Colorado Bucket List: Top 10 Creative Travel Experiences
With year-round activities, inspiring landscapes, and a thriving creative community, Colorful Colorado is a must for creative travelers. Here are the top 10 creative travel experiences for your Colorado bucket list.
Colorado is notable for its diverse geography, rich creative culture, and endless outdoor activities to stay healthy, happy, and wise. Many creatives have traveled and lived in this colorful state to aid in their creative process. Picking things to do can be a challenge in a state that offers so many benefits for the creative mind. These are some of the best things to do to experience the most and best Colorado has to offer and inspire creativity.
Whether you’re planning a creative retreat or family vacation, personalize your trip with unique and creative Airbnbs and personalize your trip to match your creative travel goals and get the most out of your visit.
Why Travel To Colorado
- Well-Being
- Nature
- Unique Experiences
- Cultural Exchange
- Educational
- Play
Colorado has attracted and inspired creative minds since its founding. Throughout history, creative minds like Nikola Tesla, Oscar Wilde, Oprah Winfrey, Jack Kerouac, and many, many more have made Colorado home to support their creativity and well-being. With many unique features, creative travelers can customize their Colorado trips to fit all types of creative retreats and vacations to achieve their creative goals.
Four National Parks
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Well-Being
- Unique Experience
- Educational
They don’t call it Colorful Colorado for nothing. The landscapes and nature are something to be enjoyed year-round, with each season having a new array of colors and unique experiences. Some of the most unique and jaw-dropping destinations are the four national parks and celebrated natural wonders of the US.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Named after the mountain range it sits in, this park is one of the best in the US. Experience breathtaking mountains, alpine lakes, wildlife, and a lush diverse environment. Many creative minds have visited and been inspired by the wonders of this park. One of the visitor centers is even designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Mesa Verde National Park
Located in Montezuma County, this UNESCO World Heritage Site protects some of the best-preserved and unique Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. Visitors can experience how the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde for 700 years.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Featuring the tallest dunes in North America, this national park is unique and inspiring with its diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Great for camping, hiking, stargazing, and most uniquely, sandboarding/sledding.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This national park features an overwhelming display of the power of time and nature. Visitors can experience some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. From hiking trails, scenic drives, fishing, camping, and more, there are plenty of ways to experience this wonder.
Tips
- Experience unique Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park
- If you plan on visiting all of the parks during your creative adventure in Colorado, make use of the America the Beautiful annual pass to gain access to the 2,000 National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands in the United States.
- Try the junior ranger programs for kids.
- For the brave and prepared hiker, don’t forget to add a “14er” hike to your creative travel bucket list – Colorado is home to 58 “14ers” or mountain peaks at an elevation greater than 14,000 feet
- Plan creative retreats around nearby unique Airbnbs for breaks between work.
Maroon Bells
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Unique Experience
- Well-Being
- Awe & Wonder
There’s much more nature and wonder to explore in Colorado than in the national parks, including the Maroon Bells. As the most photographed place in Colorado, these two fourteeners are a must for any Colorado travel bucket list.
Situated southwest of Aspen on the border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, this natural landmark offers incredible hiking and camping opportunities for creative adventures. However, because of its popularity and need for protection, reservations are required, and there is restricted access to the area during the summer and fall.
Tips
- Learn more about permits and reservations for your visit.
- Autumn is one of the most popular and inspiring times to visit due to the breathtaking colors of fall.
- Open year-round. However, Maroon Creek Road is closed during the winter months, so you will need to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to access the area.
- A must-visit for any photographer, but you can also pair other creative expressions to amplify your experience.
- Maroon Bells Hikes:
- Maroon Lake Scenic Trail – An easy 1-mile round-trip hike from the parking lot and around the lake.
- Maroon Creek Trail – A 3.2-mile one-way trail great for viewing wildlife and different photo spots of Maroon Bells.
- Crater Lake Trail – A 3.6-mile round-trip trail with breathtaking vistas.
- View More Hiking Trails
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Unique Experience
- Culture
- Community
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a unique open-air amphitheater built into a rock structure just west of Denver that has featured notable performances from the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and many, many more. Besides being a world-class destination for performances, it’s also a wonderful place to explore and hike year-round.
Tips
- Experience a Red Rocks Concert or event
- Watch a Film On The Rocks
- Plan creative retreats around nearby unique Airbnbs for breaks between work
- Build some healthy habits like joining Yoga on the Rocks, nearby hikes and mountain biking trails, running the stairs, and more
Natural Hot Springs
Creative Benefits
- Nature / Water
- Well-Being
- Play
An additional benefit of visiting a mountainous state formed by geothermal activity is the natural hot springs that come with it. Perfect for relaxing after a day of adventures or planning a relaxing weekend getaway, hot springs are a must for any Colorado travel bucket list.
Benefits of Hot Springs
- Water increases blood flow to the brain
- Bathing improves breathing for better relaxation
- Supports better quality of sleep
- Natural hot springs contain minerals that support general and mental health: boron, calcium, chloride, sodium, sulfate, lithium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, silica, zinc, fluoride, phosphate, nitrogen, and others.
- Soaking sessions (especially in nature) can reduce stress.
- Time in nature can enhance creative ways of thinking
Best Colorado Hot Springs
- Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Glenwood Springs
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
- Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa, Hot Sulphur Springs
- Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray
- The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop
Tips
- Stay hydrated
- Plan your places to stay for big adventures with hot springs for better rejuvenation and relaxation
- Balance temperature and benefits of hot and cold water with dips between hot springs and the often nearby cooling river
- Be mindful and courteous of others
- Pair your relaxing soak with meditation
- Plan a creative retreat at nearby unique Airbnbs and hot springs to get ideas flowing and relax between creative work
Garden of the Gods
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Unique Experience
- Well-Being
With such an inspiring name, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs does not disappoint and is a must for Colorado Bucket Lists. Voted the #1 City Park in the USA, this natural wonder can be explored by hiking, biking, horseback riding, climbing, driving, and more.
The first city surveyors were awestruck by its beauty and impressive rock formations and had visions of making it a beer garden fit for gods. It would later become a celebrated National Natural Landmark with over 21 miles of trails, an educational visitor center, and camping, and is close to other fun and creative activities in Colorado Springs, not to mention being surrounded by the natural beauty of Colorado.
Tips
- Plan a picnic to relax after an invigorating hike while soaking in the gorgeous scenery.
- Best Hiking Trails:
- Experience the local creativity and art inspired by the park at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post’s gallery and souvenir featuring works by local artists, Navajo rugs, pueblo pottery, and more.
- Whether you’re looking for the best Instagram angles to share or improve your photography, bring a camera to capture the unique experience and views.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Unique Experience
- Mindfulness
- Play
- Flow
Colorado is a year-round creative travel destination, with each season offering unique and inspiring experiences, but winter is often the most popular season for its unparalleled winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Every year the Rocky Mountains get over 300 inches of snow turning mountain towns into picturesque ski towns and covering 22 resorts with over 29,758 acres for skiing, snowboarding, and other fun winter activities. So whether you’re a seasoned Ski Bum or a beginner, there are a lot of fun and creative things to do.
Best Colorado Winter Resorts
- Vail Mountain Resort
- Aspen Snowmass
- Breckenridge Ski
- Telluride Ski
- Beaver Creek
- Keystone
- Purgatory Resort
- Steamboat
- Copper Mountain
- Arapahoe Basin
- Silverton Mountain
- Wolf Creek
- Crested Butte
- Winter Park
- Loveland
Tips
- Ski season can vary, but it generally goes from the end of October to the end of May.
- If you’re coming from out of state, let your body get acclimated to the higher elevation with at least 24 hours in Denver to avoid altitude sickness.
- If you’re planning multiple ski trips or mountains, consider buying a pass like the Epic Local Pass to save time and get discounts.
- Take care of your body and pick places to stay that also offer wellness activities like hot springs, massages, etc.
Creative Mountain Towns
Creative Benefits
- Community
- Nature
- Culture
- Unique Experience
Since the gold rush, people have been building communities in the beautiful rocky mountains of Colorado. Although mining has long since ended in many of these towns, life continues to thrive with new creative identities and fun travel activities.
There are countless small towns, each with its own vibe and unique qualities. You’ll never get bored exploring and connecting with the local creative communities.
Best Colorado Mountain Towns
- Telluride – Scenic views and all-season adventures
- Aspen – Luxurious, artsy, and great in the winter
- Glenwood Springs – Adventures and natural hot springs
- Creede – Historic mining town
- Nederland – Quirky festivals and outdoor adventures
- Ouray – The “Switzerland of America” and ice climbing scene
- Breckenridge – Winter wonderland with a vibrant arts district
- Salida – One of Colorado’s first Certified Creative Districts
Tips
- If you’re coming from out of state, let your body get acclimated to the higher elevation with at least 24 hours in Denver to avoid altitude sickness.
- Peak travel days are Fridays and weekends.
- Check out local art festivals when planning your mountain town road trips. There’s always something going on.
- Colorado mountain towns are great places for creative retreats and usually host ongoing workshops and classes.
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
Creative Benefits
- Unique Experience
- Community
- Play
- Culture
If you haven’t heard of Meow Wolf, you’re missing out on one of the most unique art exhibits and museums popping up around the US. Convergence Station is Meow Wolf’s newest exhibit in Denver and features immersive psychedelic, mind-bending art, and an underlying rich narrative as you take a journey of discovery into a surreal, science-fictional epic.
Three years in the making with art from 300 creatives (110+ from Colorado), Meow Wolf is sure to inspire your imagination and creative mind. The 4-story immersive art exhibition features 70+ unique installations, rooms, and portals that are a must-experience for any creative travel bucket list.
Tips
- Hours: Sun – Thurs: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM / Fri & Sat: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Buy tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits
- Plan to stay at least 2 hours
- Add more to your creative experience by attending unique events held at the art exhibition center
White Water Rafting
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Unique Experience
- Play
- Flow
- Collaboration
Colorado is home to many adventures, all connected to the natural wonders and seasons of the state. If winter is for skiing and snowboarding, fall is for autumn color adventures, what is there to do in the spring to get the adrenaline pumping? Whitewater rafting.
Colorado is home to the headwaters of four major rivers, and when the snow starts to melt in the spring, water comes rushing down the mountains, creating some of the best whitewater rafting in the US.
Whitewater rafting has been a Colorado tradition and attraction since the early 1800s, and now it’s a thriving adventure sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The seasons typically starts in May and flows until September, with the best whitewater happening between May and June. Depending on your skill level and preference, you can plan a fun adrenaline-pumping experience or a laid-back floating tour.
Best Colorado Rivers for Rafting
- Arkansas River – Departure cities (Buena Vista, Salida, Cañon City)
- Colorado River – Departure cities (Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Kremmling, Breckenridge, State Bridge)
- Clear Creek – Departure cities (Idaho Springs)
- Animas River – Departure cities (Durango)
- Cache la Poudre River – Departure cities (Fort Collins)
- Yampa/Green River – Departure cities (Steamboat Springs)
- Taylor River – Departure cities (Gunnison, Crested Butte)
Tips
- Choose a licensed and professional whitewater rafting guide.
- Personalize and make your rafting trip even more unique with camping, fishing, train rides, and more.
- Listen to the Safety Orientation and your guide’s commands on the river.
- Go with friends, coworkers, and family to improve relationships and team building.
- Be ready for the unexpected and be prepared with proper clothing, swimming techniques, and other skills.
Enjoy the Scenery by Train
Creative Benefits
- Nature
- Unique Experience
- Community
- Opennness
There are many ways to get around Colorado but by train might be one of the most creative and inspiring. Discover unique scenery (some only available by train), historical landmarks, relaxing experiences, fine dining, and more. Many of these train rides are bucket list experiences on their own, like traveling across the Royal Gorge.
Why Travel by Train
- Comfortable and relaxing
- Breathtaking and unique scenery
- Better for the environment than other forms of travel
- Romantic and charming
- You can do creative work while you travel
- Reliable and Fast
- Better things to eat and drink
Tips
- Pair a creative project with the long journey
- Use train travel to catch up on creative habits like journaling
- Meet your fellow train passengers and listen to their stories
- Relax and enjoy the journey
- Bring a camera to capture the scenery with photography.
Creative Festivals
Creative Benefits
- Community
- Culture
- Educational
- Play
Colorado is an inspiring destination for many types of creative travel. A final item on any creative travel bucket list is to plan your trip around one of the many creative events or festivals the colorful state holds regularly.
Pairing creative travel with or around events and festivals is a wonderful way to add creative elements to benefit and inspire the mind. You can learn new things, build skills, connect with creative communities, and more.
Here are just a few events and festivals to add to your creative travel bucket list, but there are many more for all types of creative fields.
Top Events and Festivals
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 16–19)
- Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 1 – 3)
- Crested Butte Wildflower Festival (July 8-17)
- Vail Dance Festival (July 29–Aug. 9)
- Colorado State Fair (Aug 25 – Sept 4)
- A Taste of Colorado (Sept 3–5)
- Ullr Fest (Dec 8th-11th)
- Frozen Dead Guy Days (March 18-20)
Tips
- Plan a creative retreat around events to build connections and network in different creative communities.
- Plan creative travel around events with creative friends to strengthen relationships.
- Plan creative retreats around nearby unique Airbnbs for breaks between work
Zach is an international writer, photographer, filmmaker, martial artist, and creator of Creative Enso, the Zen art of creative living. His goal is to empower and inspire creatives to live healthier, happier, and more creative lifestyles.
