Colorado is known for having some of the best outdoor activities in the world. You’ve got hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. But what about when you get tired of those? What about times when you’re just not sure what to do? Or when you want something that doesn’t require special equipment or skills? Well, here are a few things for you.
Visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you’re looking for a place to play on some of the tallest dunes in North America, you must visit Great Sand Dunes, National Park. The park is located near Alamosa, Colorado, and attracts visitors from around the world who want to experience one of nature’s greatest wonders.
Visitors can hike across its many trails or sled down them on one of their rental boards. You may even see a moose or elk wandering through if you’re lucky enough during your trip. According to the National park service, half a million tourists visit Great Sand Dunes National Park each year to explore its vast expanse of around 150,000 acres.
These massive dunes were created over thousands of years by wind, which blows the sand particles up and down the mountain. As they travel through the valleys, they pick up more sand particles and create incredible formations.
Try Whitewater Rafting in the Arkansas River
Whether you’re an experienced rafter or a first-timer, the Arkansas River offers a variety of trips for all skill levels. The river is generally categorized as Class I and II rapids, making it perfect for families and children new to whitewater rafting. The river’s lower portion is milder than its upper section, which has more technical rapids.
Since there are differing degrees of difficulty on every stretch of both rivers in Colorado, choosing which one and of what length trip to take is crucial. The rafting season runs from May through September, with peak seasons being July and August when water levels are highest and temperatures are warmest.
If you want to get out on the water and enjoy nature’s beauty, but sitting in a canoe isn’t doing it for you, try whitewater rafting. This activity differs from canoeing because it involves being pulled along by a motorboat through rapids. Book a half-day rafting trip at the Arkansas River to experience something new.
The best thing is that you can book a standalone half-day Colorado rafting tour or bundle it with other recreational activities, like ATV riding. Bundling packages ensures you save money while exploring the most out of your Colorado trip. In addition, the 2 to 3-hour rafting tours will give you an experience that you will never forget in your life.
The experience will vary depending on what part of Colorado you’re in and which company runs your trip; however, most are similar enough that they offer similar benefits. You must bring sunscreen if you’re going during the summer months and rain jackets if there’s any chance of rain while you’re out there.
Explore the San Juan Mountain Range
The San Juan Mountain Range is located in southwestern Colorado. It is a large mountain range that runs north and south along the western side of the Continental Divide. The mountains are also known as the “Four Corners” because they are located at the intersection of four states, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.
The highest peak in this range is 4347 m, Mt Elbert. The San Juan Mountains also contain some old-growth forests that contain some of the oldest trees in North America, such as Engelmann spruce, limber pine, bristlecone pine, and Douglas fir.
The San Juan Mountains are home to many plants and animals, including elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions.
Visit the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
The area is also popular with anglers and hunters who enjoy the many streams and lakes that dot the landscape. If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic place to hike and explore nature, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is a great choice. Located in the Rocky Mountains near Nederland and Ward, this area is popular with mountain bikers and hikers who enjoy its unique beauty.
The Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is part of the Arapaho National Forest, which covers 693 square miles of northern Colorado. This forest was established to restore forests that logging companies had destroyed during the 19th-century mining boom in Colorado’s mountains.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding
If you’re in Colorado and want to enjoy the winter season, you can’t go wrong with skiing or snowboarding. These two activities are popular here because they’re great ways to exercise while enjoying the cold weather and beautiful scenery.
If you’ve never tried either of these sports, it’s a good idea to try them. Even if you don’t think that this sounds like something fun for you, remember that everyone has different tastes in things.
If you try either of these sports, ensure you know what you’re doing. You don’t want to injure yourself or someone else because you didn’t know what you were doing. It’s a good idea to talk with an experienced skier or snowboarder who can show you the ropes before heading out onto the slopes yourself.
Slips, falls, and collisions with critical injuries are common during skiing in Colorado. However, it sometimes resulted in fatal injuries and even deaths. According to a study by the health department of Colorado state, collision cases comprise nearly 5% of skier injuries every year.
At the same time, another news published in Colorado Sun states that at least 11 skiers were killed in collisions in the 2020-21 ski season. Make sure you use proper protective gear to prevent injuries while skiing.
Try Rock Climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park
Rock climbing is a fun activity for all ages, solo or with a group of friends. It’s also a great way to exercise and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Rock climbers are drawn to some of the best rock climbing spots in the country, including Eldorado Canyon State Park.
The park has over 1,000 climbing routes on its sandstone cliffs, making it one of the most popular places in Colorado for rock climbers.
There are three main crags (cliffs) within Eldorado Canyon State Park. The little Niagara Wall is on the west side of Croydon Peak. Titcomb Basin Wall is on Titcomb Mountain, and Panorama Wall is on Panorama Point at an elevation between 11,500 feet and 12,000 feet above sea level.
Go Camping and Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
You should know that camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is free, and you can do it without a permit. However, you’ll need one if you want to camp at any of the park’s backcountry sites. Plenty of other options are available if that sounds like a task for another day.
When in Colorado, the Best Way to Enjoy is Outdoors
The state has so many parks and open spaces that it’s hard not to get out and do something. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, and even skiing. The options are endless.
Taking advantage of all this outdoor adventure potential requires planning. You’ll need reservations before visiting any area within the park since space fills up quickly.
You can find some of the most beautiful views from the top of a mountain peak or deep in the forest. With so many mountains surrounding the state, it’s easy for your eye to be drawn toward them at every turn.
