Explore the Incredible Colorado Rocky Mountains

My last visit to Denver and the Colorado Rocky Mountains was an exhilarating trip.

I discovered it’s a different experience than Banff National Park and Glacier National Park. There’s much more to do, more interesting unique towns, and lots more for adventurers.

If you’re struggling trying to decide your next trip destination in 2025 with sightseeing, adventuring and even extreme sports possibilities, you might find all of that in the Colorado Rockies. The best of it is a large region west of Denver, and well worth a visit for nature lovers or adventure seekers.

In fact, there are tour companies with plenty of unique tour experiences to choose from online. Check the major tour marketplaces for tours you’ll like. In fact, retirees over 60+ might enjoy a multiweek tour here to give you everything from epic vistas, to tasty western cuisine, interesting cultural exhibits, to hot springs leisure and train rides.

Your journey might start like mine did, flying into Denver for a week-long vacation, perhaps to catch a major league sports events at Coors Field, Mile High Stadium or Ball Arena first. And you might include visits to the Denver Zoo, Denver Art Museum, Botanic Gardens and the Aquarium, just to slow down and enjoy the city.

After my convention, I enjoyed walking around downtown Denver, traveling by LRT from my hotel, and I wished I could have ridden my bike on the downtown bike trails along the river which is popular. Of course, no one has time to see and do it all even if you plan a careful schedule. Do your research and pick the specific activities that satisfy your travel spirit.

After leaving Denver, I actually travelled via inter-city buses which were convenient, affordable, and reliable across the region. I hopped from town to town including Aspen, Snowmass Village, Breckenridge, Vail and Glenwood Springs.

The town of Breckenridge at 10,000 feet altitude actually did take my breath away, but I got acclimated and hiked nearly to the top of the neighboring mountain where I was met with a sloshy ice cap. The quaint village was a fun visit during the July 4th Independence Day celebrations and its interesting arts festival.

And mountain biking on flow trails at Snowmass Village was unbelievable, a truly fun and satisfying experience. And walking bridges over torrential rivers near downtown Aspen was unusual followed by a cable car ride to the top of the ski hill at 11,000 feet.

There are mountain climbing, paragliding, ATV’ing and whitewater rafting opportunities for the really adventurous. Just take care as these activities are risky for the unwary. 10 people died while river-rafting just during my visit there. Colorado is exciting and travelers come here just for that, but you should be well informed of the risks.

You might get the gist of this post, that this amazing region offers a wide variety of mountain vacation experiences in both summer and winter. It’s one of the most popular travel destinations in the US.

If you’re into spectacular mountain scenery, you’ve got some amazing passages here to enjoy. The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway is rated as the best trip for lookouts and viewpoints. And highway I-70 near Glenwood Springs coming in from Denver features a riverside thruway section with towering magnificent craggy cliffs lining the way. It’s an engineering marvel and is best described as epic.

Let’s talk about the major points of attraction to target in your coming immersion in amazing Colorado.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., Rocky Mountain National Park offers more than just hiking and mountaineering. Visitors can enjoy the scenic drives, particularly along Trail Ridge Road, which reaches heights of over 12,000 feet. The park also offers serene alpine lakes like Bear Lake and Dream Lake, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

2. Estes Park

Located at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a charming mountain town. It’s a great spot for family-friendly activities, including a ride on the Aerial Tramway to the top of Prospect Mountain, offering panoramic views of the valley below. The town is also home to the historic Stanley Hotel, known for its luxurious accommodations and being the inspiration for Stephen King’s thriller, The Shining.

3. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a relaxing getaway with plenty of features. The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the largest natural hot springs pools in the world, perfect for soaking after a day of hiking or skiing. Adventure lovers can explore the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, for guided cave tours and amusement rides, including a mountaintop roller coaster.

4. The Royal Gorge Train Route in Canon City

The Royal Gorge offers a lot of exciting things to do, from the elevator ride to the bridge, train ride in the canyon, to bungee jumping. The train is a 1950s-era passenger train offering daily 2-hour excursion from the Sante Fe Depot through the Royal Gorge canyon along the Arkansas River. It’s considered Colorado’s most famous scenic railroad and a favorite attraction in the Colorado Springs area.

5. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This historic train ride takes passengers on a scenic journey between Durango and Silverton, passing through the rugged canyons of the San Juan Mountains. This attraction is perfect for history buffs and families who want to experience a piece of Colorado’s rich mining heritage while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

6. Garden of the Gods

Located near Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a must-visit geological wonder. This free public park is famous for its towering red rock formations and offers hiking, rock climbing, and a scenic drive. Paved trails lead throughout. It’s a great spot for nature photography and learning about the unique geology of the region.

7. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Though not directly in the Rockies, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique destination nearby that many visitors to the region enjoy. The park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, offering activities like sandboarding and hiking up the dunes. The contrast between the surrounding mountains and the dunes creates a breathtaking landscape that appeals to photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

8. Breckenridge

A favorite ski destination, Breckenridge offers much more than just winter sports. In the summer, visitors can enjoy festivals, scenic chairlift rides, and the lively historic downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. The Breckenridge Arts District is a cultural hub, featuring galleries, art workshops, and local artisans. I enjoyed the birds of prey exhibit and some really amazing and authentic art on display at the July 4th Festival.

9. Mesa Verde National Park

For those interested in Native American history, Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can take guided tours to explore these incredible structures built into the cliffs over 700 years ago.

10. Pikes Peak

Known as “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs is a popular spot for tourists. Visitors can either drive the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, hike the challenging Barr Trail, or take the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit at 14,115 feet, where breathtaking views await.

Colorado Rockies for the Adventurous Traveler

The Colorado Rocky Mountains, a breathtaking stretch of towering peaks and verdant valleys, is the ultimate destination for adventure tourists. From hiking rugged trails to skiing down snow-capped slopes, the Rockies offer endless opportunities for thrill-seekers to push their limits. Whether you’re into mountain biking, rock climbing, or wildlife viewing, this guide will help you plan your adventure-filled journey to the Colorado Rockies.

Hiking and Mountaineering

The Colorado Rockies boast hundreds of miles of hiking trails, each offering something unique. For experienced adventurers, Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park stands as one of the most challenging hikes. Towering at over 14,000 feet, it’s a test of endurance and skill, particularly for those venturing along the famous Keyhole Route. The panoramic views from the summit make every steep ascent worthwhile.

For those travelers looking for a more moderate experience, the Emerald Lake Trail offers stunning views of alpine lakes surrounded by jagged peaks. At just 3.5 miles round trip, this hike provides a rewarding adventure without requiring technical climbing skills. If you’re after multi-day expeditions, the Colorado Trail is a classic backpacking route, stretching over 485 miles from Denver to Durango. Along the way, adventurers traverse through various landscapes—from alpine tundra to dense forests—and experience the true wilderness of the Rockies.

Mountain Biking and Cycling

For biking enthusiasts, the Rockies are a paradise. The combination of rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery creates the perfect setting for mountain biking. Crested Butte, known as the birthplace of mountain biking, offers trails for all skill levels.

Not far from Denver, is Winter Park, also known as “Mountain Bike Capital USA.” It’s a ski resort area that features over 600 miles of trails, for novices and experienced riders.  Deeper in the Rockies, near Aspen, is the ski village of Snowmass which is is amazing for its very lengthy flow trails, which I enjoyed a lot.

For road cyclists, the Trail Ridge Road offers one of the highest continuous paved routes in the U.S., reaching over 12,000 feet elevation through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rock Climbing and Mountaineering

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are a playground for rock climbers. Areas like Eldorado Canyon State Park near Boulder are world-renowned for climbing, with routes ranging from easy to highly technical. For adventure tourists seeking a vertical thrill, the granite walls of Eldorado Canyon offer over 500 routes.

Further west, Buena Vista offers excellent bouldering and sport climbing, with its Chalk Cliffs and Independence Pass being key spots for those chasing high-altitude climbs. If you’re an experienced mountaineer, the Maroon Bells, one of Colorado’s iconic peaks, offers challenging technical climbs amidst spectacular scenery.

Skiing and Snowboarding

For winter sports enthusiasts, the Colorado Rockies are synonymous with world-class skiing and snowboarding. Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge are just a few of the renowned ski resorts offering powder-filled slopes that attract skiers from around the globe.

Each resort caters to a range of skill levels. Vail offers expansive terrain, with its famous back bowls providing endless opportunities for off-piste skiing. Aspen is known for its challenging expert runs, while Breckenridge offers a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and advanced runs that challenge even the most seasoned skiers.

For those seeking a more backcountry experience, Silverton Mountain offers extreme terrain with no groomed runs or beginners’ areas. With just one chairlift, this resort is designed for expert skiers and snowboarders looking for a pure, high-adrenaline experience.

Wildlife Viewing and Scenic Rocky Mountain Drives

While adventure sports take center stage in the Rockies, the region is also home to incredible wildlife and scenic landscapes. Adventure tourists interested in wildlife can explore areas like Rocky Mountain National Park, where sightings of elk, bighorn sheep, and even black bears are common.

For those looking to explore the Rockies by car, scenic drives like the Million Dollar Highway offer awe-inspiring views of towering cliffs, deep valleys, and pristine rivers. This route connects the towns of Ouray and Silverton, winding through the San Juan Mountains, one of the most picturesque areas in the Rockies.

Are You Now Really Inspired to Visit the Colorado Rockies?

I hope you are and you’re able to enjoy the venues, views and tours available.

The Colorado Rocky Mountains offer endless opportunities for adventure seekers from high-altitude hikes to thrilling descents on a mountain bike. And for the more leisurely crowds, the old Western town have that culture and character you might have seen in so many Western movies. See epic views, enjoy hot spring pools, and take a thrilling train ride.

See more on adventure tours, best destinations, and travel to Banff National Park in Canada.

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