Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty and unique attractions of Colorado in 2025? Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this bucket list is packed with exciting activities and hidden gems that will make your hiking season unforgettable. From newly renovated restaurants to stunning natural wonders, here’s what you can’t miss this year!
1. Casa Bonita: A Culinary Adventure
Kick off your Colorado adventure at the newly opened and renovated Casa Bonita. This iconic restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that’s perfect for dates or family outings. With significant improvements to the food, you can indulge in delicious meals while enjoying captivating entertainment. Watch cliff divers, enjoy a puppet show, explore Black Bart’s Cave, and be amazed by a magician’s performance. With so many interactive elements, you could easily spend hours here without seeing everything. Casa Bonita is truly a unique treasure that you can only find in Colorado!
2. Discover the Colorado National Monument
Don’t overlook the stunning Colorado National Monument this year! Often overshadowed by other attractions, this national monument is a must-visit for both summer and winter adventures. Enjoy breathtaking viewpoints from your car or lace up your hiking boots for trails like Devil’s Kitchen. For those seeking more adventure, explore the nearby Rattlesnake Arches or discover hidden waterfalls in the canyons. Check out my free map link below for more information on these incredible hikes!
3. Explore the Ice Caves and Grottos in Aspen
While many flock to Aspen for the iconic Maroon Bells, there’s so much more to discover. One hidden gem is the Ice Caves and Grottos, an easy hike along the river that leads to a unique experience. The trail is less than a mile long and features a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for a family outing. Venture into the ice caves and marvel at the stunning formations—just be cautious, as it can be slippery!
Be Prepared for Your Hikes
Before you head out on a long hike you have to prepare yourself and the best way to do that is with a good water filter and good hiking socks These are the best socks I know and I have used them for a decade now, I would never suggest something to you that I myself don’t have full faith in so here are those wonderful Darn Tough Socks and Grayl Water Filter
4. Immerse Yourself in the Meow Wolf Arts Complex
For a truly unique experience near Denver, visit the Meow Wolf Arts Complex. This immersive art exhibit is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, with intricate details and interactive installations that will leave you in awe. You could easily spend an entire day exploring every nook and cranny of this mind-bending space. It’s a must-see for art lovers and anyone looking for a creative adventure!
5. Brainard Lake Basin: A Summer Getaway
If you’re looking for a beautiful summer getaway near Denver, head to Brainard Lake Basin. Drive up to the first lake for swimming, paddleboarding, or picnicking, and then hike to multiple stunning lakes, including the breathtaking Lake Isabelle. This six-and-a-half-mile hike is well worth the effort, but be sure to make reservations, especially on weekends. Check the link below for more details!
6. Hike to the Devil’s Head Fire Tower Lookout
Just a couple of hours from Denver, the Devil’s Head Fire Tower Lookout offers a unique hiking experience. This three-mile out-and-back trail leads you to a historic fire tower with panoramic views that stretch for miles. The steep, rocky terrain adds an element of adventure, making it a rewarding trek for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Relax at Pagosa Hot Springs
No trip to Colorado is complete without a visit to the Pagosa Hot Springs. Known as the deepest hot springs in the world, this resort is perched on cliffs above the San Juan River. With multiple pools at varying temperatures, it’s the perfect place to unwind. One of my favorite activities is floating down the river in a tube and hopping out at the hot springs—pure bliss!
8. Tubing and River Floating Adventures
Finally, don’t miss out on tubing or river floating this summer! Whether you choose to go rafting with a guide or simply float down the river, there are plenty of options. Just be sure to time your adventure right—early summer is ideal, but avoid going too early when the waters can be dangerous. Great spots for floating include Confluence Park in Denver, Clear Creek in Golden, and the San Juan River in Pagosa. Check out my map for the best locations!
9. Experience Via Ferrata
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, try a via ferrata—an easier version of climbing that involves navigating iron rungs through canyons or up cliff sides while clipped into a harness. You can find several locations, but my favorite is in Ouray, where you can rent a harness and helmet for about $40. The park itself is free! If you’re looking for a slightly easier option, Telluride also offers a via ferrata with stunning views, though it has more exposure.
10. Discover the Longest Dinosaur Tracks
A brand-new hiking trail leads to the longest set of dinosaur tracks in the world, located in Ouray. These tracks opened to the public just over a year ago, and the hike to reach them is a steep but short climb up the cliffside. It’s an incredible experience, especially for dinosaur enthusiasts. If you can’t make it to Ouray, there are other locations around Denver where you can find dinosaur tracks, such as Skyline Drive near Canon City or Picketwire Canyon near La Junta. The hike to the tracks in La Junta is an 11.5-mile round trip, so be prepared for a bit of a trek!
11. Visit the Wildflower Capital: Crested Butte
Finally, don’t miss the chance to visit Crested Butte, known as the capital of wildflowers in the United States. The town is especially vibrant during its Wildflower Festival, where you can find fields of colorful blooms everywhere you look. The town itself is adorned with flowers, making it a picturesque destination. I’ll include a link below to some great hiking trails where you can see various wildflowers, including Snodgrass Trail and the Lupine Trail.
That wraps up my 2025 bucket list of things to do in Colorado! I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and found inspiration for your next adventure. If you want to see more of Colorado, be sure to check out my free map on this site or visit my You tube page, you can see a video on this exact topic here.
