Adventures in Colorado 2026: Your Guide to the Centennial State
January 14, 2026
Colorado packs an absurd amount of adventure into one state. You've got 58 peaks above 14,000 feet, world-class whitewater, ski resorts that get 300+ inches of snow a year, and enough trail mileage to keep you busy for a lifetime. Here's how to make the most of it.
Hiking and Backpacking
Colorado has over 42,000 miles of trails. Whether you want a mellow afternoon walk or a multi-day backpacking trip through the wilderness, you'll find it here.
Best spots to start:
- Rocky Mountain National Park — Over 350 miles of trails, including the popular Bear Lake corridor. Get there early in summer — parking fills by 7 AM.
- Maroon Bells — The most photographed spot in Colorado for good reason. The 12-mile Four Pass Loop is a bucket-list backpacking trip.
- Indian Peaks Wilderness — Less crowded than RMNP with equally stunning alpine lakes and peaks. Permits required for overnight stays June–September.
If you're new to Colorado hiking, start with our beginner's guide before heading above treeline.
Climbing 14ers
Bagging fourteeners is practically a rite of passage in Colorado. The state has 58 of them, ranging from straightforward hikes to technical climbs requiring ropes and experience.
Good starter peaks:
- Quandary Peak — Class 1, well-maintained trail, about 7 miles round trip
- Mount Bierstadt — Another Class 1 with a beautiful approach through a willow marsh
- Grays and Torreys — Knock out two in one day on a connecting ridge
Check out our complete 14er guide and easiest 14ers for beginners for more detail.
Important: Start early (before sunrise), watch for afternoon thunderstorms, and never be above treeline after noon in summer. Altitude sickness is real — hydrate and acclimate.
Whitewater Rafting
The Arkansas River near Buena Vista and Salida offers some of the best rafting in the country. The Royal Gorge section is a legitimate thrill ride with Class IV–V rapids.
Season: Late May through August, with peak flows in June.
Options by experience level:
- Beginners: Browns Canyon (Class III) — scenic, fun, and manageable
- Intermediate: The Numbers (Class IV) — steep, continuous, and exciting
- Advanced: Royal Gorge (Class IV–V) — 1,000-foot canyon walls and big water
Most people book with a local outfitter. Expect to pay $80–150 per person for a half-day trip.
Mountain Biking
Colorado is a mountain biking mecca. Crested Butte, Fruita, and the Front Range trail systems near Denver all offer world-class riding.
Top trails:
- Monarch Crest Trail (Salida) — 35 miles of high-alpine singletrack above 11,000 feet
- Kebler Pass to Crested Butte — Aspens, wildflowers, and flowy descents
- 18 Road Trails (Fruita) — Desert riding with incredible views of the Book Cliffs
Rock Climbing
Eldorado Canyon near Boulder is one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the US. You'll also find excellent climbing at:
- Shelf Road (near Cañon City) — Sport climbing on limestone
- Rifle Mountain Park — World-class sport climbing, steep and pumpy
- Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) — Unique red rock formations, permit required
Winter Sports
Colorado's ski resorts don't need much introduction. Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat — the list goes on.
Tips for saving money:
- Buy an Epic Pass or Ikon Pass in spring for the best price
- Ski midweek to avoid crowds
- Consider lesser-known resorts like Monarch Mountain or Wolf Creek for shorter lift lines and cheaper day passes
Beyond downhill, Colorado has incredible backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The 10th Mountain Division Hut System lets you ski hut-to-hut through the backcountry.
Fishing
Gold Medal waters in Colorado include the South Platte River, the Frying Pan River below Ruedi Reservoir, and the Blue River below Dillon Reservoir. You'll need a Colorado fishing license if you're 16 or older.
Wildlife Watching
Colorado is home to elk, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, mountain lions, and more. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to see elk, especially during the fall rut in September and October.
Rules: Keep at least 75 feet from all wildlife, never feed animals, and store food properly in bear country.
Gear Up for Colorado Adventures
Having the right gear makes a huge difference in Colorado's variable weather and high altitude. Here are some essentials:
- Hiking daypacks for day trips
- Hiking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles — your knees will thank you on descents
Plan Your Trip
Colorado's outdoor season runs year-round, but the sweet spot for most activities is June through September. Book camping and permits early — popular spots fill up months in advance.
More Colorado guides:
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