Must Do Activities: Colorado

By Jessica

 

Last summer, our family took a vacation in Colorado and we had an absolute blast. Here's a list of my "must-do" activities from that trip. Please keep in mind this was in June and that's why I don't have snow-skiing or other items that you may typically think of, when you think of Colorado.

1. Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado: We hiked to Bear Lake and then hiked from there to Bierstadt Lake. We also hiked Lumpy Ridge on a separate day. The views were stunning and the weather in June was totally comfortable.

2. Hiking Chautaqua Park/Flatirons, Boulder, Colorado: We didn't get to spend as much time here as I would've liked as it rained on us not too long after we started, but it's a gorgeous open air park that is convenient to Boulder. It's also pretty awe inspiring to be at the base of those ridges.

3. Dining at Casa Bonita, Denver, Colorado: I am not claiming this to be good food by any stretch of the imagination, but it's edible, the main reason for going here is for entertainment's sake (and because it was on South Park, I'm not going to lie). Indoor cliff divers, gorilla skits, pinatas for the kids and magicians, fun for all ages!

4. The Farmer's Market, Boulder, Colorado: So many organic, tasty goodies. That Teahouse is right in the midst of it all and is so gorgeous, I had to take a picture.

5. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Canon City, Colorado: Not only did we go to the park, technically just outside the park for pictures, but we also did the train tour  as part of the raft and rail package.  

6. Arkansas River Tours, Cotopaxi, Colorado: I can't recommend this enough! We absolutely had a blast white water rafting together and my son talked about it for the rest of our trip. Our guide was fabulous and the included meal was tailored to our preferences and tasty to boot.

7. Pike's Peak Cog Railway, Manitou Springs, Colorado: Even in June there was snow on the ground at the top, so I definitely recommend layers (or at least buying hoodies like we did). There is a snack shop at the top that has great hot chocolate and donuts and the view can't be beat.

8. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado: This park is filled with hugely impressive rock formations and paved walking trails that wind through them all. You can also watch an HD movie in the visitor's center.

Comments

[Marie Green]

I haven't spent a ton of time in Colorado, but I've been to Casa Bonita a couple of times and it was AWESOME. I'd love to take my kids one day.

Also, I went white water rafting on the Powder River and thought it was TEH BOMB.

Now you are making me want to go to Colorado!

[natalie]

We were supposed to move to Denver, and now I'm having so much sadness that we didn't! This looks incredible.

[barbetti]

Yes yes yes yes yes! I grew up in Colorado (right by the Flatirons, in fact) and miss it desperately. I had my 7th birthday at Casa Bonita and really, best birthday ever!

Also, the Sand Dunes in Southern Colorado are pretty awesome. And hello, fantastic workout!

[Elsha]

Do they still do the diving at Casa Bonita? I thought that quit that part for liability reasons. I'd also recommend Seven Falls in Manitou Springs (near Colorado Springs.) Gorgeous.

[Jessica]

As of June 2009, they were still doing the diving. It was a pretty impressive show!

[Jenny]

This just brought a tear to my eye and a pain in my heart. How I miss my Colorado and the mountains! *sobs*