You'll love snapping photos from beneath the falls while taking in the beauty all around you.

16. Go Fruit Picking in Palisade

People from out of state might be surprised that one part of Colorado is full of orchards full of fruit trees, but that's what the area in and surrounding Palisade on the Western Slope is all about. Palisade peaches are famous throughout Colorado in the summertime, so why not head out that way and pick some yourself? There are dozens of U-pick orchards and farms in this area, and you can stock up not only on peaches, but on apples, cherries, apricots, pears, and more when you dive in.

If you like wine, you might also visit some vineyards and wineries in this region on your visit. A drive or bike ride on any of the three routes of the Palisade Fruit and Wine Byway is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. You're sure to be enamored with the beauty of this part of the state, and you'll return home with lots of tasty things to eat, too. If you want to attend a great event in Palisade, the Colorado Mountain Winefest happens every September.

17. Learn About Dinosaurs at Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaurs once roamed all of Colorado, and thanks to uplift and erosion, it's possible to see the fossils and footprints they left behind all over the state. The very best place to learn about dinosaurs in Colorado, though, is at Dinosaur National Monument in our northwest corner on the Colorado-Utah border. This land was first preserved in 1915 to protect its famous Dinosaur Quarry, which showcases over 1,500 fossils embedded in rock.

Anyone interested in dinosaurs will love learning about them at Dinosaur National Monument. Furthermore, this park features hiking trails, river rafting, camping, petroglyphs, and exhibits showcasing the indigenous people who once inhabited this area. If you're interested in the ancient history of Colorado, there's no better place to go than Dinosaur National Monument. Curious dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will love everything about this unique park.

18. Peruse the Collection at the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast, and we are so lucky to have it in The Mile High City. Its collection is vast; it has over 70,000 works from all over the world and from all periods in history, and it's easy to spend an entire day taking it all in. No matter what kind of art interests you, you'll find it at the Denver Art Museum. People wishing to focus on Colorado-focused exhibits will love its collections of American Indian art or Western American Art, while those who want to learn about European, Asian, African, or Latin American art will also be satisfied.

The Denver Art Museum is also renowned for its special exhibitions, events, and classes in art appreciation and creation. There are numerous other fantastic art museums and more to explore in Denver, including the Clyfford Still Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, and others, but the Denver Art Museum is a great place to start. Check out the current exhibits and special events on the Denver Art Museum website.

19. Visit an Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain

Folks journey from all over Colorado and further afield to pay a visit to San Juan Soda Company. This quaint shop in Lake City’s historic downtown stands as one of the last enduring soda fountains in the United States. Offering a variety of retro beverages from classic shakes and sundaes to old-school soda fountain drinks, sipping on one of their nostalgic treats is like stepping back in time. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, the year-round population of this charming, historic community is just 500 people. It makes Lake City a wonderful place to take in the scenery of this remote locale, drinking in the fresh mountain air of this secluded small town in between stops at its locally-owned businesses.

20. Ride the Gondolas in Telluride

Colorado is full of enchanting mountains and ski towns, but none is quite as magical as Telluride. This small town in a box canyon is known for skiing, excellent food, music festivals, hiking, and more, but a Telluride experience that cannot be missed is a ride on its free gondolas. These gondolas transport people from the town of Telluride to the Mountain Village and are one of the most unique ways to commute in the United States. The gondola ride connects people from town to hiking and biking trails in the summer and to ski trails in the winter, and the 12-minute ride to the top is absolutely breathtaking in every season.

Visiting Telluride is a worthwhile journey no matter what your intention, but no matter what brings you to Telluride, be sure to take a ride—or several—on the gondolas for a truly memorable experience in this special mountain destination.

21. Get Away From It All in a Lakeside Cabin

There are hundreds of spectacular vacation rentals in Colorado, and they all offer excellent opportunities for you to take a break and get away from it all. If you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, consider retreating to a lakeside or mountainside cabin for a bit of rest and relaxation, and you're sure to feel refreshed when it's time to head back home.

Colorado isn't full of lakes, but the lakes and reservoirs that we do have offer just the serenity you need. You might consider a night or two at this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on Lake Granby near Rocky Mountain National Park, or this two-bedroom, lakefront cabin on Lake San Cristobal near Lake City. If neither of these properties strikes your fancy, there are countless others from which to choose, and you'll certainly never regret for a second any weekend getaway in the mountains. Start planning your trip right away—when the time approaches to go, you'll be glad that you booked ahead.

22. Take a Ride on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train

Trains are a big part of the history of the state of Colorado, and there's nothing better than taking a ride on one of the many historic trains that the Centennial State has to offer. They're all pretty great, but perhaps the best one in the state is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which departs from Durango daily all year. This three-foot narrow gauge railroad is listed on the National Historic Landmark Register and it's been in operation since 1881.

Passengers can choose from a number of different train journeys depending on the time of year, but no matter when you go, you'll love the old-time feel of riding on this railroad, and you'll be impressed by the incredible views that you see along the way. A ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad should be on everyone's bucket list in 2026—it's certainly on mine.

23. Get Lost in the Corn Maze at Anderson Farms in Erie

If you love Halloween and the fall season, one of the best places to celebrate it in Colorado is at Anderson Farms in Erie. This family-owned farm in Weld County hosts a Fall Festival that is top-notch in every way. It's home to the state's largest corn maze that covers 25 acres; you can enjoy it during the day with the whole family, or get lost in it at night when a portion of it turns into the Terror in the Corn haunted attraction.

Furthermore, visitors can pick pumpkins, pet farm animals, go on hayrides, dine at food trucks, and participate in a wide variety of other seasonal activities. A visit to Anderson Farms is a tradition for many families in Colorado already, and if you haven't been there before, you'll surely add it to your annual traditions as well after your very first visit.

24. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Mighty Arkansas River

Whitewater rafting is an essential Colorado activity, and there are outfitters all over the state offering exciting trips on our state's numerous fast-moving rivers. The Arkansas River is perhaps the most famous rafting river in Colorado; it includes numerous sections that have Class IV and V rapids and people come from all over the nation and the world to experience them.

Whether you're looking for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced trip, or a half-day, full-day, or overnight trip on the Arkansas, you'll find plenty of providers who are experienced and enthusiastic about taking you out on one of our nation's wildest and most beautiful rivers. If you want to give the Arkansas River a shot, towns like Salida and Buena Vista are great places to start.

25. Attend the National Snow Sculpting Championships in Breckenridge

Did you know that the International Snow Sculpting Championships are held right here in Colorado? In January of every year, people come from all over the world to compete with others who like to carve beautiful things out of piles of ice and snow. Visitors can walk amongst these spectacular creations and learn more about how they are made. If you visit during the first week of the event, you can watch as artisans create their masterpieces; during the second week, you can see the completed sculptures and celebrate the winners.

This event is a great reason to visit Breckenridge in the wintertime, and you're sure to leave with impressive photos. Timed entry tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Bundle up and have a blast!

26. Explore the Majestic Underworld of Glenwood Caverns

Looking for an adventure that doesn't just scratch the surface? Consider descending into the Colorado underground at Glenwood Caverns, exploring a hidden world filled with strangeness and wonder. This magical cave can be found in Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Multiple tours of the cave are offered, from the Historic Fairy Cave Tour to the Black Light Cave Tour. Yet caves are not all this elevated park has to offer. You’ll also find numerous rides and activities, like laser tag, roller coasters, and more, if above-surface activities are more your style.

Have you checked off any of the above attractions and events from your Colorado bucket list? If not, there's plenty of time in 2026! Start planning your trip today using the Only In Your State itinerary planner, filling your trip with stunning eats, hidden gems, and spectacular opportunities for adventure.