12 Of The Most Epic Adventures In Colorado

Colorado is a geographically diverse state featuring a collection of jaw-dropping landscapes that set the stage for epic adventures. From enchanting soft sand dunes and snowcapped mountain peaks to exotic lakes, aggressive rivers, and canyons, Colorado begs for exploration with an enticing scenery. Naturally, there are quite a handful of ways to experience the splendor of the outdoors in this state and feel heart-pounding moments. Whether you are new to thrilling outdoor adventures or an experienced adrenaline seeker, find 12 epic adventures in the Centennial State that will leave lasting memories.

Riding the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is America’s highest paved road and one of its most enthralling scenic drives. Mountain views reign endlessly across the 49-mile scenic drive as it climbs up to 7,000 feet and attains an altitude of 14,130 feet. The road begins from Idaho Springs and ascends to the 14,000-foot summit of Mount Evans, taking about two hours.

Marvelous and gorgeous sights along the route that deserve a stop for hikes and exploration include Summit Lake, Echo Lake, and Mount Goliath, among others. Also, watch out for wildlife on the road, such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. Due to snow, the road only opens from May to October.

Surfing or Sledding on The Great Sand Dunes, San Luis Valley

Colorado is unique for hosting the Great Sand Dunes, the tallest dunes in North America at 13,604 feet above sea level. Located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, these dunes are rare natural beauties, and exploring them is inspiring. While visitors can simply stride on the sand, surfing or sledding across it is the real deal as the sand boards pierce through the sharp, soft sands at high speeds. Unfortunately, the park has no rental equipment, so it's advised to rent sandboards or sleds in the nearby San Luis Valley and gear up with goggles, gloves, and a face mask.

Cloudscraper Zip Line Adventures, Canon City

Enjoy incredible views of the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge, and its bridge—the highest suspension bridge in the US—at Cloudscraper Zip Line Adventures in Canon City. This zip line is also the highest in the US, and there is no better way to experience a burst of adrenaline above the ground. The Zip Line is located in the South Rim of the Royal Gorge and runs between the aerial gondola and the gorge. It features hands-free harnesses to simplify the experience and add more fun to it.

As tourists soar high above the gorge at 1,200 feet, they can spread their hands in the air and feel like an eagle while enjoying the breathtaking ride. In addition, children from 10 years old and upwards can join in the fun, making it a family-friendly adventure.

Hiking the Buckskin Pass, Aspen

For seasoned mountain hikers, the Buckskin Pass is one of the most challenging hikes in Colorado, and it also has incredible views. The 9.9-mile hike begins from Maroon Bells Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in the Rocky Mountains, and ascends the Buckskin Pass. Hikers can expect to slug it out with this grueling trail for about five to eight hours with elevations as high as 1,000 m and multiple switchbacks. Dazzling landscape views include Crater Lake, small creeks, Snowmass Mountain and Lake, North Maroon Peak, and gorgeous alpine meadows. This trail is considered difficult and requires hiking experience.

Watching Donkeys Racing in Cripple Creek

A rodeo event in summer is always spectacular and can pass for a memorable adventure. As one of the most Cowboy states in the country, Colorado sure has such events to thrill visitors, and the annual Donkey Derby Days in the mountain town of Cripple Creek is one of the most exciting. This hilariously heart-pumping event attracts tourists from across the world who come to revel in the sights of its herd of donkeys racing frantically. The event is not just about donkey racing but involves good eats, music, and a celebration of the town's donkey heritage. The racing event takes place every summer, and each edition promises to be better than the previous.

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

The Rocky Mountain National Park is a beehive of adventures in Colorado and a must-visit for every adrenaline-hungry traveler. With an area of 265,807 acres comprising mountainous landscapes, hiking is naturally the most popular activity here. The park features 355 miles of hiking trails and more than 150 lakes to explore. Some of the best hikes that wind around these lakes include Emerald Lake Trail (3.5 miles), Bluebird Lake (6 miles), and Mills Lake (5 miles round trip). These trails reach elevations as high as 2,478 feet, offering sweeping views of the park's lakes and mountain scenery, especially Longs Peak, which is a fourteener.

Additionally, a relaxed adventure is available at the 48-mile Ridge Trail that hovers over the tree line and offers mesmerizing views of the Rocky Mountains. The trail stretches from the town of Estes Park to Grand Lake, the state’s largest lake. Horseback riding across the park’s landscape is also a thrilling adventure for an adrenaline rush.

Royal Gorge Bridge, Canon City

If you aren't brave enough to zipline over the gorge, you have to experience what it feels like to walk on the country’s highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge, which stands at 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Crossing the bridge is a breathtaking experience as it spans the deep gorge. Visitors may experience a mix of fear and excitement as they take in the views of the Arkansas River and the surrounding canyon scenery. Otherwise, take the aerial gondola ride in the Royal Gorge Bridge Park that runs parallel to the bridge and enjoy the views without shivering.

Sailing on Lake Dillon, Dillon

Lake Dillon is reputed to be one of the highest-altitude lakes in the country, which makes it a challenging water body due to high winds from the mountains. This magnificent lake sits 9,000 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, framed by beautiful peaks and cliffs that make sailing thrilling and scenic. Tourists can sail on their own with a brief orientation and adequate gear or join one of the sailboat companies offering guided tours on the lake. Both Dillon and Frisco Marinas have boat rentals, including pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.

In addition to the adrenaline rush the experience offers, tourists will enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding mountain scenery as the boat sails gracefully on the water. Such a thrilling experience is worth having at least once in a lifetime.

The Million Dollar Highway Scenic Drive, Ouray to Silverton

Colorado has many scenic drives, but the Million Dollar Highway remains one of the most heart-pounding drives. This highway stretches for 25 miles from the beautiful mountain town of Ouray to Silverton. What makes this road unique is that it cleaves to the side of a cliff, without guard rails in some sections, making it dangerous to drive through. That lack of safety on the road is the flavor of the adventure, and the views of canyons, among other dreamy scenery along the ride, compensate for the accelerated heartbeats drivers will experience. It goes without saying that this drive, as scenic as it is, is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs

Colorado is full of mountain peaks crossing the lofty 14,000-foot benchmark in the US, and summiting at one of them is an epic adventure any day. Pikes Peak, near Colorado Springs, is the ideal mountain to enjoy a top-of-the-world feeling on a fourteener. There are three main ways to get to this peak, which sits elegantly at 14,115 feet above sea level. The first and easiest is to drive to the peak, stopping over at several scenic points to enjoy the views.

The second option is to take the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, while the third and hardest option is to hike all the way up via the Barr Trail on a long and grueling 13.5-mile trip. The hike is better suited for seasoned and brave hikers, as it is physically demanding and technical. However, adventurers choose to get to the top, and it’s always an adventure and milestone outdoor endeavor to stand at the summit of one of America's tallest mountains.

Cliff Camping in The Rocky Mountains National Park, Estes Park

Cliff Camping is one of the rarest adventures in the world, reserved only for daredevil adventurers looking to push their limits. However, anyone can experience this daring adventure at the Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park with a guide and a short lecture on rock-climbing essentials like rappelling. For transparency and trust, the adventurer and guide will work together to set up the portaledge, a hammock affixed to the mountain’s walls via cables and bolts.

When all is set, adventurers can enjoy a picnic 50 feet above ground while on a hammock literally protruding from a mountainside. It’s worth spending the evening in this manner, and opting out at any time is possible, especially when the heart-pounding moments are no longer bearable. Talk about living life on the edge.

White Water Rafting on The Arkansas River

For many, very few experiences come close to white water rafting, and in Colorado, the Arkansas River is an amazing spot to enjoy this adventure. Geared with a life vest, helmet, paddles, gloves, and flip-flops, visitors can embark on a sensational trip across the river, slugging it out with the rapids. The interesting part is that even first-time rafters can enjoy the thrilling sense of adventure with some easy routes like the Lower Browns Canyons with enchanting mountain views. Meanwhile, seasoned rafters can take up the challenge at The Pine Creek Route or Royal Gorge for more thrills.

Colorado is one of the states where outdoor dreams come to life across a vast range of spectacular landscapes. Thus, epic adventures are popular across the state and happen throughout the seasons. The beauty in these adventures is their variety, as they offer varying ways for visitors to partake in mind-boggling experiences at their pace, preferred landscape, and style. From riding a zip line over the landscapes and hiking to mountain summits to taking scenic drives, the thrill comes in different packages here in the beautiful Centennial State.