Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>On Aug. 1, 2021, the state of Colorado turned 145 years old! In honor of that, we came up with 145 ways to celebrate — whether you prefer to adventure in the great outdoors, immerse yourself in history and culture or hit up locally loved eateries and drinkeries.</p>


145 Ways to Celebrate Colorado: Spring & Summer

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The Balcony House at Mesa Verde National Park

Kayaker at FIBArk — America's Oldest Whitewater Festival

Sand sledding at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Wildflowers in Crested Butte

Dancers at Denver's Cinco de Mayo Festival

The Pawnee Buttes

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<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/ways-celebrate-colorado-fall-winter">Find the other half of the list and explore ways to celebrate Colorado’s birthday in fall and winter</a></p>
<h2><strong>Spring</strong></h2>
<ul><li>Walk in dinosaurs’ footsteps at <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=77620">Picketwire Canyonlands</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/la-junta">La Junta</a>) or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/dinosaur-national-monument">Dinosaur National Monument</a>, which offers several accessible trails, pathways, picnic sites, overlooks and exhibits (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/dinosaur">Dinosaur</a>).</li>
<li>Snap a pic of the beehive-shaped historical <a href="https://www.carbondale.com/destination/historic-redstone-castle-coke-ovens/">coke ovens</a> near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/redstone">Redstone</a>.</li>
<li>Make sparkly springtime snow fly while wearing short sleeves at one of our <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-ski-resorts-snows-perfect-state">28 ski resorts</a>, many of which have <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-ski-school-learn-ski-snowboard-colorado">ski-school programs</a> and offer adaptable lessons.</li>
<li>Drive the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotspringsloop">Historic Hot Springs Loop</a>, taking a dip in every pool along the way.</li>
<li>Capture pink-hued sunsets from patios at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/source-hotel">The Source Hotel</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a>), Acreage by <a href="/denver/stem-ciders">Stem Ciders</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lafayette">Lafayette</a>) or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/westin-riverfront-resort-spa-avon-vail-valley">Maya</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/avon">Avon</a>).</li>
<li>View the soaring steeples of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/historic-sitelandmark/shrine-stations-cross">Shrine of the Stations of the Cross</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/san-luis">San Luis</a>) and explore the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/region/mystic-san-luis-valley">Mystic San Luis Valley</a>.</li>
<li>Spot bighorn sheep — our state mammal! — on <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/guanella-pass">Guanella Pass scenic byway</a> (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/georgetown">Georgetown</a>).</li>
<li>Interact with living historians in period dress at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/historic-forts-homes/bents-old-fort-national-historic-site">Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site</a>, a reconstructed 1840s fur-trading post (La Junta). <strong>Tip: </strong>Check the fort's official website for when it's open while you're planning; its hours can change during different seasons. </li>
<li>Stand in four states at once at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/discover-four-corners-region-things-do">Four Corners National Monument</a> (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/cortez">Cortez</a>).</li>
<li>Make your way across the rushing Arkansas River on the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/amusementwater-park/royal-gorge-bridge-park">Royal Gorge Bridge</a> — one of the world’s highest suspension bridges (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/canon-city">Cañon City</a>).</li>
<li>Feed a giraffe or meet a two-toed sloth at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/zooanimal-attraction/cheyenne-mountain-zoo">Cheyenne Mountain Zoo</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a>).</li>
<li>Hike past bluffs and across prairie grasses to the peaceful <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=32178">Pawnee Buttes</a> (Keota).</li>
<li>Drive the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/trail-ancients">Trail of the Ancients scenic byway</a> to take in Native American history and stunning vistas of sandstone canyons and sage-scented mesas.</li>
<li>Sample rattlesnake and bison steaks at our oldest restaurant, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/buckhorn-exchange-restaurant">The Buckhorn Exchange</a> (Denver).</li>
<li>Grab a bag of popcorn and check out <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/movies-colorado-film-locations-across-state">filming locations across Colorado</a>  — think Tarentino’s “The Hateful 8” (Telluride) and “Thelma and Louise” (near Gateway).</li>
<li>Bag a <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/3-big-reasons-bag-colorado-thirteener">thirteener</a>, aka a 13,000-foot peak. We have more than 600 to choose from!</li>
<li>Whip down the <a href="https://visitpalisade.com/portfolio-item/palisade-plunge-32-miles-downhill-backcountry-singletrack-bliss/">Palisade Plunge</a> — 32 miles of downhill singletrack thrills — on a mountain bike (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/palisade">Palisade</a>).</li>
<li>Explore the African American ghost town of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/ghost-towns/dearfield-ghost-town">Dearfield</a> — established as an entrepreneurial agricultural center and inspired by a movement led by Booker T. Washington.</li>
<li>Tour Cliff Palace and other ancient Native American dwellings at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/mesa-verde-national-park-itinerary">Mesa Verde National Park</a> (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/mancos">Mancos</a>).</li>
<li>Look out for lions, tigers, bears — not to mention jaguars, wolves, coati mundi and more — at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/wildlife-viewingrefuges/wild-animal-sanctuary">Wild Animal Sanctuary</a> (Keenesburg).</li>
<li>Go food-hall hoppin’ at <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/mango-house-aurora">Mango House</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/aurora">Aurora</a>), <a href="https://rosettahall.com/">Rosetta Hall</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a>) or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/casual-dining/the-exchange">The Exchange</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a>).</li>
<li>Reserve a permit and hike to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/hiking-hanging-lake-colorado">Hanging Lake</a>, a majestic National Natural Landmark known for trickling waterfalls and turquoise-blue waters (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/glenwood-springs">Glenwood Springs</a>).</li>
<li>Contemplate the flamboyant mating dance of Greater Prairie Chickens on an <a href="https://www.wraychamber.net/greater-prairie-chicken-tours#!event-list">accessible viewing tour</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/wray">Wray</a>).</li>
<li>Sip craft beers under a bluebird sky at <a href="https://brewelizabeth.com/">The Elizabeth Brewing Company</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/elizabeth">Elizabeth</a>), <a href="https://www.colorado.com/breweries/hogshead-brewery">Hogshead Brewery</a> (Denver) or <a href="https://www.atrevidabeerco.com/home">Atrevida Beer Co.</a> (Colorado Springs).</li>
<li>Examine the stalagmite-like formations of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/wilderness/wheeler-geologic-area">Wheeler Geologic Area</a> (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/creede">Creede</a>).</li>
<li>Traverse towering, red-walled canyons along Rim Rock Drive in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-national-monument">Colorado National Monument,</a> which offers ample sightseeing fun for all ability levels (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fruita">Fruita</a>).</li>
<li>Get an Instagram-worthy shot of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/art-galleries/canos-castle">Cano’s Castle</a> — a towering structure made of beer cans and scrap metal (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/antonito">Antonito</a>).</li>
<li>Stroll the short-and-sweet <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/isak-heartstone-trail">Trollstigen Trail</a> where you’ll meet Isak Heartstone — a friendly troll and one of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/learn-about-colorados-mythical-creatures-where-spot-them">Colorado’s many mythical creatures</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a>).</li>
<li>Climb 2,000 feet of elevation in under 1 mile at <a href="https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/outdoors/manitou-incline-near-colorado-springs-colorado/">Manitou Incline</a> before refueling at one of the many local eateries in charming <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/manitou-springs">Manitou Springs</a>.</li>
<li>Savor pillowy frybread at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/tocabe">Tocabe</a>, one of the only Native American-owned restaurants in the country (Denver).</li>
<li>Catch hefty trout in our many Gold Medal rivers and streams with the help of skilled local guides like <a href="https://www.tumblingtrout.com/">Tumbling Trout</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lake-george">Lake George)</a> or Damsels on the Fly (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/winter-park">Winter Park</a>).</li>
<li>Get swept up in the excitement of the opening-ceremony exhibit at the new <a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/us-olympic-paralympic-museum">United States Olympic &amp; Paralympic Museum</a> (Colorado Springs).</li>
<li>Take a free guided tour and watch coins being made at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/tours/denver-mint">Denver Mint</a>.</li>
<li>People-watch over cocktails in Denver’s historical <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/union-station-things-see-do">Union Station</a>.</li>
<li>Soak up the colors of a magical sunset over rugged rock formations at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/garden-gods-6-fun-things-do">Garden of the Gods Park</a> (Colorado Springs).</li>
<li>Find treasures and sweet deals at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/antique-thrift-shopping-colorado">antique and thrift shops in Colorado</a>.</li>
<li>Celebrate Mexican culture and heritage with music, dancing, art and cuisine at the <a href="https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/spring-summer/cinco-de-mayo/">Denver Cinco de Mayo Festival</a>.</li>
</ul>

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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2><strong>Summer</strong></h2>
<ul><li>Ascend into fresh alpine air on the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/estes-park">Estes Park</a> <a href="https://www.colorado.com/amusement-parks/aerial-tramway">Aerial Tramway</a>.</li>
<li>Spend a sunny day tubing in Clear Creek Canyon (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a>).</li>
<li>Visit <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/location/winks-panorama-winks-lodge">Winks Panorama</a> — one of the few mountain resorts open to Black Americans during the 1925–1965 segregation era in the Rocky Mountain West — to see where visionaries like Langston Hughes, Lena Horne, Count Basie and Duke Ellington stayed (Lincoln Hills).</li>
<li>Admire the blooms at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/botanical-garden/betty-ford-alpine-gardens">Betty Ford Alpine Gardens</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/vail">Vail</a>) or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/botanical-garden/denver-botanic-gardens">Chatfield Farms</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/littleton">Littleton</a>)</li>
<li>Go sand surfing or cruising in a special sand wheelchair at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a> (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/alamosa">Alamosa</a>).</li>
<li>Cross the Continental Divide on <a href="https://www.colorado.com/trail-ridge-road">Trail Ridge Road scenic byway</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/rocky-mountain-national-park-colorado">Rocky Mountain National Park</a>.</li>
<li>Hike part of the 500-mile-long <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/hiking-colorado-trail">Colorado Trail</a>. Pick up Segment 1 in Waterton Canyon near Denver where the first 4 miles are a wide, well-packed natural surface with minimal elevation gain (about 40 feet per mile) and there’s even an accessible fishing pier.</li>
<li>Marvel at ancient rock art on a twilight tour with the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museums/ute-indian-museum">Ute Indian Museum</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/montrose">Montrose</a>).</li>
<li>Ride the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/experience-magic-colorados-pikes-peak-train">Broadmoor Manitou &amp; Pikes Peak Cog Railway</a> and snack on high-altitude doughnuts at the 14,107-foot summit of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/pikes-peak-things-see-do">America’s Mountain</a> (Manitou Springs).</li>
<li>Stop and smell the roses at the <a href="http://www.flowertrials.colostate.edu/">Annual Flower Trial Garden</a> (Fort Collins).</li>
<li>Catch a show or run the steps at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/red-rocks-amphitheatre-6-things-see-do">Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/morrison">Morrison</a>).</li>
<li>Ride an intricately painted antique horse on the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museums/kit-carson-county-carousel-museum">Kit Carson County Carousel</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/burlington">Burlington</a>).</li>
<li>Savor juicy seasonal <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/12-months-colorado-dining">produce</a> — from Palisade peaches and Olathe sweet corn to Pueblo chiles and Rocky Ford melons — at u-pick farms, roadside stands and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-farmers-markets-whats-fresh-summer">farmers’ markets</a> across the state.</li>
<li>Ogle roaring cascades at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/hidden-colorado-gem-zapata-falls">Zapata Falls</a> (Alamosa) or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/11-colorado-waterfalls">South Mineral Creek Falls</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a>).</li>
<li>Book an athlete-guided tour and spot future medalists training at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/tours/united-states-olympic-paralympic-training-center">U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Training Center</a> (Colorado Springs).</li>
<li>Enjoy a week in the pastoral paradise of one of the state’s many <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/find-your-perfect-colorado-dude-ranch-adventure">dude ranches</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/coloradostargazing">Stargaze</a> at Colorado's internationally designated Dark Sky Parks.</li>
<li>Don your classiest Stetson and mosey on over to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/beyond-national-western-stock-show-rodeos-colorado">rodeos across the state</a>.</li>
<li><a href="/blog">Spice up your stay</a> in a hostel, chalet, glamping tent or even a mermaid’s cottage.</li>
<li>Escape the season and get a glimpse of snow in the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/hidden-colorado-gem-never-summer-wilderness">Never Summer Wilderness</a>.</li>
<li>Truck on the highest paved road in North America — <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/mount-evans">Mount Blue Sky scenic byway</a> — and wave “hello” to mountain goats as you go by.</li>
<li>Fly high on a postcard-worthy <a href="https://www.colorado.com/activities/ballooning">hot-air balloon</a> followed by a Champagne toast, a centuries-old ballooning tradition.</li>
<li>Appreciate Native American culture and the diverse traditions and heritage of different tribal nations at a <a href="http://calendar.powwows.com/events/categories/pow-wows/pow-wows-in-colorado/">traditional powwow</a>.</li>
<li>Peep mountain plovers and burrowing owls on the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/wildlife-viewing-experiences-colorado">Colorado Birding Trail</a>.</li>
<li>Check out the annual <a href="http://fibark.com/">FIBArk Festival</a> where kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders and rafters compete in the mighty Arkansas River (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/salida">Salida</a>).</li>
<li>Strike it rich at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-mine-tours-gold-rush-towns">mine tours</a> in historic gold-rush towns around the state.</li>
<li>Perfect your <a href="https://www.colorado.com/activities/stand-up-paddleboarding">stand-up paddleboard</a> balance on rippling Big Soda Lake (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lakewood">Lakewood</a>) or Horseshoe Reservoir (Fort Collins). Don't forget your <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/safety">life vest</a>!</li>
<li>Looking for <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/adventurous-adaptive-summer-sports-colorado">adaptive outdoors programs</a>? Get ready to hike, bike, rock climb, fish, whitewater raft and more with numerous organizations across the state. Scope out summer events and classes from <a href="https://tellurideadaptivesports.org/our-programs/summer/">Telluride Adaptive Outdoors</a>, <a href="https://www.adaptivesports.org/adventures/summer-adventures">Adaptive Sports Center</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/crested-butte">Crested Butte</a>), <a href="https://nscd.org/participate/">National Sports Center for the Disabled</a> (Denver and Winter Park), <a href="https://adaptiveadventures.org/">Adaptive Adventures</a> (Lakewood) and <a href="http://asadurango.com/">Adaptive Sports Association</a> (Durango).</li>
<li>Camp out at sites in all of Colorado’s colorful landscapes, from deserts and mountains to prairies and forests.</li>
<li>Canoe across the heavenly and aptly named <a href="https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/explore/lakes-and-rivers/shadow-mountain-lake">Shadow Mountain Lake</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/granby">Granby</a>).</li>
<li>Whoop it up while <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/complete-guide-whitewater-rafting-colorado">whitewater rafting</a> on nearly 20 different rivers.</li>
<li>Peer into the depths of cavernous <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/explore-black-canyon-gunnison-national-park-what-you-need-know">Black Canyon of the Gunnison</a> (near Montrose).</li>
<li>Catch a flick at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/theaters/tru-vu-drive">Tru Vu Drive-in</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/delta">Delta</a>) or <a href="https://www.88drivein.net/">88 Drive-In Theater</a> (Henderson).</li>
<li>Visit one of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/activities/colorado-state-parks">Colorado’s 43 state parks</a> — each spectacular in its own way. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/pine/scenic-attractions/state-parks/staunton-state-park">Staunton</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/brighton/scenic-attractions/state-parks/barr-lake-state-park">Barr Lake</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/ridgway/scenic-attractions/state-parks/ridgway-state-park">Ridgway</a> offer sweet all-terrain Action Trackchairs that are perfect for exploring trails, while Ridgway State Park also has floating wheelchairs that can be used at its swim beaches. (Note: It's a good idea to call ahead to reserve chairs.)</li>
<li>Take a boat tour on the glassy water at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/boatingsailing/curecanti-national-recreation-area">Curecanti National Recreation Area</a> (near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/gunnison">Gunnison</a>).</li>
<li>Rip down <a href="https://www.colorado.com/equipment-rentals/copper-mountain-resort">Copper Mountain</a>’s Rocky Mountain Coaster, the Alpine Coaster at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/adventure-tourism/glenwood-caverns-adventure-park">Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park</a> (Glenwood Springs) or the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/ziplining-aerial-parks/mustang-mountain-coaster">Mustang Mountain Coaster</a> (Estes Park).</li>
<li>Take an explosively colorful hike in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/2-days-gunnison-crested-butte">Crested Butte</a>, Colorado’s wildflower capital.</li>
</ul><h2><strong>Want More? </strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/11-quintessential-summer-festivals-colorado">Check out these 11 quintessentially Coloradan summer festivals</a><br /><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/5-things-do-colorado-summers-over">Don't miss these five summer must-dos</a></p>
