In order to make the most of your trip, you should check out Colorado’s unique attractions. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure that tests your endurance, you’re sure to find something that will impress your special someone. From the Rocky Mountain National Park to the Great Sand Dunes, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had in Colorado. From ice skating on a frozen lake to catching a movie in a drive-in theater, you’ll never get bored in this state.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the most exciting activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park is sandboarding, which is done with various contraptions. After hiking up a dune, riders can slide down and shout to indicate that they are having fun. Sandboarding is an exhilarating experience, and if you know when to stop is crucial. However, sandboarding is not for everyone.
You can experience the beauty of the Great Sand Dunes in person by taking the High Dune hike. This 2.3 mile-long hike will take you to the top of a 699-foot-high dune. To make the hike more challenging, head 1.5 miles west to the Star Dune, which is slightly higher and harder to access. Hikers should allow at least four hours for this excursion.
If you are traveling with a large group, you can stay overnight in Alamosa, a town just 34.3 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Park. Alamosa is also the home of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a rail trail through southern Colorado and New Mexico. You can also spend the night in Creede, a town located 34.3 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Park.
The temperature at Great Sand Dunes National Park in the winter varies, but it rarely exceeds sixty degrees F. Even if temperatures are a bit cooler at night, the sand is still firm. Even though temperatures are colder at night, the temperatures stay comfortable during the day. You can even find wildflowers in the dunes during the summer, but they’re usually tucked away in the higher elevations.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is an exciting experience for all ages. The popular Bear Lake Hike begins just a few hundred feet from the parking area and offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. In the winter, you can enjoy the snowshoe trail at the lake and take advantage of the park’s wildlife. If you’re a birder, you’ll love seeing the colorful birds that call this part of the park home.
For children, nature is fascinating and can be easily accessed through questions. Even infants love nature and can be carried in a front pack or tucked into a jacket, especially if it’s cold. Hikers should make sure to bring emergency supplies and a waterproof camera as temperatures can drop drastically during winter months. During fall, the aspen leaves turn golden and the fresh mountain air enchants children.
Another of the once-in-a-life time things to do in Colorado is climbing. You can choose from many peaks over 12,000 feet. If you’re a beginner climber, you can try bouldering or an easy climb. In winter, you can even try ice climbing. You can also take advantage of the numerous hiking trails. The terrain is great in summer and fall, but it’s also a great destination for a winter trip.
Ouray Ice Park
If you are looking for something spectacular to do in Colorado, then a visit to the Ouray Ice Park is the way to go. Located in Ouray, Colorado, this park allows you to experience the thrill of ice climbing at night, and you can also swim and relax in its sulfur-free hot springs. In addition to the fun of ice climbing, the town is also known for its natural vistas and historic sites.
Climbing in Ouray began in the seventies when three locals strung half-inch pvc pipe through the gorge. After the men saw how much fun the climbing was, they decided to open an ice climbing park. They dubbed it the Ouray Ice Park, and they honoured Jeff Lowe by naming an award in his honor.
The park opened to the public in 1997 and has since been a 501-c3 organization. The original board of directors consisted of Pat O’Donnell, Mike Gibbs, Tim Eihausen, Gay Wild, Billy MacTiernan, and David Potter. The founders of the park were all employees of Jagged Edge Mountain Gear in Telluride.
While in the area, ice climbers can enjoy the scenery of the Uncompahgre gorge as they ascend the gorge’s walls. There are more than one hundred man-made ice routes in Ouray, and over three miles of vertical terrain. The experience is so unique, you’ll likely never experience it again. But if you are a rock climber, you should definitely make it a point to visit the park.
Ouray’s drive-in movie theater
While driving through the scenic mountains of Colorado, you might consider going to a drive-in movie theater. These classic theaters have seen a resurgence in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. After all, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! But if you have never been to one, it might be a good idea to plan your trip well in advance.
One of the once-in-a-lifetime activities in Colorado is to check out the drive-in movie theater in Ouray, which is located in the San Juan Mountains. While you’re there, be sure to bring along a high-clearance vehicle! Rental companies like Colorado West Jeeps and Ouray Mountain Adventures offer duty vehicles and can arrange for your trip.
In ouray, you can see some of the first movies of the twentieth century. The holiday twin, the state’s only drive-in theater, opened its doors in 1968. It is still one of the oldest in Colorado. The audio is delivered through external speakers mounted on poles. The audio from the movie is then played to a station wagon full of people. Wes Webb purchased the Holiday Twin in 1979 and worked its box office window for decades. Sadly, Wes Webb passed away at the age of 87, but his family has continued the business.
Pagosa Springs’ hot springs
If you’re interested in relaxing in a natural hot spring, Pagosa Springs has three spas. Healing Waters Resort and Spa, Overlook Hot Springs Spa, and The Springs Resort & Spa all offer mineral-rich natural hot springs. The spas offer a wide variety of treatments. There’s something for everyone, from soothing massages to hot stone treatments.
If you’re into hiking, you can check out the San Juan Wildlife Park, a wildlife park located in the San Juan Mountains. This park is home to over 5,000 archaeological sites and 600 ancient cliff dwellings. The park opened in 1906, and the United Nations has named it a World Heritage Site. It’s a quick two-hour drive from Pagosa Springs.
You’ll also find scenic hiking trails, historic sites, and outdoor activities in Pagosa Springs. The town is home to the deepest hot spring aquifer in the country, and visitors can hike the San Juan Mountains or take a horseback ride. The area is also perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even jet skiing.
If you’re looking for something to do once in a lifetime in Colorado, Pagosa Springs is a wonderful destination. The town is small, but the laid-back vibe is inviting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of four-season outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and cultural ruins. The town also offers fine dining options and shopping.
Denver’s Union Station
While traveling in Colorado, take the time to visit Denver’s Union Station, a working public transit hub and highly acclaimed dining and shopping center. Built in 1881, the original Union Station served railroad service until 1894. Rebuilt in 1917, Union Station now houses Amtrak’s Denver hub. The station is located in Lower Downtown near the Crawford Hotel. Here, visitors can dine at Mercantile, a popular breakfast spot in Denver. Alternatively, head to the popular Snooze an A.M. Eatery, which has several locations throughout the city.
The train ride from DIA to Union Station will take about 40 minutes. You’ll pass through a number of neighborhoods before arriving at the station. The train will stop at three stations, including Union Station. The station itself is a historic building that offers plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging options. You can also book your hotel in the train station to save money on accommodations.
If you’d rather visit an iconic building, Denver’s State Capitol is a must-see. Its Greek revival columns light up at night during the holidays, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the city. You can also explore Denver’s Forney Museum of Transportation, which showcases vintage vehicles and the city’s famous cable car.
