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.
Hall Ranch, located in the foothills of Boulder County, just outside of Lyons, Colorado, is a popular open space area. With 3,899 acres featuring beautiful meadows, forests, and mountain vistas, this park caters to hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and more!
Mount Flora (13,146ft.) is a 13er mountain located in Colorado's Arapaho National Forest near Berthoud Pass. The standard route to Mount Flora's summit is via the Class 1 Southwest Ridge. At 6.4 miles roundtrip with about 1,700ft. of elevation gain, this hike is a great introduction to 13er mountains.
Mount Massive (14,421ft.) is a 14er mountain located in Colorado's Sawatch Range, close to Leadville, CO. The standard route to Mount Massive's summit is via the long 13.1 mile out-and-back Class 2 East Slopes. As with many Sawatch Range mountains, this is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain.
Mount Sherman (14,036ft.) is a 14er mountain located in Colorado's Mosquito Range. The standard route to Mount Sherman's summit is via the Class 2 Southwest Ridge. With a route less than 5 miles roundtrip, Mount Sherman is considered one of the easier 14er summits.
Mount Harvard (14,420ft.) is a 14er mountain in Colorado's magnificent Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and the greater Sawatch Range. The standard route to the summit is via the challenging 14.1 mile out-and-back Class 2 South Slopes, with approximately 4,500ft. of elevation gain.
Mount Columbia (14,073ft.) is a 14er mountain in Colorado's magnificent Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and the greater Sawatch Range. The standard route to the summit is via the challenging 10.5 mile out-and-back Class 2 West Slopes, with approximately 4,100ft. of elevation gain.
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