Colorado Springs

Things to Do in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Against a spectacular backdrop courtesy of Mother Nature and Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is an enchanting melding of historical treasures and cutting-edge 21st century.

Stunning Colorado Springs

To be appreciated for their sheer magnificence in architecture and detail are of course The Broadmoor, Glen Eyrie, Colorado College, McAllister House and Air Force Academy Chapel. But not to be outdone, Mother Nature offers the spectacular height and breadth of Pikes Peak, which stands sentinel over the Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, and down the road south a piece, Royal Gorge in Cañon City. You can also take a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway or perhaps hike the Manitou Incline.

Penrose, The Broadmoor, and Colorado Springs

Civil War hero Gen. William J. Palmer is credited with the official founding when the Colorado Springs Co. laid out the new city in 1871, and philanthropist Spencer Penrose and his wife, Julie, added immeasurably to the culture and refinement of “Little London” at the turn of the 20th century with the timelessly elegant Broadmoor. The Penrose’s also financed the Will Rogers Shrine and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Julie Penrose founded the Central City Opera and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

Shopping and dining? Endless!

Downtown Colorado Springs has a varied collection of shops, eateries, pubs, and clubs, and Old Colorado City provides another several blocks of artisans shops, galleries, boutiques, coffee houses, pastry shops, fine restaurants, family settings, parks, and… well, that’s a good start, and when you visit, you’ll see the vista unfold.

In quaint Manitou Springs, funkadelic visits amicably with yesteryear’s finery in shops and antique stores. You can grab a bag of caramel corn or a hank of cotton candy and wander the historic Penny Arcade, and you can sip from the famed mineral springs fountains.

Lodging is fantastic

Choose from Five Star hotels, B&Bs, cozy cabins, extended stays, and mom n’ pop – Colorado Springs and its sister communities are memories waiting to be made!

Enjoy the Mountains

Colorado Springs is tucked right up against the mountains and has excellent access to trails, vista and driving excursions to let you find some spectacular views and fun outdoor experiences. Nearby Pikes Peak is a main attraction but the Garden of the Gods is a locals favorite for its stunning beauty. Make the most of the trails with these day hiking tips and enjoy the sunny weather that Colorado Springs is known for!

Colorado Springs History

For centuries home to the Ute, Arapahoe and Cheyenne peoples, the area was part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and, after various settlements along the way, established as a mining camp during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in 1859.

With such a rich history, much of it stemming from the treasures brought in from the nearby gold and silver camps of Cripple Creek and Victor as well as Central City and Black Hawk, Colorado Springs might have rested on its laurels comfortably. Instead, it moved with the times and became home to the United States Air Force Academy, Fort Carson and the 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, Ent Air Force Base, North American Aerospace Defense Command and even the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Boulder

Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado

If just one word were allowed to describe the Centennial State’s free-spiritedness, we’d choose “Boulder!” for any number of reasons.

University of Colorado Boulder

First, it’s home to the University of Colorado, where academics are lofty, football is passionate, and chillin’ is mandatory. The Hill and Pearl Street Mall are famed for their colorful shops, eateries, and galleries, and people-watching is unparalleled.

Boulder Culture

Culturally, this town is the motherlode. For museum lovers, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) features contemporary fare, and the Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden of Western Art is a stroll through all things Western. More than just the past comes alive at the Boulder History Museum with exhibits that range from tofu to rock music, and CU itself houses the University of Colorado Heritage Center in its Old Main building. The college also is home to the University of Colorado Natural History Museum.

Nearby Denver has a selection of summer festivals to keep you entertained throughout the warmer months.

Shopping and Dining

If you’re a shopper, this is your place. Boutiques, designer names, thrift, and thrills await. And dining is, to say the very least, a culinary adventure. We’re hard-pressed to think of a cuisine not represented in our town, and you’ll even have the opportunity to visit the farm of origin for some of the freshest fare around.

And don’t forget the breweries both big and small, Boulder has had a hand in the craft beer movement since it’s beginning and hasn’t stopped brewing!

Mountain Recreation

Outdoor recreation is limitless. In addition to having Eldora Mountain Ski Resort nearby, America’s #1 Sports town also gives you the chance to experience, in no particular order, hot air ballooning, kayaking, rock climbing, tubing, fly fishing, bike riding, golfing, cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing. The beauty is you can do many of these things – yes, even skiing – all in the same day. That’s Boulder for you! Ahhhh!

Twin Lakes

Enjoy Twin Lakes, Colorado

Welcome to Beautiful Twin Lakes! Just 15 minutes from Leadville you’ll find the charming and historic village of Twin Lakes and its geological namesake, Colorado’s largest glacial lakes. Shimmering in the sun more than 300 days of the year, the lake waters reflect soaring mountaintops and provide a splendid gateway for fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, biking in the warm weather months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter — or just soaking in the peace of the Rockies. While you’re visiting our slice of heaven, be sure to take note of our rich history, too. Twin Lakes was once a bustling hub that connected Aspen and Leadville during the Gold Rush of the 1800s, and the Red Rooster Tavern and Brothel now serves as the Twin Lakes Visitors Center. The famed Interlaken Hotel, favored by well-heeled 1880s travelers, is accessible by trail or boat. Also, the general store, hotel, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and miners’ homes are on the National Historic Register. Lodging, shopping, dining and browsing – Twin Lakes has it all, all the time!

Enjoy our guide to Colorado’s best lakes and get out on the water soon!

Rifle

Things to do in Rifle, Colorado

On the I-70 corridor between Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, the town of Rifle is a full-color snapshot of Colorado’s rural mountain life. It sits at the base of the White River Plateau, offering the perfect staging area for a deer or elk hunting trip. Campers can stock or restock for trips into the White River National Forest, and travelers can listen to the local ranchers talk cattle, hay, roundup and branding. Guns are also a popular item of discussion in the aptly named town.

Lodging options are plentiful in Rifle, and when it comes time to grab a bite to eat, there are choices galore – including the gun-friendly Shooters Grill. Cuisines run the whole gamut, from Italian to Mexican to Asian and fusion. Fast food, wings, pizza, homemade, diner and more are all there.

Some 15 miles north of Rifle is Rifle Gap State Park, where there’s plentiful camping, fishing and boating on the reservoir. Nearby limestone caves formed by a 50-foot waterfall offer spelunking, if that’s your game, and you are at the gate to the Flat Tops Wilderness area and not far from Grand Mesa.

Everything pertaining to the great outdoors is not only accessible, but it’s also waiting to be enjoyed. Fittingly, rodeo is big, very big, in Rifle. There’s also excellent fishing – including ice fishing in the winter – on a number of waterways, camping in virtually every direction, golfing, hiking, ice and rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snowboarding – and much more.

For lovers of true Americana, Western history lovingly showcased with Native artifacts and settlers’ memorabilia at the Rifle Creek Museum, and a Veterans Memorial pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

New Castle

New Castle Colorado

With its slogan “Authentically Colorado,” little New Castle sits in the Colorado River Valley fewer than 20 miles west of Glenwood Springs. Not quite in the mountains and not quite in the high desert, New Castle enjoys a bit of both worlds at an elevation of 5,550 feet above sea level.

Ideal Weather in New Castle

Unlike its alpine cousin towns, New Castle boasts four distinct seasons – and unlike its further-west desert cousins, Blazing Summer isn’t necessarily one of them. July highs seldom get over the mid-70s, and wintertime lows are not often colder than the 20s.

Culturaly Diverse

What it lacks in size, the town more than makes up for in charm. Artists, artisans, photographers and crafters have discovered their flow of creativity in the mild climates, and music is a big part of the social life with local bands and blossoming musicians providing entertainment.

Dining is not a universe unto itself with but a dozen eateries, but the choices are enough to satisfy just about any culinary need: steaks, gourmet, pizza, deli, fast and good, diner-style, authentic Mexican, Asian and bar food. It’s all good.

Shopping opportunities are found on Main Street and at he New Castle Plaza. And as for outdoor activities, because of New Castle’s proximity to the rivers and open spaces, canyons and badlands of the high desert as well as the skiing resort areas of the mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do regardless of season. Choices include but are not limited to: biking, boating, cross-country skiing, camping, alpine skiing, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, snowboarding, hunting, golfing, and snowboarding.

Keystone

The Ultimate Guide to Keystone, Colorado: A Year-Round Mountain Paradise

Why Keystone is the Heart of the Rockies

When people dream of the quintessential Colorado mountain experience, they are often picturing Keystone, Colorado. Tucked away in the White River National Forest of Summit County, Keystone is far more than just a ski resort; it is a meticulously designed, year-round destination that balances high-octane adventure with relaxed, pedestrian-friendly charm.

Whether you are carving through fresh powder on Schoolmarm, tackling the world-renowned mountain biking trails in the summer heat, or simply enjoying a glass of wine by a fire pit in River Run Village, Keystone offers a seamless blend of luxury and ruggedness. This guide explores why vacationing in Keystone, Colorado, should be at the top of your travel bucket list, regardless of the season.

Winter Excellence: More Than Just Downhill Skiing

Keystone is legendary for its winter operations. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across three distinct mountains—Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback—there is a slope for every skill level.

The Three-Peak Experience

Dercum Mountain: This is the front side of the resort and the hub for family fun. It features long, winding green runs like Schoolmarm, which allows beginners to experience the thrill of a top-to-bottom run without the intimidation of steep pitches.

North Peak: For those looking to test their mettle, North Peak offers long "bump" runs and steeper terrain. It is also home to the Alpenglow Stube, the highest AAA Four-Diamond dining experience in North America.

The Outback: If you are seeking solitude and gladed skiing, The Outback is your destination. It provides some of the best powder stashes and tree skiing in the state.

Night Skiing and Snow Tubing
Keystone is one of the few resorts in Colorado that offers night skiing. Watching the sun set over the Tenmile Range while you're still making turns under the stadium lights is a surreal experience. Additionally, the Adventure Point snow tubing hill offers high-speed thrills for those who prefer to slide on something other than skis.

Summer Magic: When the Snow Melts

As the locals say, "You come for the winter, but you stay for the summer." Once the snow melts, Keystone transforms into a lush, green playground. The same lifts that carried skiers now transport mountain bikers and hikers into the high country.

World-Class Mountain Biking

The Keystone Bike Park is a mecca for downhill enthusiasts. With rock gardens, drops, and high-speed berms, it offers some of the most technical gravity-fed riding in the country. However, beginners aren't left out; the resort has invested heavily in "flow" trails that provide a smoother, more accessible introduction to downhill riding.

Hiking and High-Country Vistas

For those who prefer a slower pace, the hiking trails in and around Keystone are breathtaking. You can take the River Run Gondola to the top of Dercum Mountain to start your hike at 11,640 feet, saving your legs the initial climb and allowing you to spend more time enjoying the alpine wildflowers and 360-degree views of Lake Dillon and the Continental Divide.

The Heart of the Resort: River Run Village

At the center of the Keystone experience is River Run Village. This pedestrian-only area is the pulse of the resort. Designed with convenience in mind, the village allows families to park their cars and forget about them for the duration of their stay.

Dining and Après-Ski

From casual burger joints to upscale bistros, River Run has it all. After a long day on the slopes or trails, the "après" scene comes alive. You can grab a craft beer at a local pub or enjoy a sophisticated meal featuring Colorado-sourced ingredients like elk and trout.

Boutique Shopping

The village is lined with shops ranging from high-end outdoor gear retailers to quaint gift shops. Whether you need the latest GORE-TEX shell for a stormy day or a unique piece of mountain-themed jewelry, the shopping experience here is curated to reflect the high-altitude lifestyle.

Family-First Philosophy: Kidtopia and More

Keystone is widely regarded as one of the best family resorts in the world. Their Kidtopia program is a testament to this. It features daily programmed activities for children, including cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, and the world’s largest snow fort located at the top of the mountain.

The resort’s "Kids Ski Free" program is another massive draw. By staying two nights in resort-affiliated lodging, children 12 and under ski for free—a rarity in an era of rising lift ticket prices. This commitment to families makes vacationing in Keystone, Colorado, an easy choice for parents looking for a stress-free getaway.

Exploring Summit County: Beyond the Resort

While Keystone has enough to keep you busy for weeks, its location makes it the perfect basecamp for exploring the rest of Summit County.

The Summit County Summer Guide

If you find yourself visiting in July or August, be sure to check out the local Summit County Summer Guide. This resource highlights the many festivals—such as the Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival or the Bluegrass and Beer Festival—that bring the village to life with live music and gourmet food.

Budget-Friendly Adventures

We understand that mountain vacations can get expensive. That is why we recommend looking at our list of Free Things to do in Summit County. You don't always need a lift ticket to have a world-class experience.

The Recreation Path: A paved path that connects Keystone to Dillon and Breckenridge, perfect for a scenic stroll or a mellow bike ride.
Lake Dillon: Just a ten-minute drive away, the lake offers stunning shoreline walks and the chance to watch sailboats navigate the highest deep-water marina in North America.
Window Shopping and People Watching: Simply soaking in the atmosphere of the village costs nothing and provides some of the best R&R available.

Practical Tips for Your Keystone Vacation

Altitude Awareness
Keystone sits at 9,280 feet, and the peaks rise much higher. To avoid altitude sickness, drink twice as much water as you think you need, limit alcohol intake for the first 24 hours, and consider spending a night in Denver (the "Mile High City") to acclimate before heading into the mountains.
The Essential Layering System
As we discussed in our guide to layering for cold weather hiking, the weather in the Rockies can change in minutes. Even in the middle of summer, a 70-degree afternoon can turn into a 40-degree evening once the sun dips behind the peaks. Always carry a waterproof shell and a light insulating layer.
Transportation
The Summit Stage is a free bus system that can take you from Keystone to nearby towns like Silverthorne (for the outlets), Frisco, and Breckenridge. It’s an excellent way to see the county without worrying about mountain driving or parking fees.

Your Mountain Home Away From Home

Keystone is a place where memories are made. It is the sound of a child’s laughter in the snow fort, the feeling of accomplishment after a steep mountain bike descent, and the peace of watching the stars come out over the peaks. It offers a rare combination of world-class infrastructure and genuine mountain hospitality.

Whether you're hungry for high-altitude adventure or you just want to enjoy some R&R and soak in all the mountain scenery, Keystone is a vacation destination that delivers on the Colorado promise.

Georgetown

Visit Georgetown, Colorado

An easy 45-minute drive up Interstate 70 from Denver lands you smack dab in the middle of beautiful downtown Georgetown, one of Colorado’s definitive “small but mighty” attractions in the state’s many historic gold mining towns.

First established in 1859 during the Gold Rush, this mining town is tucked into a valley corridor some might call “breezy.” The elevation is 8,530 breathtaking feet above sea level.

A Historical Journey

As you stroll through Georgetown downtown’s National Historic Register District, you’ll be privy to several attractions, including the Hotel de Paris Museum, once a luxurious hotel, the restored Hamill House, an elegant reminder of Victorian times, the Firefighting Museum and the Energy Museum. Make sure to soak up some of this great history while you’re in town. Once the third-largest town in Colorado, Georgetown is now home to slightly more than 1,000 residents. Still, services are fantastic: outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, four-wheeling, fishing and horseback riding, and you can also tour the Lebanon Silver Mine.

Georgetown Stunning Scenic Train Ride

Check out the Georgetown Loop Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad as well. The line connects Georgetown with nearby (and uphill) Silver Plume, gaining 640 feet in elevation during the two miles up. You’ll also cross four trestles as you travel through the steep-sided, narrow Clear Creek Canyon.

And while I-70 provides a quick route to Summit County and its four ski areas and an incredible array of outdoor activities and events. Guanella Pass (a seasonal road closes in late November, and opens on Memorial Day) is the perfect opportunity to put your car into “mosey” gear and do some serious sightseeing. You won’t regret a moment!

Carbondale

Explore Carbondale, Colorado

Is Carbondale a big little town or a little big town? We’re not sure, but one thing we do know is that it’s a beautiful setting for outdoor activities and a wonderful peek into the state’s rich history.

Sitting at the base of Mt. Sopris at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers, Carbondale is just 12 miles from Glenwood Springs and 30 miles from Aspen. The sun shines on average 295 days each year, and in addition to abundant vitamin D, this sweet little place also blesses its visitors with access to soothing geothermal pools at nearby Avalanche Ranch.

Fly fishing is a favorite pastime in the Roaring Fork Valley, and when you’re not wetting a line, you can venture off on a bike or hike along the Rio Grande Bike and multi-use trail.

Summertime is rodeo time in Carbondale, with rip-snortin’ thrills every Thursday night, and on the somewhat more refined side of activities, concerts and films are presented during June and July.

Golf? But of course! Scenic drives? Spectacular! Dining? Divine!

In short, historic big/little (or little/big) Carbondale is a not-to-be-missed gem.

Basalt

Find Adventure in Basalt

Basalt is nestled in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, at the confluence of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers. This charming town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Learn more at the Basalt Chamber of Commerce.

Basalt is a friendly, small mountain town that boasts a diverse collection of neighborhoods, each with its unique personality and places to explore. There are two main areas of town – Historic Downtown and Willits.

Historic Downtown is an eclectic mix of shopping, restaurants, historical attractions, local businesses, and beautiful, colorful Victorian buildings that date back to the railroad era of the 1880s. The two main streets are Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road. Both the Basalt/Old Snowmass and Emma Trail bike paths connect the two ends of downtown back to the Rio Grande Trail.

For a more modern vibe, consider Willits, which boasts a blend of residences, shops, and businesses. The main hub of activity is Willits Town Center — a mixed-use residential and commercial area featuring locally owned restaurants, a brewery, unique retailers, outdoor recreation stores, offices, a hotel, and a performing arts center.

Basalt is an Outdoor Paradise

Explore the White River National Forest

Hiking, camping, and biking are just a few of the outdoor activities available. Explore the White River National Forest and nearby Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area for breathtaking scenery. Basalt also serves as the gateway to Ruedi Reservoir, a summer destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. Basalt has year round adventure in all directions. Enjoy the local hiking trails or take on the local cycling and running challenge and work up an appetite.

Gold Medal Water

The Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers are world-renowned for fly fishing, with the ability to wade or float down the river. Basalt has a special place in the heart of the Roaring Fork valley and the river makes the town a must visit place for anyone who loves the water.

Access to Aspen/Snowmass Resort

Experience the magic of winter with skiing and snowboarding at the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass, just a short drive or bus ride away. Not into going downhill? The area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and – surprisingly – fly fishing, thanks to the constant flow of the Fryinpan River.

Two Wheels and GO!

Basalt and the surrounding area is unusual in that it has a wide variety of rides for road cyclists and mountain bikers alike, with rides intertwining between Downtown and Willits, from Basalt Mountain to Prince Creek, the Fryingpan to Ruedi Reservoir, and Missouri Heights. Ask any person sporting a bike rack in town and they will have their own go-to list of rides.

The Roaring Fork Valley holds the rare honor of being an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Gold Level Ride Center, a designation recognizing the pinnacle of mountain biking communities – highlighting large-scale mountain bike trail systems and destinations that offer something for every rider.

Basalt is at the epicenter of the valley’s Ride Center, known for big challenging climbs and long rewarding descents. There are over 300 miles of high-quality singletrack to explore within the Ride Center boundary (defined by a 30-minute drive time radius), with an additional 100+ more miles of trails existing just beyond the official zone. The single-track trails are complemented by the hundreds of miles of high alpine double-track roads and paved paths on the valley floors.

Winter in Basalt

The winter months bring new opportunities for fun in the Roaring Fork valley. Winter in Basalt is an adventurous time with nearby ski areas as well as local cross country and backcountry skiing there’s plenty of ways to work up an appetite around Basalt and make the most of any winter vacation.

Basalt Arts, Culture, and Community

Immerse yourself in the local art scene with visits to galleries featuring Western, contemporary, and eclectic art. During summer months, enjoy free live concerts with the Wednesday night Basalt Summer Concert series in the Basalt River Park.
Discover unique boutiques and specialty shops offering everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted treasures and high-end clothing consignment.
Savor the flavors of Colorado with a diverse culinary scene. From casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Lodging in Basalt

Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit any style and budget, including hotels, homey vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

Top Events in the Roaring Fork Area

Basalt Summer Concert Series: Enjoy free live music every Wednesday evening in the summer at the Basalt River Park.
Basalt Sunday Market: Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food in Historic Downtown on Sundays in the summer.
TACAW (The Arts Campus at Willits): This vibrant venue hosts a variety of art exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the year.

Parachute

Parachute, Colorado

Located about halfway between Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction in western Colorado, the small town of Parachute and its sister community of unincorporated Battlement Mesa are at the confluence of the Colorado River and Parachute Creek.

Though the town is not a mecca of amenities, it does have an info center.

Things to Do in Parachute:

Fishing at Harvey Gap Reservoir and Rifle Gap Reservoir. These two reservoirs are year-round fishing waterways and produce some of Colorado’s largest bass, perch, crappie, catfish, rainbow trout, and northern pike.
Ice climbing at Rifle Mountain Park. This park features 80-foot canyon walls and is considered the best location in the country for limestone sport climbing.
Skiing and snowboarding at Powderhorn Resort.
Snowmobiling on the Grand Mesa, which has over 500 square miles of winter wonderland to explore.
Hunting and rafting are also popular in the Parachute area, and its proximity to Glenwood Springs and the famed hot springs is a draw. It’s also close to Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction.

Around Parachute, the primary lifestyle is cattle ranching, and some of the working ranches have opened themselves to visitors who want an up-close glimpse Western lifestyle.

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