4 Amazing Things to Do in Colorado

Hosting most of the southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado is known for its variety of settings including deep canyons, a powerful river, plateaus, mesas, alpine meadows, deserts and dunes. You have plenty of scope to undertake a variety of activities from hiking through the canyons up lush mountains in the summer to participating in the numerous festivals and offerings held in the capital city, Denver. As such there are so many things to do in Colorado. But here are some top picks.

1. Cliff Palace and Balcony House

Once you arrive in Colorado, keep your luggage in one of the many superb Colorado lodges, and head out to visit Cliff Palace and Balcony House which are ancient cliff residences of the ancient Pueblo Indians in the 12th and 13th centuries. Situated in Mesa Verde National Park, both these are World Heritage Sites and also National Monuments. There are 45 rooms and 2 kivas (ovens) in the Balcony House which can be accessed only on ranger-guided tours. You’ll have to climb a 32-foot ladder and crawl through a 12-foot tunnel to access the wonderful structure. This limited accessibility made the Balcony House easy to defend against enemies.

Cliff Palace was built in the cliff face with mortar, sandstone blocks and wooden beams. There were once 150 rooms and 25 kivas in this edifice and it was probably used for celebrations. This monument too can be accessed only on a ranger-guided tour.

2. Denver Botanic Gardens

Get a soothing feeling with the western North America’s best plant life and gardens in the Denver Botanic Gardens spread over 24 acres and highlighting the drought-resistant native western flora. Ornamental displays are also available of perennial beauties including roses, irises and daylilies.

3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

A rail line from the mining town of Silverton, Colorado to the railroad town of Durango was started in 1882 so as to transport gold and silver. The railway originally carried ore, cowboys, miners and settlers, and now it transports tourists on an original train on the very same line. The four and a half hours tour is 45-mile long. It’s still coal-fired and goes winding along the narrow mountain paths and through the canyons.

4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a must-visit in Colorado because it’s dedicated to captive breeding of endangered species, conservation and comprehensive animal care. Located on the slope of a mountain it offers fabulous views along with animal viewing.

And there are many more! So, when are you planning a visit to Colorado?