Colorado is the birthplace of many of the West’s waterways. Pristine water, secluded locations and hundreds of lakes combine for the perfect on-water getaway. Canoe, kayak, raft or tube down a stretch of our iconic rivers, both roaring whitewater and unhurried currents are easily found. Other popular activities include fishing from the banks of a dogwood-lined stream, water skiing across the open expanses of a prairie reservoir or dipping toes in the shallows of a high-mountain pond.

Photo location: Alta Lakes, Telluride, Colorado

You can find quite a bit at the end of a climbing rope in Colorado, including your determination, perseverance and inspiration. Colorado has rock climbing locations peppered throughout the state. If you don’t know a belay from a carabineer, the state’s many fully trained and experienced guides can get you set up on your first ascent. If you’re a seasoned pro, new challenges are always found at the heights of the Rocky Mountains.

Photo location: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Not all enviable ski hills in Colorado are covered in snow. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, near Alamosa, is popular with sandboarders. The amount of activities in Colorado is surprising, and we’re always coming up with new ways to enjoy the bounty.

Photo location: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca, Colorado

Travel Colorado as a family and share in moment-defining locations, like the aptly named Garden of the Gods. Bring everyone closer together by hiking to a back country lake, bicycling a scenic trail, rafting an easy-going river, camping under a starry sky or just relaxing into your surroundings as a family.

Photo location: Garden on the Gods, Colorado Springs

From roaring rapids to mild floats, Colorado’s rafting experiences are varied. For extended adventure, consider a multi-day trip with a fully licensed guide service. Or, if you want to take your angling up a notch, try fly-fishing aboard an oar boat, piloted by a trout-fishing expert. Throughout Colorado, you can find a rafting outfitter sure to treat you to a thrill.

Photo location: Brown’s Canyon

Colorado’s viticulture is making a name for itself in the world of wine. Tour one of the state’s many vineyards, taste Colorado-grown varietals and discover why sunshine, soil and knowhow are making waves with industry experts. Raise your glass to Colorado and enjoy our award-winning wines.

Photo location: Sutcliffe Vineyards, Cortez, Colorado

Between our 10 national parks and monuments, 42 state parks and hundreds of thousands of acres of national forests and grasslands, finding a spot to pitch a tent in Colorado is easy. Whether you’re searching for solitude or need the creature comforts of an established campground, we’ve got you covered.

Photo location: Telluride, Colorado

Our 26 ski and snowboard areas are easily accessible from just about anywhere in Colorado, so finding yourself on an unforgettable steep or in the midst of a powdery bowl or skill-challenging moguls is easy. Colorado is proud of every inch of its 40,000 skiable acres, and you should be too. Somewhere among this snowy terrain you’ll not only find fun, but you’ll be given an experience even Olympian-level skiers find unique. Discover skiing and snowboarding areas in Colorado, as well as a number of other snowy diversions.

Photo location: Olympic Bowl on Aspen Highlands, Aspen

Won’t the people back at work be jealous when you’re laying tracks in Colorado’s 40,000 acres of skiable terrain? With 26 skiing and snowboarding areas, there’s room enough for vacation stories to fill an entire album or two. Sky-scraping Rocky Mountain peaks, crisp blue skies and lush groves of evergreens dominate Colorado’s landscape, and when you’ve found the perfect line down an incredible mountain run, your heart races, your palms sweat and a welcomed smile grows. Find a favorite place to ski in Colorado at any of our wildly renowned ski areas.

Photo location: Spaulding Bowl on Copper Mountain

Colorado winter escapes aren’t all about tall mountain drops and high adrenaline adventure. Sometimes the best way to fall in love with a place is to slow down, look around and find your own slice of solitude. Cross-country skiing throughout Colorado’s many trails and back country provides unparalleled vistas that come complete with a welcomed sense of accomplishment. If you’re new to cross-country skiing, consider a class or guided adventure, and if you’re an expert, then lay first tracks or follow groomed tracks along miles of trails.

Photo location: River Run Trail, Ashcroft