Outdoors & Activities

8 places in Colorado

Rocky Mountain peaks, canyon trails, and alpine meadows offer some of the best outdoor adventures in North America. These are the activities we recommend for every fitness level.

Our Top Picks

Hand-selected favorites from our team

Featured$

Chautauqua Park

Boulder

Historic park at the base of the Flatirons with interconnected trail systems, the Chautauqua Dining Hall, and panoramic views of Boulder Valley. Gateway to Royal Arch and Flatiron summits.

outdoorgroupscouplesfamilies

Sunrise–sunset daily

Map Website

All Outdoors & Activities

Bear Creek Lake Park

Morrison

Lakefront park near Morrison with fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, mountain biking trails, and archery range. Great for a full day outdoors near Red Rocks.

outdoorgroupsfamilies

06:00–22:00 (summer), 06:00–18:00 (winter)

Map Website

Boulder Creek Path

Boulder

Paved multi-use path running 7.5 miles along Boulder Creek from the mouth of Boulder Canyon through town to the eastern plains. Popular for walking, running, and cycling.

outdoorcouplesfamilies

Always open

Map

Dinosaur Ridge

Morrison

Nationally recognized fossil site with exposed dinosaur tracks, bones, and geological formations along a 1.5-mile interpretive trail. Free to walk; guided bus tours available.

outdoorcouplesfamilies

Dawn–dusk (trail); Visitor Center 09:00–17:00

Map Website

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Boulder

World-class rock climbing destination and state park south of Boulder with 500+ technical routes, the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, and South Boulder Creek swimming holes.

outdoorgroupscouples

Sunrise–sunset daily; $10 vehicle entry

Map Website

Lookout Mountain

Morrison

Winding scenic drive to the summit above Golden with the Buffalo Bill Museum, Boettcher Mansion, and panoramic views of Denver, the plains, and the Continental Divide.

outdoorcouplesfamilies

Road always open; museum 09:00–17:00

Map

Mount Sanitas Trail

Boulder

Challenging 3.3-mile loop hike with 1,300 feet of elevation gain and sweeping views of Boulder and the Continental Divide from the summit.

outdoorgroupscouples

Sunrise–sunset daily

Map

NCAR Trail

Boulder

Scenic 4-mile network of trails starting from the I.M. Pei-designed NCAR facility in South Boulder. Wide paths through meadows with Flatiron views, mule deer, and raptors.

outdoorcouplesfamilies

Sunrise–sunset daily

Map

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