Ahhh, Colorado, so many fun things to do, so little time. So I’ve narrowed it down to 20 fun, quirky, interesting things to do in Colorado in 2020! Here we go…
#1 See the Ice Castles in Dillon
The Ice Castles in Dillon
We went for the first time this year and they were unbelievable. Open through February, tickets available here.
#2 Frozen Dead Guy Days
Colorado’s weirdest festival, Frozen Dead Guy Days returns to Nederland this year from March 13-15, 2020.
#3 Walk Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods
Step into an otherworldly landscape of stunning rock formations and breathtaking colors at Garden of the Gods. Admission is always free.
#4 See a Concert at Red Rocks
Photo Courtesy Red Rocks Ampitheatre
See a show at the world’s greatest venue, Red Rocks Ampitheatre! The lineup for 2020 is already filled with world class musicians.
#5 Visit the State Capitol
Colorado State Capitol
You don’t need to be a school-aged kid on a field trip to enjoy the history and architecture at the Colorado State Capitol. Tours are free and will take you all the way to the dome, where you will get a breathtaking view of Denver and the front range.
#6 Walk With the Dinosaurs at Dinosaur Ridge
100 million years ago, Colorado’s front range was home to a coastal beach where dinosaurs roamed, leaving footprints that have been preserved into stone at Morrison’s Dinosaur Ridge. The walking tour of the ridge is always free, but there is a fee to join the guided bus tour and to visit the museum.
#7 Drive to the Top of the Divide via Trail Ridge Road
Photo Courtesy National Park Service
Take a drive to the top of the Continental Divide where you will stand at a thin-aired 12,183 ft in elevation to witness the glory of the Rocky Mountains. This white-knuckle summer drive is sure to thrill, with its highest point well above tree line.
#8 Play at the Great Sand Dunes
Photo Courtesy Great Sand Dunes National Park
Visit the tallest dunes in North America at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are a ton of fun ways to enjoy the dunes, including sandboarding, hiking and sledding. After a hot day in the sand, enjoy a relaxing splash in the cool water of Medano Creek at the base of the dunes.
#9 Climb a Fourteener
Photo Courtesy Mindy Williford
Looking for a challenge? Try climbing one of Colorado’s famous fourteeners. Even the “easiest” 14ers are worthy of bragging rights.
#10 Creep Yourself Out at the Stanley Hotel
Photo Courtesy The Stanley Hotel
Walk the halls of Estes Park’s historic Stanley Hotel, setting of the popular horror film, The Shining. The hotel offers a night tour, a chance to encounter one of the active spirits on the property.
#11 See a Moose at Brainard Lake
Moose at Brainard Lake Recreation Area
The best place to spot a moose in Colorado is at Brainard Lake. These creatures are so magnificent that even the most apathetic human with stand in awe.
#12 Explore Archaeological Sites at Mesa Verde
Cliff Palace, Photo Courtesy Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park offers a remarkable glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people of Southwestern Colorado, who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years (AD 550 to 1300). Mesa Verde National Park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Many of these beautifully preserved dwellings are available only for observation during the spring season.
#13 Get Weird at the Pearl Street Mall
Photo Courtesy Peter Irish, Street Performer
Looking for a fun way to relax? Visit Boulder’s famous red brick pedestrian Pearl Street Mall, where you’ll find fascinating street performers, excellent food and a taste of Boulder’s art scene.
#14 See Magnificent Animals at Wild Animal Sanctuary
Photo Courtesy Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado is home to 460 animals who have been rescued from various captive environments. These magnificent animals are now free to roam in sprawling habitats that can be observed on the lifted walkway. Animals include wolves, lions, tigers, grizzly bears, black bears, lynx and many more.
#15 Crush (or be Crushed by) the Manitou Incline
Photo by Mindy Williford
The extremely challenging Manitou Incline climbs over 2,000 feet in less than a mile! That view of Colorado Springs is quite the reward.
#16 Spend a Summer Day at RockyGrass
Photo Courtesy Planet Bluegrass
Every year in late July, Lyons becomes the center of the bluegrass universe as generations of legends and future-legends and Festivarians converge under the red rock cliffs of the St. Vrain River at Planet Bluegrass for RockyGrass. It’s a family-friendy, fun time for everyone.
#17 Ride the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland
Photo Courtesy Carousel of Happiness
Nederland’s Carousel of Happiness is a magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel! This lovely carousel turns to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Witness the 100-year old gears churn by watching from the upper observation window. Wheelchair ramp available. Rides are just $2!
#18 Visit the Bishop Castle in Rye
Photo Courtesy Bishop Castle
Love castles?? Of all the fun things to do in Colorado, this may be the quirkiest. Check out Colorado’s Bishop Castle, made of stone and iron and built by a single man – Jim Bishop. He has been working on this incredible stone monument for 60 years. Located just West of Pueblo, Colorado, this castle stands a whopping 160 feet complete with a grand ballroom, soaring towers, bridges and fire-breathing dragon! The castle welcomes visitors every day free of charge. For the full story of Jim Bishop and his castle, click here.
#19 Witness Epic Scenes at Colorado National Monument
Photo Courtesy Visit Grand Junction
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West and is one of the most Colorado things you can do in Colorado! Much more than a monument, witness towering monoliths existing within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. Experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where majestic bighorn sheep and soaring eagles call home.
#20 See the Sunrise from a Mountaintop
Photo by Mindy Williford, atop Mount Sanitas in Boulder
Pick a mountain, any mountain. Climb it in the dark (bring a headlamp!) and witness the glory of the sunrise. This is a fun, free activity that is sure to inspire.
