The state of Colorado, home to a vast amount of the southern Rocky Mountain range, is an outdoor adventure paradise. The Outdoor Corps is based out of Colorado’s largest and capital city, Denver, and features articles about the state’s best outdoor activities, lodging, dining, and much more. So, if you want to backpack, ski, rock climb, raft, or engage in any other number of adventures, Colorado has it all.
Visitors to Colorado have access to some of the best national parks in the U.S.: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Beyond parks, Colorado’s 50+ 14er mountains (i.e., mountains over 14,000 ft.), make it unique in comparison to other states. Indeed, a popular activity, particularly during the summer, is to summit 14er mountains. Of course, there are also many other amazing hikes around the state if you’re looking for something less strenuous.
In addition to premier hiking, Colorado’s world-class ski resorts (e.g,. Aspen, Vail, etc.) make it an amazing winter destination. Many states have one or two great ski resorts, but Colorado has an incredible amount of resorts close together. In fact, many are concentrated not far from the Denver-metro area, making for an easy commute.
Readers of The Outdoor Corps will find recommendations on some of the best things to do around Colorado. Whether you’re searching for itinerary tips or a great adventure, we have the content to help plan your Colorado outing.
Betasso Preserve is a beautiful foothills park in Boulder County, only minutes away from downtown Boulder, Colorado. With approximately nine miles of trails over 1,181 acres and elevations ranging from 5,900ft. to 7,700ft., visitors are treated to open meadows, mountain vista scenery, and abundant wildlife throughout this expansive open space.
Mount Galbraith Park is located in Golden, Colorado within Jefferson County. All of the trails within this 799 acre open space are designated as hiking-only. Thus, the park is particularly popular with local hikers and trail runners. With moderately difficult trails, this park is an ideal location for all.
Eagle's Nest Open Space is a 755 acre park in Larimer County, Colorado about 30 minutes northwest of Fort Collins. This beautiful area is a perfect spot for short day hikes, horseback riding, and fishing along the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River.
South Valley Park is a 995 acre open space park in Littleton, CO. Operated as a part of the expansive Jefferson County Open Space system, this park is a favorite destination due to its picturesque red rock spires and beginner-level trails. Visit here for excellent trail running and beginner-level hikes.
La Plata Peak is the 5th tallest mountain in Colorado at 14,336ft. Located near Twin Lakes, CO in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and within the stunning Sawatch Range, La Plata Peak's standard route is a straightforward but steep Class 2 ascent via its Northwest Ridge. Overall roundtrip, 9.0 miles and a 4,200ft. gain in elevation.
Mount Bierstadt is the 38th tallest mountain in Colorado at 14,065ft. Located near Georgetown, CO in the Mount Evans Wilderness of Pike National Forest, Mount Bierstadt is considered an easier 14er mountain to summit. Most hikers ascend via the Class 2 West Slopes route, which begins at the Guanella Pass Trailhead and is 7.2 miles roundtrip.
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