Colorado doesn’t just give you scenery...it gives you space. Space to breathe, to be small in the best way, and to fall headlong into adventure or stillness depending on the day. During my many trips here, I traveled across the state from canyons to cities, mountaintop gondolas to hidden gardens, and every place felt like a conversation between land and sky. Somewhere between the edge of a suspension bridge and a train echoing through the Rockies, I thought, "Colorado doesn’t try to impress—it just shows up as itself, and that’s enough."
Best Things to Do in Colorado
Hanging above it all at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Walking across the Royal Gorge Bridge felt like floating. The wind was sharp, the sky was wide open, and beneath my feet? Just the Arkansas River carving its way through the canyon floor, nearly a thousand feet below. I took my time crossing the suspension bridge, heart racing and hands gripping the cables as I looked out over layers of red rock and thought, "Some places remind you just how much you’re capable of handling."
At the far end, I lingered to watch the gondola glide silently over the gorge and watched thrill-seekers brave the sky coaster. I didn’t ride it—but I admired the ones who did. The whole place hums with energy, but it also offers room to reflect if you stop moving long enough.
After the adrenaline wore off, I headed to Pizza Madness in nearby Cañon City. I had their “Madness Combo” loaded with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers—greasy in all the best ways. I sat under their outdoor patio string lights, tired in that good way, and full in more ways than one.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at Royal Gorge Cabins, just minutes from the park entrance. My modern cabin had mountain views, a fire pit, and that perfect mix of rustic and refined. Waking up with coffee on the porch and the canyon air still clinging to my jacket—unforgettable.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park At a Glance
- Location: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212
- Vibe: Bold, awe-inspiring, high-adrenaline
- Highlights: Suspension bridge, gondola, zip line, sky coaster, epic views
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for milder temps and full attraction access
- Cost: ~$32 adults, discounts for kids and seniors
- Hours: Varies by season, generally 10am–6pm; check their website
- Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and get clear morning views—afternoon haze creeps in fast
Riding through time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
I didn’t just ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad—I slipped into a different century. The train pulled out of the station with a gentle lurch, its whistle echoing through the Animas River Valley as coal smoke curled into the sky. The windows rattled as we curved along cliffs and over rivers, and I found myself leaning against the frame, thinking, "This is how people used to see the world—slowly, and with wonder."
The scenery was jaw-dropping: pine-covered mountains, waterfalls tumbling down sheer rock faces, and that wild Colorado sky stretched over it all. But it wasn’t just the view—it was the rhythm. The sway of the train, the clatter of the tracks, the shared quiet of passengers as the landscape unfolded like a moving painting.
After the ride, I explored the attached museum—old locomotives, mining relics, and hands-on exhibits that made history feel real. I could’ve stayed longer, but hunger was calling.
I headed to Steamworks Brewing Company in downtown Durango and ordered their signature Colorado Kolsch with a bison burger piled high with smoked cheddar and chipotle aioli. The beer was crisp, the burger messy, and I didn’t mind one bit. I sat outside and let the sounds of the train yard and town mix together into something unforgettable.
Where I Stayed: I checked into General Palmer Hotel, a historic Victorian just steps from the station. Ornate chandeliers, clawfoot tubs, and velvet drapes made it feel like the perfect extension of the day’s journey. I drifted off to sleep half expecting to wake up in the 1800s.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad At a Glance
- Location: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
- Vibe: Historic, scenic, nostalgic
- Highlights: Vintage steam train, dramatic mountain views, attached museum
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall; fall foliage makes the route unforgettable
- Cost: ~$100–$130 round-trip depending on class and season
- Hours: Multiple departures daily; check website for schedule
- Tip: Book the open-air car for the best views—but bring a jacket, even in summer
Finding calm in color at the Denver Botanic Gardens
By the time I stepped through the gates of the Denver Botanic Gardens, the noise of the city had softened. It’s amazing how fast the world shifts when you’re surrounded by Japanese maples, the whisper of water features, and flowerbeds that look like living paintings. I wandered without a map, letting my feet follow the fragrance of lilacs and the shimmer of sunlit ponds. Somewhere near the Monet Pool, I paused and thought, "This is the kind of place that reminds you to pay attention."
From the arid beauty of the xeriscape garden to the tropical stillness of the conservatory, every path felt like a story told in scent and color. I sat for a while in the Shady Lane garden, journal in hand, and let my mind go quiet for the first time all day.
After the walk, I headed to Hive Garden Bistro, tucked right inside the gardens. I ordered a chilled cucumber gazpacho and a roasted turkey sandwich with local greens and lemon aioli. I sat beneath an umbrella overlooking the green, savoring every bite while bees worked the blossoms just beyond the railing.
Where I Stayed: I checked into The Halcyon in nearby Cherry Creek—modern, relaxed, and full of thoughtful touches like record players in the rooms and free cruiser bikes. It was just a short ride from the gardens, and after a day so rooted in beauty, it felt like the right kind of retreat to come back to.
Denver Botanic Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
- Vibe: Lush, curated, calming
- Highlights: Japanese Garden, Monet Pool, conservatory, seasonal blooms
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for peak color and outdoor exhibits
- Cost: ~$15 adults; discounts for students, seniors, and children
- Hours: Open daily, 9am–8pm (varies seasonally)
- Tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest—arrive early and bring a camera
Finding stillness in strokes at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
I didn’t expect to get emotional in a gallery—but then I found myself standing in front of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting, light pouring through the windows at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. The museum isn’t huge, but it’s thoughtful—each room curated with intention, blending Native American artifacts, contemporary works, and Southwestern color in ways that feel layered and alive. I moved slowly, letting brushstrokes and textures do their quiet work. I remember thinking, "Art doesn’t raise its voice—but it still changes you."
Upstairs, I found bold abstracts and a few unexpected pieces from regional artists that left me scribbling lines in my notebook. The whole place feels like it belongs to the land around it—textured, warm, a little wild.
Afterward, I walked over to Good Neighbors Meeting House, a cozy neighborhood café a few blocks away. I ordered the lavender latte and their housemade breakfast burrito with green chile—it was hearty, spicy, and deeply satisfying. I sat near the window watching locals filter in with sketchbooks, laptops, and dogs in tow. It felt like the kind of place where art follows you out the door.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at Kinship Landing, a modern boutique stay with minimalist design and big windows that pulled the mountains into the room. The hotel has a rooftop patio and a warm, welcoming lobby—equal parts coffee shop, workspace, and conversation hub. It felt like an extension of the gallery, just with softer lighting and better pillows.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center At a Glance
- Location: 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Vibe: Artistic, intimate, reflective
- Highlights: American Southwest art, Native collections, regional exhibitions, live theater
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for natural light and quiet galleries
- Cost: ~$10 adults; discounts for students, seniors, and military
- Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday 10am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the sculpture garden outside—it’s small but soulful
Wandering through bloom and color at CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens
There are places that slow you down without even trying—and the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens is one of them. I walked in thinking I’d stay for twenty minutes and ended up strolling among rows of blossoms for over an hour. The gardens are alive with hundreds of varieties—petunias, zinnias, sunflowers, all being tested for hardiness and beauty under Colorado’s blazing sun. I leaned in to smell a row of marigolds and thought, "This is what generosity looks like in nature—no holding back."
Set right on the edge of the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, the gardens are free and open to everyone. That’s part of what makes them so special—they belong to the people. I wandered the pathways, notebook in hand, watching bees do their work and couples hold hands in quiet delight. It was colorful, yes—but also kind.
Afterward, I walked to Little Bird Bakeshop in Old Town Fort Collins. I ordered a seasonal quiche with local greens and a lemon lavender scone to go, paired with a cardamom-spiced cold brew. Sitting on their shaded patio with flower scents still clinging to my clothes, I felt more restored than any spa day could offer.
Where I Stayed: I booked a night at The Armstrong Hotel, a charming boutique stay in downtown Fort Collins. The vintage vibe, cozy bar downstairs, and record player in the room gave it a lived-in elegance I didn’t know I needed. Just a short walk to both the gardens and downtown, it was perfectly placed—and perfectly paced.
CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 1401 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
- Vibe: Bright, open, cheerful
- Highlights: 1,000+ flower varieties on display, pollinator activity, seasonal plant trials
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for full bloom display
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Tip: Visit mid-morning for bright light, fewer crowds, and lively pollinator activity
Rising above it all on the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola
Boarding the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola felt less like a ride and more like entering a new rhythm. As the car lifted slowly above the valley, the town of Telluride grew smaller, while the mountains grew closer. The air thinned. The light changed. The quiet settled in. I watched the peaks roll by in all directions, and somewhere between the valley floor and Station St. Sophia, I thought, "This is what it means to let go of gravity."
The ride was free, but the views felt priceless—alpine meadows, forested ridgelines, and golden light hitting snowy caps in the distance. I stepped off at the top and walked a short trail to a lookout where I stood alone, breathless in more ways than one. Sometimes, the journey really is the destination.
After the ride, I stopped in Mountain Village at La Piazza del Villaggio, a cozy Italian bistro tucked into the plaza. I had the wild mushroom risotto and a glass of dry rosé, with the gondola gliding silently above me. The food was rich, the air crisp, and I felt fully present—tucked into the mountains and the moment.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at Madeline Hotel & Residences, just steps from the gondola. Fire pits glowed on the terrace, and soft robes and mountain views met me in the room. After a long soak in the outdoor hot tub under a starlit sky, I crawled into bed with the windows cracked open to let the high-altitude breeze say goodnight.
Telluride Mountain Village Gondola At a Glance
- Location: Connects downtown Telluride and Mountain Village
- Vibe: Serene, scenic, elevated—literally and figuratively
- Highlights: Free public gondola, panoramic views, mid-station access to trails and ski slopes
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for hiking and foliage; winter for ski access
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily, 6:30am–midnight (varies slightly by season)
- Tip: Ride it at sunset—it’s quiet, golden, and completely unforgettable
Letting Colorado stay with me
Colorado didn’t rush me—and that’s what I loved most. From suspension bridges and steam trains to mountaintop gondolas and quiet galleries, this state gives you space to breathe, reflect, and feel small in all the right ways. I didn’t just see the views—I felt them. In my chest, in my steps, in the way I slept deeper at every elevation.
Each place I visited had its own rhythm—some bold and breathtaking, others hushed and rooted. And somewhere between a flower garden in Fort Collins and a risotto dinner in Telluride, I realized: this wasn’t a trip I needed to pack up and leave behind. It was a pace I wanted to carry with me.
Colorado gives you more than scenery. It gives you presence. And I’m already dreaming of when I’ll be back.