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5 Reasons Colorado Should Be on Your Bucket List in 2023

There are many beautiful places to visit in Colorado, and so many Colorado Bucket List experiences to explore, that you could spend months experiencing the eighth-largest state in the United States and never get bored.

Even though we could virtually list over a thousand bucket list destinations to visit, there are five exceptional reasons that Colorado should be on your bucket list in 2023.

1. Outdoor Explorers Paradise

Colorado is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Simply put, the Centennial State knows how to put on quite a show when it comes to gorgeous views and outdoor escapades. Known for its towering snow-capped peaks, world-class winter sports, and stunning alpine lakes that look as though they came straight out of a painting, Colorado isn’t short of jaw-droppingly beautiful places to see.

Explore New Heights, Become a ‘14er

Colorado has 58 mountains at least 14,000 ft high. A ‘14er is someone who has a bucket list goal to climb each of them. If a full day of hiking isn’t your thing, you can “climb” Mt. Evans or Pikes Peak in an ordinary passenger vehicle.

If mountain heights make you weak, check out Colorado State Parks for numerous lower-level hikes, river rafting excursions, zipline rides, hunting, fishing, and winter sports opportunities. These parks and wildlife areas have outdoor experiences for every season.

2. Soak in the Hot Springs

Blessed with volcanically formed mountains and abounding geothermal activity, Colorado has many options to soak in naturally-fed hot spring pools. Sites range from developed facilities to backcountry streams, so soaking in a natural hot spring can be as rustic or luxurious as you wish.

For the spa experience, towns like Ouray, Glenwood Springs, and Steamboat Springs are your best bet, although they require an entry fee. The spa experience is a perfect way to soak in the healing mineral waters after a day of hiking and spending time outdoors.

If you’d rather hike down to a natural pool, check out Radium Hot Springs near Kremmling or Piedra River Hot Springs near Pagosa Springs. Visiting some hot springs off the beaten path will allow you to see less explored corners of Colorado.

BEST VALUE

3. National Parks & Monuments

Many people have the bucket list goal of visiting each national park in the USA. Colorado has its fair share of these spectacular sites, with four parks designated as National Parks and another nine National Monuments.

Those 13 places of beauty and history are enough to keep you busy for months. Visit Colorado and cross these destinations off your bucket list!

Mesa Verde National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Chimney Rock National Monument
Yucca House National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Brown's Canyon National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Colorado National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Camp Hale/Continental Divide National Monument

4. Drive the Million Dollar Highway

While the Million Dollar Highway may not be a destination in itself, the ideal way to spend an epic few days road-tripping in Colorado is by driving down one of the most scenic roads in North America. Being part of the San Juan Skyway, this dreamy highway loops 233 miles across some of the most sought-after towns in Colorado: Ouray, Telluride, Durango, and Ridgeway.

Along the way, drivers enjoy sites of the Uncompahgre Gorge, Idarado Mine, Animas River, San Juan National Forest, Haviland Lake, Elektra Lake, Twilight Peak, Red Mountain Pass, and more views that make up the American West.

Those with history on their bucket list will enjoy early mining towns and structures. In addition, the historic towns of Ouray and Silverton offer visitors lodging, dining, shopping, and various outdoor activities.

While you could complete the 25-mile drive in under two hours, for the best experience, allow yourself at least two days to make stops at each destination. Hit a trail or two, experience local history, or plan to make an overnight stop at each town.

5. Festivals & Concerts

If you enjoy getting together with like-minded people, Colorado has a festival for every season, hobby, and interest.

Get in the groove as you listen to your favorite artist. Visit the Music Festival Guide for upcoming concerts and events all around the state.

Enthusiasts can enjoy a series of Art Festivals and celebrations throughout the summer and fall. From Denver's historic Park Hill, the Highlands neighborhood, or Evergreen Mountain Art Celebration in the historic foothills, Colorado is an excellent place for celebrating artisans.

In July, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is the best way to see Colorado wildflowers at their peak. Small and stunning in groups, why not appreciate the scenic beauty of these little blossoms?

Whether you view the majesty or take a ride, you can experience a high-flying adventure at a Hot Air Balloon Festival from July through November. Try one or all of these seven events in 2023.

July: Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, Steamboat Springs
August: Moffat County Balloon Festival, Craig
September: Labor Day Lift Off, Colorado Springs
September: Creede Colorado Balloon Festival
September: Colorfest Balloon Rally, Pagosa Springs
September: Snowmass Balloon Festival, Snowmass
November: Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival, Rocky Ford

Even though seeing what Colorado offers would take an entire lifetime, these are some of the best reasons to put Colorado on your bucket list destination for 2023 and experience some of the best this wonderful state offers.

Have you ever been to Colorado? What are some other must-see stops on your bucket list?