If you’re looking to have an epic mountain experience, there are few places better than Colorado. The Centennial State is well known for its wide range of outdoor adventures, and most of them are world-class.

From rafting in canyons to snowy mountain peaks, there’s definitely an experience in Colorado that will get your adrenaline pumping.

With so many options, how do you choose?

One big factor is the season. Summer brings sunshine and shorts, while winter is home to snow and plenty of layers. Both are a blast, and most people love living here because there’s never a boring time of the year.

Here are eight Colorado adventures broken down by season.

Epic Colorado Adventures In The Summer

Despite being known as a skiing paradise, there are plenty of epic Colorado adventures in the summertime. From riding rapids to climbing mountains to soaring through the mountain air, here are some of the best options.

Colorado Adventures White Water Rafting

If you’re looking for one of the most classic Colorado adventures, white water rafting should be at the top of your list. While any type of raft will get you into the heart of the outdoors, there are multiple different types of trips you can go on:

• Leisurely rides for all skill levels to take in the views
• Intermediate trips to get your blood flowing without becoming overwhelmed
• Advanced raft trips that pump adrenaline into the most experienced rafters

Unless you’re already a seasoned expert, this is one of the Colorado adventures that should be done with expert supervision. Beginners can still have a blast, but you definitely need to have someone around who knows the ropes.

Want to try rafting in Colorado? Check out these guided trips we offer to all skill levels.

Defy Gravity at Aerial Adventure Parks

How can you get a workout without ever touching the ground? By visiting an aerial adventure park! These specially designed rope courses take you into the treetops where you will navigate obstacles that will challenge you mentally as well as physically.

Well-designed courses have a specific skill level (much like a ski slope), so this can be a family-friendly activity or an extreme test for serious adventurers.

But, is it safe? Of course! All reputable courses require climbers to wear harnesses and be constantly strapped into a safety system. If there’s a better way to get over a fear of heights, we have yet to find it.

Looking to try an aerial park? Visit our course that also mixes in local mining history.

Colorado Adventures Zipline

Aerial parks may get you into the trees, but a zipline is for those who have the need for speed. No longer is soaring through the air at breathtaking speeds reserved for birds, and the views are second to none when you’re body is feeling such a rush.

You may be picturing a one-and-done situation, but many zipline courses have multiple lines that give you the experience of covering a lot more distance.

Ready to try a zipline? We have an excellent course with some of the most exhilarating ziplines in Colorado.

Hike to the Top of the World on 14ers

If you want to slow things down a bit, but also want to push yourself to your physical limits – try summiting a 14er. What’s a 14er? A mountain that goes more than 14,000 feet above sea level.

To put that into perspective, Denver is known as the “Mile High City” because it’s 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. That means 14ers are nearly three miles up. Steep climbs feel steeper at that altitude, and oxygen feels non-existent. But the views are amazing.

Don’t throw in the towel just because you’re not an experienced climber. Many of the 58 14ers in Colorado don’t require any technical climbing. A few even have roads to the top! (But where’s the fun in that?)

Legendary Winter Colorado Adventures

The warmer months inevitably come to an end, but the outdoor Colorado adventures are just getting started.

Hitting the Slopes

The number of ski areas in Colorado fluctuates, but it’s safe to say that there are a few dozen of them. While the age-old battle between skiers and snowboarders is something we’re not going to take a side on, just know that there are plenty of options for both – of all skill levels.

If you are planning a trip to the slopes, you’ll want to focus on two main things:

• The difficulty level you’re looking for
• Whether you want to stay the night or not

Bigger resorts are home to runs for all different skill levels, but some of the smaller places are more suited to a certain group. But the smaller ones can be more affordable and less crowded – so that’s worth looking into.

Some have entire resort towns with everything you need to stay for a while, while smaller ones are simply places you go for the day.

Go Remote With Snowshoes

Do you want to strap something on your feet, but you don’t feel like cruising down a mountain? Then snowshoeing is the way to go. Walking across the top of the snow will let you get into some of the most untouched nature in the heart of winter. Not only is it great exercise, but it’s an experience like no other.

Ice Climbing for True Daredevils

While rock climbing is a year-round way to flex your muscles in the mountains, ice climbing can really separate the adventurers from the weekend warriors.

There are plenty of frozen waterfalls and other ice features in Colorado that enable you to push yourself to your icy limits, but this is another skill that you really want to make sure you’re ready for. If you’re not an experienced ice climber, you should look for a guide to help you on this one.

Adrenaline Keeps You Warm Snowmobiling

If you prefer to feel the rev of an engine while taking in the snowy mountain views, then hop on a snowmobile!

Tons of backcountry roads and hiking trails become playgrounds for snowmobiles in the winter, and this is another adventure that can be enjoyed by all skill levels. Beginners can get the thrill of a powerful machine zooming across the ice, and experts can push speed and adrenaline to the limit.

Fulfill Your Colorado Adventure Bucket List

In keeping this list brief, we had to cut out tons of other adventures that are waiting for you in the Rocky Mountains. But once you start checking off your Colorado adventure bucket list, you’re sure to find some others that will really get your blood pumping.

If you’re looking for a good place to start, check out some of our combo trips to maximize your high-altitude fun.