There’s something magical about Colorado—the air feels crisper, the views stretch for miles, and every moment feels like a chance to reconnect with nature and yourself.

I’m currently soaking in all the adventure and fresh mountain air, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite things to do while you’re here, too. Whether you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming about one, here’s a personal peek into my Colorado experience—plus the most scenic hikes for every level of explorer.

1. Go Hiking (Even If You’re Not a Pro)

Colorado is a hiker’s dream. There’s truly something for everyone—from breezy nature walks to summit-worthy backpacking trails. Here’s what I recommend based on your comfort level:

Beginner-Friendly Trails (low effort, high reward)

• Bear Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park 0.8 miles, flat and breathtakingly beautiful around a pristine alpine lake.
• Flatirons Vista Trail – Boulder Easy 3.5-mile loop with iconic views of the Flatirons.
• Sapphire Point Overlook – Dillon Super short and scenic, with amazing views of the reservoir and mountains.

Moderate Day Hikes (great workout, doable in a few hours)

• Emerald Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park 3.2 miles with waterfall views, forested paths, and a serene mountain lake finale.
• Royal Arch Trail – Boulder 3.4 miles with steep sections and an epic stone arch reward.
• Rattlesnake Arches Trail – McInnis Canyons NCA About 4 miles of desert vibes, red rock arches, and unreal views.

Backpacking & High Adventure (for the seasoned explorer)

• Four Pass Loop – Aspen/Maroon Bells 27 miles, 3–4 days. Jaw-dropping views, wildflowers, and alpine lakes.
• Chicago Basin via Durango & Silverton Train – San Juan Mountains Unique access by train, followed by remote peaks, waterfalls, and campsites.
• Lost Creek Wilderness Loop – Pike National Forest 27+ miles of dramatic rock formations and peaceful solitude.

2. Explore Local Coffee Shops & Bakeries

Almost every mountain town has a gem. I love grabbing a warm latte after a hike—bonus if there’s a cinnamon roll or sourdough croissant involved.

Look for spots in Breckenridge, Boulder, Estes Park, or Telluride.

3. Take a Scenic Drive

Roll the windows down and cruise along:

• Trail Ridge Road (summer only) for mountain-to-sky views
• Million Dollar Highway (Ouray to Silverton) for hairpin turns + epic cliffs
• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for forest, foothills, and fall colors

4. Visit a Hot Spring

After a day of exploring, a soak feels heavenly.

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs – Steamboat Springs
• Mount Princeton Hot Springs – Buena Vista
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs – Glenwood Springs

5. Go Stargazing

Colorado skies = next level. If you’re away from city lights, look up.

Some of the best spots:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Golden Gate Canyon State Park
• Any remote trailhead with an open sky

6. Experience a Small Mountain Town

Some of the most charming moments come from wandering through local shops, chatting with friendly locals, or stumbling on an art gallery.

Check out:

• Telluride for movie-set beauty
• Breckenridge for cozy mountain vibes
• Crested Butte for a colorful, artistic escape

7. Try Something Spontaneous

Rent a paddleboard. Take the scenic gondola. Picnic next to a lake. Say yes to that weird museum. Let Colorado surprise you.

8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the most magical experiences I’ve had in Colorado—floating above the mountains as the sun rises. It’s peaceful, surreal, and something I’ll never forget.

If you ever get the chance, say “YES!” to a view from above.

Company I flew with: Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures

My Colorado Photo Diary

Here’s a peek at some of my favorite moments so far:

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re chasing summits or sipping tea by a window, Colorado has a way of grounding you. It’s not just a trip—it’s a reset. I hope this post inspires your next adventure (or at least your next screensaver).

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