tours for colorado

Colorado Tours

Choose from one of our many authentic colorado tours..

With so much to do in the Rocky Mountains and Denver, we’ve captured the best of the best in our Colorado tours for you to explore and enjoy.

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• Great Sand Dunes National Park

Rocky Mountain wildflowers

• Chimney Rock National Monument

Red Mountain Pass, San Juan Mountains

Black canyon of the gunnison.

• Colorado National Monument

National Parks of Colorado

From 14,000-foot-high mountain peaks to stunning deep gorges, from whitewater thrills to Ancestral Pueblo ruins, Colorado is full of opportunities to explore and engage your sense of adventure. Starting in the metropolitan areas of Denver and Colorado Springs, this tour travels through the Rocky Mountains and San Juan Mountains, where you’ll explore this area through a myriad of activities. 

Enjoy a visit atop Pikes Peak and other attractions near Colorado Springs. Travel back to your youth with the opportunity to slide down gigantic sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Explore the ruins of the vast Ancestral Puebloan civilization that inhabited Mesa Verde for thousands of years, as well as Chimney Rock National Monument. Experience the spectacular mountain vistas from the Million Dollar Highway, peer into the depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then end your day enjoying the beauty of the Colorado National Monument. Feel the thrills of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the Colorado River. Finish the tour with the grand finale by visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and explore Trail Ridge Road to its 12,000-foot summit for a grand view of the many mountain peaks and grand valleys below.

Tour Highlights:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Pikes Peak Cog Railway
• Million Dollar Highway
• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
• Excellent photographic opportunities
• Wildlife watching opportunities

Inclusions:

• Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
• Comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van
• 7 nights lodging
• 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
• Airport transfers
• Entrance Fees to National Parks and Monuments
• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
• Whitewater Rafting
• Gratuities for included meals and activities
• Luggage handling (one suitcase per person)
• Applicable taxes and fees

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Arrive in Denver, travel to Colorado Springs
• Day 2: Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
• Day 3: Great Sand Dunes N.P. – Chimney Rock N.M.
• Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park – Explore Durango
• Day 5: Million Dollar Hwy – Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado National Monument
• Day 6: Glenwood Springs – whitewater rafting on Colorado River
• Day 7: Rocky Mountain National Park – travel back to Denver area
• Day 8: Journey Home

Meet your tour director this afternoon at 1:00 PM at Denver Airport and travel south to Colorado Springs for the first taste of this amazing state! You will tour and explore the Garden of the Gods . Visit its many unique formations as you walk and hike throughout the park. Once finished you will return to Colorado Springs, check into your hotel and enjoy your evening.

Drury Inn & Suites, Colorado Springs, CO

Begin the day by elevating your experience of the Colorado Rockies with a historic and scenic ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway . Travel from 6,300 feet to just over 14,000 feet above sea level. Experience the sweeping 360-degree views, vistas, and natural beauty of the Pikes Peak region that has drawn generations of explorers and travelers. Next visit Royal Gorge Bridge & Park , where the world's highest suspension bridge towers 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River . Here you will have time to walk out on the bridge, have lunch on your own and explore other sights in the park. Once finished, you will travel into the heart of Colorado for dinner and your overnight stay.

Hampton Inn, Alamosa, CO | Meals: B, D

Begin your morning exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park for sightseeing of the tallest dunes in North America, which are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Once finished, you will get to experience the scenery of the Colorado Rockies as you travel over scenic Wolf Creek Pass before arriving in Pagosa Springs . Soon after, you will explore Chimney Rock National Monument and learn about this hidden gem of Ancestral Puebloan history and join in the fascination of how these Native Americans used the two rock monoliths (Chimney Rock) to chart the moon and recorded the Lunar Standstill that occurs every 18.6 years. End your day with yet another scenic drive that will lead to historic Durango, CO.

Holiday Inn & Suites, Durango, CO | Meals: B, L

Today will be dedicated to exploring Mesa Verde National Park . Visit cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo / Anasazi culture that once thrived in the Four Corners region but suddenly disappeared leaving a mystery of what happened to this ancient culture. Mesa Verde is the nation’s largest archeological preserve with 4,000 sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Start with the Visitors Center which contains a large collection of ancient artifacts. Then a local expert will guide you through the more famous ruins including a stop for lunch on your own. After a wonderful tour of Mesa Verde, return to Durango with the rest of the day free to explore this fun western town on your own.

Holiday Inn & Suites, Durango, CO | Meals: B

This morning you will travel over the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to the town of Ouray , known as Little Switzerland of America . Sit back and watch alpine meadows, the beautiful Animas River and the high peaks of the San Juan Mountains , a significant mountain range in the Rocky Mountains, go by. There will be stops for scenic overlooks and hikes along the way.  After passing by the old mining ruins near Red Mountain Pass , with its majestic views of the 14’ers, you will finally wind your way down the mountainside to Ouray, another historic town, for a visit to Box Canyon Falls and other areas. Continue north to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . This park consists of a deep, steep-walled chasm, carved through Precambrian rock by the Gunnison River. Roads and trails along the north rim have views of the Black Canyon's dramatic drops and the striated cliff walls from Painted Wall Viewpoint. Once finished, you will continue to Grand Junction where you will enjoy a picnic dinner in Colorado National Monument for the evening.

Hampton Inn Downtown, Grand Junction, CO | Meals: B, D

Begin the day traveling east to Glenwood Springs where you will experience some thrilling whitewater rafting!  You will be rafting through spectacular Glenwood Canyon , a beautiful, pristine stretch of water with unbelievable Rocky Mountain scenery and a perfect mix of calm water and whitewater. This trip includes Class II-IV whitewater and the Shoshone Class III-IV rapids, which offer the whitewater enthusiast a two-mile stretch of exciting but not intimidating rapids. This section is one of our favorites, with interesting geology, gorgeous scenery, views of the marvelous engineering resulting in the most expensive portion of interstate highway built (Interstate 70) and, of course, some fun whitewater! You will have a few hours of free time for lunch and an opportunity to soak in the mineral hot springs, the reason for the founding of Glenwood Springs, if you are interested. Then continue through the Colorado Rockies as you travel to Silverthorne to overnight. Evening free for dinner on your own.

Hampton Inn, Silverthorne, CO | Meals: B

Depart Silverthorne for a scenic drive on your way to Grand Lake and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park . You will enjoy some hiking and sightseeing along the national park’s famed Trail Ridge Road which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds. It will be an afternoon of mountain roads, wildlife, and breathtaking views. A true Colorado Rocky Mountain High! Explore some hiking trails at the guide’s discretion. In the late afternoon, return to the valleys of the Front Range and join the group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant as you share your experiences from the past week in Colorado. After dinner you will travel to your hotel near the airport.

Fairfield Inn & Suites DIA, Denver, CO | Meals: B, L, D

Say farewell to Colorado as you head over to Denver International Airport for your flight home. Transfers on your own using the hotel airport shuttle as needed.

Tour Details:

Not included:.

• Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
• Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
• Optional activities
• Gratuities for the tour director

Arrival / Departure Info:

• Arrival Location: Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Arrival Time: By 1 PM Mountain Time on Sunday (day 1)
• Departure Location: Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Departure Time: Any time on the last day (day 8)

Physical Requirements:

• Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time.
• Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft over the course of the areas visited during this tour.
• Touring and overnight locations are above 6,000 to 10,000 ft above sea level
• Deboard and board van each time at a viewpoint – a portable step will be available
• Please let us know if you have any other physical/health limitations or requirements

2025 Pricing:

• $3,499.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
• $3,899.00 Per Person Single Occupancy
• $3,299.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy 
• $3,199.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy 

2025 Departure Dates:

• June 15, 2025
• July 20, 2025
• August 3, 2025
• September 7, 2025

Similar Tours:

Black hills of south dakota, grand circle experience, glacier national park, trail of the ancients, from the blog, your guide to fall colors in the southwest, canyons of the escalante: a geological and hiking odyssey, zion entrance project, meet our guide haydee schabelski.

Colorado Tours & Vacations

Archeological sites, mountain ranges and scenic drives - oh my!

Colorado is a state that has it all. Bustling cities full of trendy restaurants, a fascinating Western heritage and photogenic backdrops wherever you go thanks to the Rocky Mountains. Seriously, it’s hard to come to Colorado and not be blown away by how beautiful and vibrant everything is.

Charge your camera and put on your exploring shoes as you wander the streets of Denver. Sit back and relax as you embark on the famous South Rim Drive. Commit the incredible Cliff Palace and Black Canyon to memory as you marvel at their rock formations.

So, what are you waiting for? Your favorite road trip yet is about to start.

Our Colorado trips

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Colorado highlights

Colorado travel faqs, how do i get to colorado.

Getting to Colorado is relatively easy with a number of different transportation options available.

These include:

• flying into one of the commercial airports such as Denver International Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, and Grand Junction Regional Airport
• embarking on a road trip from one of the neighboring states
• catching public transport in the form of a bus or a train with several routes taking you to various destinations within the state. 

Getting around in Colorado

Getting around Colorado is also relatively easy due to the number of different transportation options available. Driving is easy in Colorado with all major highways easy to navigate and maintained regularly.

You can also fly between popular destinations within the state as there are multiple commercial airports that offer services to different cities.

Colorado also has an excellent and reliable public transportation system in the form of bus and train networks that offer routes to popular destinations and regions within the state. Colorado is also home to the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train which travels between Colorado and the neighboring state of   Utah . 

What is the weather like in Colorado?

Colorado's climate varies depending on where you are in the state but it is generally cool and dry. If you are visiting the eastern plains, daily temperatures can range between -15 degrees Fahrenheit in winter up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.

In the Colorado mountains, the weather is generally cooler with the valleys becoming particularly chilly in the evening.

Western Colorado is warmer and drier with temperatures similar to those you find in the eastern plains. 

Throughout the year, a large variance between daytime and night-time temperatures is common. 

What do I pack for Colorado?

What to pack for Colorado depends on what time of the year you're traveling in and where you're planning on going.

For example, a Colorado mountain holiday will require much warmer clothes than a Denver city escape. Regardless of the season, there are some items you should always pack. Some of these items include sensible and comfortable walking shoes (most likely you'll be doing a lot of hiking during your time in Colorado), a sun hat or cap, and some sunscreen (especially in summer).

If you're traveling in winter, be sure to pack trousers, sweaters, waterproof jackets, and thick coats to keep yourself warm. 

What is the internet access like in Colorado?

If you stick to Colorado's popular cities like Denver, then your internet coverage shouldn't be affected.

However, if you're planning on spending time in one of the state's many national parks then you could experience some disruptions.

Most national parks have reception areas or tourist hubs where Wi-Fi access is available but if you're hiking through the park or you've stopped at a high-altitude viewpoint then your service is likely to be weak and unreliable. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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"A journey through Colorado is an unforgettable experience and you'll love getting back to nature in the Rocky Mountains, rusty red canyons, snowy slopes and soothing hot springs."

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Take an iconic train ride aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad

Climb aboard a train ride to remember on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, the oldest tourist attraction in Colorado that takes you chugging into the stunning Colorado Rockies. Travel back in time and find out what life was like here in the 19th century, all while soaking up the fresh mountain breeze in the thrilling open-air cars.

Visit the Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rockies are one of the most spectacular destinations in Colorado, and you’ll come face to face with this magical mountain landscape on our Colorado trips. Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge road, the highest continuous paved highway in America, and admire the alpine landscapes of snowy peaks, forests and rivers on this unforgettable journey.

Explore the Mesa Verde National Park

If you’re looking for ancient history in Colorado, you’ll find it in droves at Mesa Verde, where the UNESCO-listed lands have been home to the Pueblo peoples for over 700 years. You’ll marvel at the ancient carved-out cliff dwellings, all while your Colorado travel guide shares fascinating stories of how the Ancestral Puebloans lived in these canyon walls.

Discover Denver

You’ll take to the sky as we journey to Denver, the Mile High City that’s, quite literally, a mile above sea level. As a jumping-off point for world-class ski slopes and hiking in the Rockies, Denver is one of the most alluring cities in the country. It’s also a gem in its own right, annd you'll love the vibrant arts, music and dining scenes, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

Take a scenic drive along the Peak to Peak Highway

From the San Juan Scenic Byway to the Million Dollar Highway, an All-American Byway that passes through Oury, the ‘Switzerland of America’, there is no shortage of stunning roads in Colorado. We’ll take you from the Peak to Peak Highway, to the famous Trail Ridge Road, to the Rim Rock Drive, where you can even spot bighorn sheep and giant eagles.

Our top 5 things to do in Colorado

With so many incredible things to do in Colorado, where do you start? We’ll let you in on all the best Colorado attractions, from beautiful cities and highways to national parks.

History Colorado Center

You’ll dive into the captivating story of Colorado at this 141-year-old institution. It may be the oldest museum in the state, but it’s famed for its high-tech, interactive exhibits, and you can try out a virtual ski jump, take a virtual ride in a Model T, or experience what life was like in the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

Denver Art Museum

Housed in a monumental eight-storey building, you can’t miss the Denver Art Museum. It’s one of the largest art museums on the West Coast, with over 70,000 artworks from almost every continent, including a superb collection of Native American art, and stunning fashion, textile and architecture exhibits.

Molly Brown House

Discover the world of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”, the American activist and philanthropist, Margaret Brown, who even survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. A self-described “daughter of adventure”, you’ll be captivated by the legacy of this incredible woman as you tour the museum, housed in a grand 20th-century home.

Best museums in Colorado

These museums are some of the best places to visit in Colorado, and you’ll learn all about the fascinating history, art and heroes of the Centennial State.

Rocky Mountain Oysters

In the Rocky Mountains, oysters are not oysters at all. This unique dish is actually made from testicles, most commonly from bison, bulls, pigs and sheep. Created by the very first ranchers in the region, these ‘oyster’s are usually breaded and fried and served up with a tangy cocktail sauce, and you’ve got to give them a try on your Colorado trip.

Colorado Style Pizza

This unique thick-crust pie is one of the most indulgent varieties of pizza you can get, made with a honey-sweetened crust and an enormous amount of toppings. The slices are so loaded, the pizza crust is braided to give it more stability when biting into it. Do it like the locals and dunk the crust edge into a sweet sauce at the end to finish off with dessert!

Denver Omelette

This eggy dish is one of the most beloved meals in Colorado. It’s essentially an omelette, piled high with ham, green bell peppers, onion and cheese, although you’ll find all different kinds of fillings to try. Order it with a side of toast or hash browns, or eat it on its own, for the perfect Denver breakfast.

Best food in Colorado

When you travel Colorado with Trafalgar, we’ll let you in on all the top spots to try the Colorado foodie favorites, from mountain ‘oysters’ to loaded pizza pies.

What to pack for Colorado

Sun protection

With the state’s high altitude comes more intense exposure to the sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the harsh UV rays.

Colorado has some amazing hot springs, so be sure to bring your swimsuit and enjoy a soak in the soothing mineral waters.

Comfortable walking shoes

Whether you’re wandering through the Rockies or pounding the pavement in Denver, you’ll need some sturdy walking shoes on your Colorado trip.

Reusable water bottle

Colorado’s high altitude and sunny climate will easily cause dehydration, so bring a refillable water bottle and keep it with you on your adventures.

Although Colorado is famed for its sunshine, the summer is also known for its unpredictable downpours. Bring a raincoat or poncho and stay cosy and dry.

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Colorado Tour Companies

List of colorado travel companies & tour operators with 2341 reviews.

• Excellent - 1,966 reviews for Colorado tours

Great tour encompassing almost 1200 miles over 10 days seeing incredible sites.

Very poor communication!!

Southwest Adventure Tours

• Excellent - 108 reviews for Colorado tours

Highly disorganized, guide was not informed about itinerary timing to get into parks, where food would be available for purchase and on and on. We missed seeing things because of SWAT’s inability to set up this tour properly or properly train our guide, they also did not take into account the shorter days in September. Missed seeing things because it was dark. It’s an amazing tour to see all these places, just VERY poorly organized and set up, we have been on many tours with many tour companies, this by far was the worst!

Great trip, great seeing 4 national parks and 2 national monuments, good guide (Dave Showalter), nice hotels, good meals (except hotel free breakfasts).

Wildland Trekking

• Excellent - 47 reviews for Colorado tours

Emily was a great guide. Very organized, professional, safety conscious, and weighed all the factors each day (weather, group's energy, etc) in choosing the right hike for the day. She prepared great lunches on the trail which kept us in good spirits. And she was very personable, upbeat and was a member of the group. One of the best guides I've ever hiked with.

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

• Good - 17 reviews for Colorado tours
• This operator has no Colorado reviews

• Good - 197 reviews for Colorado tours

FlashpackerConnect

• Excellent - 6 reviews for Colorado tours

Timberline BH Adventures

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA

Written by Lana Law Updated May 26, 2022

Colorado is a year-round destination that piques the imagination and inspires the soul with its dramatic landscape and natural beauty. The state is nothing less than stunning, with a diversity that ranges from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the rolling hills, beautiful alpine lakes , rivers, waterfalls , and the high desert of the Colorado Plateau.

Mountain towns beckon skiers, hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all types, but are also great places to soak up some tranquility and enjoy the mountain vibe.

Sightseers will find the scenic drives through parks and along state highways are some of the best ways to see the amazing sites that the state has to offer.

Remnants of the cultures that inhabited the area and the dinosaurs that once roamed the land can be seen and better understood by visiting some of the national parks and monuments .

Colorado is an unbeatable destination that will make you rethink your future travel plans. Get a start on your itinerary with our list of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Vail and nearby mountain towns, mesa verde national park, pikes peak in pike national forest, garden of the gods, durango and the silverton narrow gauge railway, san juan skyway scenic byway and the million dollar highway, black canyon of the gunnison national park, maroon bells-snowmass wilderness, great sand dunes national park and preserve, colorado national monument, dinosaur national monument, glenwood springs, mount evans scenic byway, mountain biking trails near fruita.

Just a few miles from the mountain town of Estes Park , Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

The soaring mountain peaks, alpine lakes and meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife showcase nature at its best. The park has more than 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, including Longs Peak , the highest in the park, at 14,259 feet.

The Trail Ridge Road , which itself reaches an altitude of more than 12,000 feet, is the main driving route through the park and offers easy access to this incredible terrain. You can sightsee from the comfort of your car or stop off along the way for a hike or easy walk.

The park has an extensive system of hiking trails that range from paths of less than a half-mile to full-day and multi-day hikes. If you're lucky, you may see elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and other critters.

Summer is the busy season in Rocky Mountain National Park, with the most popular activities being hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and bouldering.

Winter in the park holds its own unique beauty and attractions. Many of the roads are open year-round, although closures may occur due to weather conditions. People often come here at this time of year to snowshoe or cross-country ski, and ranger-led tours are offered in both of these sports.

If you plan on visiting in the summer, between late May and early October, you will need to obtain a timed entry pass. Passes for specific days are available on the National Parks website the 1st of the prior month (i.e. June 1st for the month of July). If you have a camping or other activity reservation, an entry pass is not required. Timed entry passes are free, except for the nominal reservation fee.

Official site: www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

The ski resort town of Vail is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter but it's also a pleasant place to enjoy at any time of year. When it comes to skiing, this is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado , with seemingly endless runs for all levels of skiers.

The town at the base of the ski hill is postcard cute, with chalet-style restaurants, shops, and hotels that make you feel like you are in the heart of the Alps. This is a high-end resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer stores.

Vail doesn't always fit with everyone's budget, particularly if you want to spend a night during the high season. In the vicinity are a number of small towns and villages that are less well known but more affordable and also worth a visit.

Although not a ski resort, Frisco is a charming mountain town and one of the best places to visit in the area. This is a nice base if you are exploring the I-70 Corridor around Vail and Beaver Creek. The town has all kinds of quirky cafés, shops, and restaurants, and a true mountain vibe.

Just up the way from here is the town of Breckenridge at an altitude of 9,600 feet. This town has a very casual and fun downtown and is perfect if you plan on skiing at Breckenridge Ski Resort or looking for a little nightlife.

West of Vail are the towns of Avon and, a little beyond Avon, Beaver Creek . Avon can be a good place to find accommodation, particularly if you are looking for more affordable options than those at the base of the ski hills. Beaver Creek is a ski resort with another adorable village at the base. It has a full range of restaurants, from casual to fine dining, a skating rink in the main square in winter, and hotels.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Vail, CO

One of America's most popular and fastest growing cities, Denver has it going on. One of the country's great outdoor cities, Denver enjoys an incredible 300-plus days of sunshine a year and a reasonable climate.

This allows the young and active inhabitants to enjoy the giant playground right at the door to the city: the incredible Rocky Mountains. Favorite pastimes here are to hit the ski slopes in the winter , or lace up the hiking boots in the spring, or get out on a mountain bikes in the summer.

When they aren't getting busy outdoors, Denverites are enjoying a lively arts and cultural scene at the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, or enjoying some creative cuisine at one of the city's most happening restaurants in the Latimer Square area. The city is also full of great parks and the interesting downtown area is well worth exploring.

Read More: Best Attractions & Places to Visit in Denver, CO

Regardless of whether or not you have seen cliff dwellings before, you will be blown away by Mesa Verde and the amount of access to the actual ruins that the park allows visitors.

The park's centerpiece, Cliff Palace is one of the most impressive dwellings in the entire Southwest, with a dramatic setting and incredibly preserved ruins. Ranger-led tours, which run regularly during the summer high season, allow you to climb ladders right up into the heart of the dwelling. It is highly recommended that you pre-book your Cliff Palace visitor tickets in advance of your visit. Spaces are limited and demand is high, especially in the summer. Tickets can be booked 14 days in advance of your planned arrival date.

If you aren't up for that level of activity, you can get a full view of the site from a nearby overlook.

Mesa Verde was home to the Ancestral Pueblo who inhabited the dwellings from approximately 600 AD to 1300 AD. Thousands of archeological sites lie within the park, although the cliff dwellings are the most spectacular. A road allows access to numerous sites, many of which are on top of the mesa. A number of hiking trails, which do not require a ranger tour, lead to lookouts and interesting sites, including petroglyphs.

Located near the towns of Cortez and Mancos , Mesa Verde is reached by a long road that leads high up above the surrounding landscape. The drive from the highway up to the site takes about 45 minutes.

Near the highway is one of the visitor centers , where you can get information on the park and road conditions before driving up. You can book a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace when you arrive so you know what time to show up for the one-hour tour.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

• Read More: Visiting Mesa Verde National Park: Top Things to See & Do

At 14,115 feet in elevation, Pikes Peak, in Pike National Forest, is one of the Southwest's famous "fourteeners," a reference to mountains that stand over 14,000 feet. The snow-capped peak is easily recognizable from the nearby town of Colorado Springs.

This is one of the most visited mountains in the world , second only to Mt. Fuji. Unlike many mountain peaks that are inaccessible to the average person, you can drive to the summit of Pikes Peak on the Pikes Peak Highway, off highway 24, west of Colorado Springs. Travel time is about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a scenic 8.9-mile trip, with a round-trip time of just over three hours.

At the top is the brand new Pike's Peak Summit Visitor's Center. Started in 2018 and now almost complete, this stunning glass and wood structure provides amazing views, interactive displays, along with a variety of dining options. Those folks who specifically make the trek up to the top of Pike's Peak for the world famous donuts will not be disappointed. These tasty, fluffy treats are still available.

In addition to simply appreciating the views from the top, the area offers a range of recreational opportunities. In the vicinity are numerous hiking trails, as well as mountain biking areas and opportunities for fishing in reservoirs.

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc

• Read More: Best Attractions in Colorado Springs

Also near Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods. This registered National Natural Landmark is home to a unique landscape of jagged stone towers and fins jutting up 300 feet from the earth. Surrounding the fins, giant balanced boulders and rock piles dot the landscape and distant mountains, completing the scene.

Fifteen miles of walking trails , most of which are short and easy, allow you to get up close to the dramatic rock formations and wander through the surreal scenery.

The park is a popular area for rock climbing , but other activities in the park include road biking in designated biking lanes, mountain biking , and horseback riding . Jeep tours are also very popular.

The Garden of the Gods Park Visitor & Nature Center functions as a museum with exhibits and a 20-minute video on the geology of the park. They also offer daily guided nature walks . Views from the visitor center are incredible, and the on-site café, with huge windows, is a great venue for enjoying a snack or beverage.

Official site: http://www.gardenofgods.com

In southern Colorado, the town of Durango has a lovely setting at the base of surrounding mountains. The historic downtown area has some well-restored, grand old buildings that function as hotels and restaurants. Some are done in southwestern décor, with an Old West feel.

In the summer, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gage Railway is one of the town's main tourist attractions. This historic train runs day trips up the valley from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton, high in the mountains. In the winter, the train still runs but only on specific dates and only to Cascade Canyon. It's a much different experience than the summer trip, but well worth checking out.

Durango is also the terminus of the Colorado Trail , a 500-mile-long backcountry trail that runs from Denver to Durango. You can do a day hike or mountain bike along the trail, going out and back the same way. The trail follows the scenic Junction Creek and then climbs up to Gudy's Rest, where many people enjoy lunch and then turn around.

More hiking and mountain biking trails can be found right in the town of Durango and in the surrounding mountains.

In winter, Durango is a full-on ski town, supported by the nearby Purgatory Ski Resort , just 15 minutes outside of town. This is a family resort that attracts both locals and skiers from around the Southwest. Some skiers also base themselves in Durango, which has reasonably-priced hotels, and ski at Telluride , two hours away.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Durango

A spectacular scenic drive stretches from the old mining town of Silverton, to the town of Ouray, along what is called the Million Dollar Highway . This is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that hugs the mountainside in places and looks out over jaw-dropping cliffs and across valleys to inspiring mountain peaks. It is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in Colorado.

If you have time, you can extend this into a longer route and drive the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway . The Skyway is a full-day trip that you will want to do in good weather, but can be done in winter or summer.

Beginning in Durango, the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is a complete loop that will take you up to Silverton, along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, over to Placerville, south to Telluride, Dolores, Mancos, and back to Durango .

If you have less time or are only planning on heading in one direction, you can do the Silverton to Ouray section beginning from Durango, up to Silverton, over the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, and beyond to Montrose or further north to Grand Junction. Some of the highlights along the way are the towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride.

Set at more than 9,300 feet and surrounded by mountains, Silverton has one main street with a few shops and restaurants. In summer, it can be ridiculously busy, but in winter, most of the establishments are closed, and the place can feel like a ghost town. On the edge of town, Silverton Mountain is an old school ski "resort" with great backcountry downhill skiing for advanced skiers.

Ouray , with a sign at the main lookout calling it the "Switzerland of America," is another mountain town, known for its hot springs.

If you choose to do the Skyway, you can stop in at Telluride . Known for the Telluride Ski Resort, this is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in America, with a traditional main street and gorgeous mountain scenery. You can take a free gondola up the mountain for a better look over the area.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a fabulous, rugged looking canyon, and it's remote enough that it has the feeling of being undiscovered. Steep cliff walls rise up from the Gunnison River, creating a narrow and dramatic canyon. The depth of the canyon is around 2,000 feet, with Gunnison Point and Chasm View at just over 1,800 feet and Warner Point at 2,722 feet.

The main things to do here are to simply gaze out over the canyon and appreciate the environment or wander along the walking paths and short hiking trails on the rim. These are generally flat and easy trails. If you're adventurous, you can hike into the canyon, but trails are not maintained or marked, conditions are difficult, and you are basically on your own and responsible for the costs of rescue, should the need arise.

Three campgrounds are located in the park; the North and South Rim campgrounds are open to tents and RVs but the East Portal is only open to tents.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is about 75 miles southeast of Grand Junction. If you are based in Grand Junction or Fruita, you can easily visit both the canyon and Colorado National Monument on a day trip.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm

Near the town of Aspen, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness showcases some of Colorado's most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and offers a chance to get out of your car and into nature. This area has six mountains over 14,000 feet , along with forests, alpine lakes, meadows, and 175 miles of trails to help you explore the terrain.

The recreational activities are what draw most people to Maroon Bells. The hiking here is incredible, with all kinds of day hikes and backpacking areas. Mountain biking trails cover hundreds of miles. Fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams is popular in summer. If you've got a tent and the gear, camping in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is an experience not to be missed. In winter, people come here to ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile , making it a year-round outdoor playground.

If you aren't up for that much activity, you can also enjoy the views along some of the scenic drives .

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America , Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an interesting sight in Colorado with a landscape that most visitors are not expecting to find. The 750-foot Star Dune is startlingly high, particularly when you are considering climbing it, and the mountains in the distance create a stunning setting.

You can climb and slide on the dunes or test your boarding skills cruising down the sand. On hot days, children and even adults enjoy splashing around in the Medano Creek that runs along the base of the dunes. Hiking trails run through the forest on the edge of the dunes.

The four-wheel drive Medano Pass Primitive Road opens up some unique terrain, and car camping sites are located along the roadside. Regular camping is available at the Pinon Flats campground, which offers both tent and RV campsites.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Although it's most commonly associated with skiing, Aspen is a year-round destination that can be enjoyed by skiers or non-skiers. Restaurants and stores line the streets, many of which look up to the ski runs on the edge of town.

Aspen also makes for a nice getaway from Denver, just over three hours away. The town has no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts, plus dining options are plentiful. If you don't want to stay here, you can day trip from nearby Glenwood Springs, another popular destination in the area.

Read More: From Denver to Aspen: Best Ways to Get There

Just outside the towns of Grand Junction and nearby Fruita is Colorado National Monument. A scenic road snakes its way through some outstanding scenery. This is not typical mountain scenery, but a landscape of huge rock spires, cliff walls, canyons, and desert-like surroundings with small trees and scrubby bushes.

Most people drive through the monument along Rim Rock Drive and stop at the lookouts that peer over the landscape below. The road is also a popular road biking area , with hearty souls peddling their way up to the lookouts.

A number of day hikes access some scenic areas of the monument, most of which involve moderate elevation changes that range from approximately 300 feet to more than 1,000 feet.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm

Dinosaur National Monument, in northwest Colorado, combines dramatic scenery with natural and cultural history to create one of Colorado's most interesting sites. While most people are drawn here for the archeological aspects, the recreational opportunities add another aspect to your visit.

Dinosaur remains embedded in exposed rock walls reveal evidence of the giants that once roamed these areas, and petroglyphs offer insight into the cultures and people that lived here long ago. Surrounding it all are cliff walls and the Green and Yampa Rivers snaking through the otherwise dry landscape.

Your first stop should be the Quarry Visitors Center from where you can access the main attraction at the park, the Quarry Exhibit Hall , built over the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry. A huge wall of windows allows in natural light, making it feel more like an excavation site than a museum. Fossils are in various states, from still encased in the stone wall to fully assembled skeletons.

Other popular things to do in Dinosaur National Monument range from a simple driving tour through the monument to hiking, fishing, rafting, and camping. A number of scenic drives run through the park on both paved and four-wheel drive roads. Hiking trails range from short nature walks of less than a half mile to eight-mile-long day hikes.

It's easy to spend a few days in this area if you are interested in exploring the park. Campgrounds , some of which are open to both tents and RVs and others open only to tents, are spread around the park. Hotels can be found at nearby Vernal.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

With hot springs, a fantastic adventure park, beautiful hiking trails, rafting, fishing, and sking, Glenwood Springs is one of the best places to visit in Colorado for families. That said, anyone will enjoy a visit here, whether it's couples looking for a romantic getaway or nature lovers looking for an outdoor escape.

The town is home to two major hot springs, including the largest mineral host springs pool in the world . On the edge of town is the family-focused Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort , and Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort is less than an hour away. In summer, the Hanging Lake hiking trail is incredibly popular.

For water-based activities, the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers provide ample opportunities for whitewater rafting , as well as fly fishing.

If you're looking for something a little less outdoorsy, you can find dining, attractions, and things to do in Glenwood Springs to suit all tastes.

Another of Colorado's fourteeners, Mount Evans reaches an elevation of 14,271, feet and the Mount Evans Scenic Byway extends almost to the summit. This is the highest paved road in the United States , reaching over 14,130 feet.

The views from the top and on the way up, above the tree line, are outstanding, with meadows, lakes, and rolling mountains extending out into the distance. The area is so open and exposed that you have a good chance of seeing wildlife, particularly bighorn sheep.

From Denver, you can reach the summit of Mount Evans, about 60 miles away, in less than two hours. Keep in mind, this is a seasonal highway that is closed in the winter .

For mountain bikers, Colorado is a haven, with great trails all over the state. Unfortunately, the mountain climate limits the season in many areas. But the town of Fruita, near Grand Junction, has the climate to enable you to stretch out your mountain biking season through the shoulder seasons and into the winter months. It's also a quirky little town with enough character to make you want to stay a while and return.

The mountain biking trails around Fruita are some of the best trails in the state. Most notably are the 18 Road Trails , with the infamous Zippity Do Da trail, and the Kokopelli Loops . This is desert terrain, with trails that run along the tops of ridges and everywhere in between or alongside cliff ledges with views over the Colorado River.

This area has, for many mountain bikers, become an alternative to Moab, Utah . During the spring, you can even combine sports: mountain biking in Fruita one day and skiing at Beaver Creek or Vail - just over two hours away - the next.

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Jed was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem and history of each town we visited and the trails we hiked. Jed was also very accommodatiive to everyone's needs.

wkout wrote a review 9/22/2020

Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

This was an excellent way to see Garden of the Gods and pike's peak. Our guide Mike was very knowledgeable about the area and was wonderful to talk to. I would highly recommend this outing!! See you on my next trip.

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Oct 1, 2022

Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Garden of the Gods Tour - Lunch Included

Excellent …service here we back next time for sure, I recommend thiscome here……we love this place.

Nov 16, 2022

The hike was great we didn’t have a lot of time so taking this hike with a guide was perfect. Ty was so nice and knowledgeable, we learnt so much and he made it fun for the kids too. Highly recommend!

My experience was incredibly remarkable. I have never seen a view like this before! Definitely worth going to and recommending.

Jul 1, 2022

This tour was well worth it. Our guide, Paul, was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable about the sites on this tour. I would recommend this tour to anyone. My family and I really enjoyed our day.

Private Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods Tour

The tour was amazing. It was everything that I thought it would be and more. Our guide Jed was knowledgeable and fun! The sites were breathtaking. The stops were long enough to see the sites but not so long as to get boring. As far as I'm concerned, this is the only way to get to the top of a "fourteener".

Jul 1, 2020

When in Denver, the problems withCovid 19 were enormous. With Two -rescheduled tours cancelled, we found Aspire for a private tour. Absolutely wonderful and well worth the premium for a private tour.Our tour director, Jed, was one of the most knowledgeable people (not guides, but people) I had ever met.

Jul 9, 2020

Our group of 6 had a great time on a beautiful day. Jed was an excellent tour guide and knowledgeable about more than just the sites. He knew geology, history, local plants, and weather patterns.

Feb 20, 2022

This was a very entertaining/informative tour. Our guide for the day, Paul, was very informative about so much along the way. He also had great a way of starting and keeping conversations going. The time flew by. Personally, I think he had a way of working some magic too.

Jul 4, 2022

Phil from Philly was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable of the area and fun! Beers options were excellent for IPAs and sours. Had a great group of people to tour with. Would recommend this to beer lovers.

May 11, 2022

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The 25 top things to do in colorado, according to a local.

Expect plenty of epic adventures and spectacular scenery in Colorado.

Top Things to Do in Colorado

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Adventurous travelers will find a home in Colorado. Snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers and dramatic canyons create a rugged yet stunning landscape well worth exploring. Meanwhile, cities like Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs provide a taste of culture – and plenty of relaxing activities for those not up for hiking or skiing. Read on for the top things to do in the Centennial State.

Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park draws millions of people every year to explore its 147 lakes and 355 miles of trails, which appeal to hikers and backpackers of all experience levels. Visitors recommend the park's flat lake trails – such as Lily Lake Loop, Bear Lake trail and the Lake Irene trail – for beginners. Intermediate climbers may enjoy the 4.1-mile Emerald Lake trail, which requires 744 feet of elevation gain. Many experienced hikers set out to complete Longs Peak: This mountain is a 14er (a peak that exceeds 14,000 feet) with a nearly 5,000-foot elevation gain, reserved for ambitious and very skilled hikers willing to start the hike early (think: 3 a.m.) and pack all the appropriate gear.

Don't miss the chance to drive the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. With a high point at more than 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge spans nearly 50 miles and runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west, and it's known as the highest continuous paved road in the country. It has several designated pull-over areas and is well maintained, according to visitors, but that doesn't mean it's not frightening: The twisting turns and dramatic drops may make your stomach churn. The road is only open from May to October because of its dangerous winter weather conditions.

Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed entry reservation system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a vehicle entrance pass. Keep in mind that backpacking requires a wilderness permit. If you're planning to visit multiple national parks in a year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass .

Insider tip: The 9.4-mile trek to Sky Pond is worth doing for gorgeous views of surrounding peaks.

The Mile High City is full of educational museums, trendy restaurants, historical sites and top-notch views. For a taste of culture, stop at the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and the Denver Botanic Gardens. Or, catch a Broadway show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. If you're visiting with children, the Denver Zoo is a great place to spend the day, as is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The many unique tour offerings , including brewery outings and graffiti tours, can help you experience as much of Denver as possible. For a low-budget activity, plan a picnic in City Park, which offers views of the surrounding mountains and lots of space for the kids to run around.

When night comes, stroll through Larimer Square to find breweries and bars. Some top-rated breweries include Great Divide Brewing Company and Ratio Beerworks. The Five Points area is also an excellent place to explore in the evening thanks to its vibrant nightlife scene, live musical performances and noteworthy street art. Colorado's capital city offers plenty of lodging options as well, from upscale hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Denver to boutique hotels like Hotel Teatro to more budget-friendly alternatives .

In November, attend Denver Arts Week, where artists, filmmakers, performers and more flock to Denver to showcase their creative projects. Entire neighborhoods, such as the RiNo Art District, are transformed into alfresco art museums during this week as artists paint colorful murals on storefronts and walls. One of Denver Arts Week's most noteworthy events is the Denver Film Festival, which showcases critically acclaimed films and features a star-studded red carpet event.

Insider tip: In terms of food and drink, you can't go wrong with Barcelona Wine Bar, which boasts a plethora of delicious tapas and a variety of wines. (Just make sure you book a reservation for this popular restaurant.) If you're a fan of speakeasies, try Williams & Graham – where you enter the bar through a bookcase – or Retrograde, where you enter the space-themed bar through a freezer in the Frozen Matter ice cream shop.

Surf or sled at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

While you won't find any traditional surfing experiences in landlocked Colorado, that doesn't mean you can't try your hand at the sport. Armed with a sandboard or sand sled (made specifically for sand, as snowboards, snow sleds and skis won't work unless the sand is very wet) as well as a bit of courage, visitors can surf or sled down the massive dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Keep in mind that there are no equipment rental facilities within the park; instead, you'll have to rent a board or sled from a shop in the nearby San Luis Valley. Oasis Store, located 4 miles from the entrance, is the closest rental store option. The first dunes are located about half a mile from the main parking area, but surfing and sledding are allowed anywhere on the dunefield away from vegetated areas. There are plenty of other activities you can enjoy throughout Great Sand Dunes, including hiking and swimming in Medano Creek. The park is also a top Colorado camping location .

Insider tip: Make sure to bring appropriate footwear as the sand can get very hot.

Stay at the famed Stanley Hotel

An inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining," The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park – about 5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park – embraces its position as one of the most haunted hotels in America . The historic hotel offers several visitor-recommended tours, including The Shining Tour, where you can peek at one of the axes used in the movie.

Despite these sinister ties, the Stanley Hotel is one of the best hotels in Estes Park for good reason: It touts renovated premium suites, spa treatments, guided outdoor excursions and a plethora of premier dining options. There's plenty to do in the greater town of Estes Park, too, like horseback riding , attending the fall Elk Fest and exploring the free Estes Park Museum.

Insider tip: Visit Estes Park in the fall to hear the beautiful yet eerie elk bugling.

Address: 333 E. Wonderview Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517

Garden of the Gods

There are several ways to explore the towering red rock formations in Garden of the Gods , located 5 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs , one of which is hiking. Some highly recommended hiking routes include the easy Central Garden Trail and the moderate Palmer Trail.

Jeep tours are another way to explore Garden of the Gods. Visitors can take a 90-minute narrated Jeep tour to Balanced Rock and hear about the history of the park; embark on a 90-minute outing to Glen Eyrie's Queens Canyon and enjoy a scenic overlook; or ride to waterfalls, tunnels and other picturesque areas on a two-hour excursion. Or, step back in time with a trolley tour, offered hourly.

Insider tip: After a day of exploring Garden of the Gods, grab a bite to eat at Pizzeria Rustica in the Old Colorado City area of Colorado Springs. The quattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza is to die for, and the gelato is a delicious way to cool down after hiking.

Summit Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak, a 14er located approximately 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, has inspired many stories and songs, including "America the Beautiful." You can ascend the mountain in a number of ways. Driving is the easiest way to summit, and there are plenty of places to pull over and admire the views on the way up. Keep in mind that the drive requires reservations and can be difficult, especially for those afraid of heights (which is why guided shuttle tours are also available).

Another popular way to reach the top is via The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The railway offers breathtaking vistas as it sweeps passengers up the mountain. At the top, passengers can soak in the scenery before boarding the train down. The entire trip lasts about three hours. You can purchase tickets online before you go; keep in mind that tickets sell out about two weeks in advance in the summer.

The last way up the mountain is on foot. Only skilled hikers and bikers should attempt to scale Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail, which is about a 25-mile round trip. Summiting via the Crags Campground route is shorter, at 14.5 miles, but still difficult. Either way, the grueling hike will be worth it once you make it to the top and witness incredible panoramas of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Plus, you can reward yourself with a Pikes Peak doughnut or other treat at the Summit Visitor Center, which sits at 14,115 feet in elevation.

Insider tip: Afternoon storms in the summer are a common occurrence in Colorado, so if you're hiking, make sure you're descending around noon to avoid dangerous lightning.

Many visitors appreciate the charming, small-town vibe of Boulder, located 25 miles northwest of Denver. Pearl Street Mall is a top Boulder attraction , as the alfresco shopping area is lined with a plethora of boutiques and cafes. You'll probably see your fair share of street performers as well. Plus, with the University of Colorado Boulder in close proximity, there are many trendy restaurants and nightlife options.

Past visitors recommend The Buff for breakfast, The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse for lunch or afternoon tea, and The Sink for dinner – and don't forget to grab a drink at one of the city's many breweries in between meals. If you're visiting in the summer, check out the Boulder Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for farm-fresh produce, live music and more. For convenient lodging options near downtown, book a stay at the St Julien Hotel & Spa or Hotel Boulderado .

If you do find yourself in the Boulder area, hiking the Flatirons is a must. These giant sandstone peaks are intertwined with miles of hiking trails, and there are routes for hikers and climbers of all skill levels. Most hikes begin at the popular Chautauqua Trailhead, which also offers an expansive park area perfect for relaxing and admiring the Flatirons if you're not in the mood to climb or hike.

Insider tip: A great hike away from the hustle and bustle of Boulder life is the 7.9-mile Walker Ranch Loop, an 8-mile drive from Chautauqua. For a less heart-pumping experience, touring the Celestial Seasonings tea factory is a blast and includes free tea sampling.

Mesa Verde National Park

It's not too often that scenic hiking areas are also steeped in history, but Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado certainly has both. This national park consists of an array of preserved cliff dwellings originally built centuries ago by Ancestral Puebloans, who lived and worked in the cliffside quarters for 700 years until finally abandoning them in late A.D. 1200. Now, the remnants of this ancient civilization draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Additionally, the park is associated with 26 Native American tribes.

During your visit, make time to see Cliff Palace – the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The site features 150 rooms and 23 kivas (ceremonial underground rooms) that you can view only by guided tour. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding area. A visitor-favorite path is the moderate Point Lookout Trail (2.1 miles out and back), which boasts sweeping views of the park. The Petroglyph Point Trail (a 2.4-mile loop) is also popular, as you can admire the petroglyphs drawn on the canyon walls.

Ski in Aspen

Millions of visitors travel to this town, located about 200 miles west of Denver, each year for its ideal ski conditions and massive slopes. Aspen Snowmass is one of the country's largest ski resorts , one of Colorado's top ski destinations and one of Aspen's most popular attractions . The resort offers more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and nearly 50 chairlifts across four mountains – Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – making it a prime ski destination for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are also some trails for beginners, as well as many opportunities for lessons.

Even if you're not a fan of skiing, the après-ski scene makes Aspen worth a visit. You'll find skiers flocking to the town's lounges, taverns and upscale eateries after a day on the mountain. There are several award-winning hotels in the area – such as The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection – where guests can stay close to the slopes, making for an extra easy ski day.

Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

A trip to this venue will take any concert experience to the next level. The bleacher-style seats at Red Rocks Amphitheatre are built into a cliff and surrounded by towering sandstone structures. Visitors rave about the venue's acoustics, saying it's one of the best and most unique places to witness a live performance. Concerts are usually scheduled between April and November; consult the event schedule to see when your favorite artists are performing.

Even if you can't make it for a show, Red Rocks is still a great place to visit during the day. There are several hiking trails around the concert area, including the easy Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles) and the intermediate Red Rocks and Morrison Slide trails (3 miles). Plus, from high up in the stands, you'll get panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the summer, the venue even presents drive-in movie events and morning yoga sessions.

Insider tip: You can also find plenty of beautiful hiking in nearby Mount Falcon Park, including the highly rated 3.2-mile Turkey Trot Trail loop.

Address: 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465

Relax in the hot springs of Glenwood Springs

The small town of Glenwood Springs is situated along the Colorado River and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The mineral waters responsible for the town's fame come from the nearby Yampah spring, which naturally heats to about 122 degrees. In town, there are three main areas for visitors to enjoy the hot springs. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is home to the world's largest hot springs pool, big enough for visitors to swim laps in the 90- to 93-degree water. The venue is kid-friendly and doesn't require reservations.

Another option is Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which offers a quieter atmosphere complete with 17 soaking pools – heated between 98 and 108 degrees and connected by heated walkways – and rain showers to ensure visitors can cool off when necessary. Reservations are required and weekend access often sells out, so make sure to book a time slot in advance. The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is another thermal attraction in Glenwood Springs, and it's one of the only vapor caves on the continent. This underground area naturally releases therapeutic steam, which visitors can enjoy by descending into the caves and lounging on the benches. Reservations for the caves are required.

Go whitewater rafting

The Arkansas River – which starts in central Colorado and runs all the way to Arkansas – features miles of fast-flowing water, perfect for adventurous rafters. Though it might seem intimidating, there are plenty of easy routes for first-time rafters or those looking for a relaxing excursion.

Lower Browns Canyon offers a few mild rapids with enough time in between to enjoy the mountain scenery. Similarly, a trip to Little Gore Canyon is sure to be leisurely and may appeal to families with younger children. The Royal Gorge trip, however, is reserved for adventurous travelers seeking steep drops, big splashes and constant rapids. The Pine Creek route, which originates near the Granite Gorge, is another strenuous option for advanced rafters. Check out U.S. News' roundup of the best whitewater rafting tours in Colorado to plan your trip.

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A mining village that flourished in the late 1800s, this southwestern Colorado town maintains its Wild West charm to this day. The main street is lined with quaint stores and restaurants, which are set against the dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. You won't see many fast food restaurants or chain stores here, but you will find plenty of outdoor activities in Telluride . The town offers noteworthy skiing options at Telluride Ski Resort. The free gondola is also a great activity, as it'll bring you on a scenic ride to the mountains.

While there are numerous winter adventures to be had, the spring, summer and fall months are what make this town stand out. Telluride has a thriving arts district and is a hot spot for festivals, including popular festivals for film, jazz and bluegrass. Visitors enjoy Telluride for its small-town atmosphere and history.

Drive the Million Dollar Highway

There are many theories as to how this scenic highway got its name, but no matter what you believe, it's certain that the road provides million-dollar views. Start your drive in Ouray, a small town northwest of Telluride that's known as the "Switzerland of America" thanks to its European-looking storefronts and the surrounding mountains.

The 25-mile highway stretches from Ouray to Silverton and features awe-inspiring vistas, but be warned that the drive is not for the faint of heart. The road clings to the side of a cliff and provides dizzying views of the canyon below – and the lack of guardrails only adds to the danger. The road does eventually level out so drivers can relax and enjoy the scenery, but keep in mind that if you're scared of heights, this drive might not be the one for you. Be sure to check for icy or snowy conditions before making the journey.

Grand Lake is one of the best spots in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating and soaking up some sun. This top Colorado lake – the largest in the state – is located a few miles southeast of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and about 100 miles northwest of Denver. On the sandy shores of the lake, you'll find plenty of kids playing, adults sunbathing, and maybe even a moose or two testing the waters.

Visitors say the area is well maintained, and they appreciate the designated picnic spots. Not to mention, the jaw-dropping view of the surrounding mountains reflecting off the lake is sure to take your beach day to the next level. The lake offers a marina where visitors can opt to rent motorboats or kayaks to explore the water. The small town around the water – also called Grand Lake – features several cafes, restaurants and shops to enjoy during your visit. If you venture to Grand Lake in winter, there will still be many activities to partake in, such as ice fishing and ice hockey.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

This national park packs plenty of scenery into a small area. Dark, jagged peaks slice into the earth, creating dramatic canyons and breathtaking views. Black Canyon of the Gunnison doesn't have as many easy hiking opportunities as other parks due to the steep nature of the canyon. For this reason, many visitors say driving is the best way to take in the views. The park is small enough that if you're driving, you can see it all in a day – though there's a good chance it'll take a long drive to get there, as it's located about 260 miles from Denver.

When arriving at the park, you can choose to explore either the North Rim or the South Rim. The North Rim offers three trails and five overlooks that you can visit by car but is overall less developed than its counterpart; many visitors prefer the South Rim for its four hiking trails and 12 overlooks. Each rim features a campground as well, but the South Rim Campground is much larger and includes more amenities.

Insider tip: Bring a canopy tent if you plan to stay in the South Rim Campground as the trees are short and don't offer much in the way of shade. Also, make sure to drive around the park at sunset for spectacular views.

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Take a train back in time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Construction on this historic railroad began in 1881; once it was completed in 1882, the railroad brought tons of gold and silver from the mountains to the towns. People also used this train to travel between towns, and they quickly realized the scenery along the way was nothing short of stunning. The railroad winds through the San Juan Mountains and chugs up Cascade Canyon – a visitor-favorite view.

The train from Durango to Silverton takes less than four hours; passengers can explore the historic mining town of Silverton for two hours before returning for the train ride back. You'll have to reserve tickets in advance online or by calling.

Breckenridge

If you're looking for an easy getaway from Denver, head to Breckenridge for some of the best ski conditions in the state. Breckenridge Ski Resort has a whopping 187 trails and 35 lifts as well as several terrain parks. The free gondola, which runs from the downtown area to the base of the ski mountain, is a great way to enjoy the mountain views even if you don't plan on hitting the slopes.

Downtown Breckenridge has plenty to offer in the way of food, beverages and treats as well as clothing stores, souvenir shops and a thriving arts district. The surrounding area offers a variety of hiking and biking trails – such as the highly rated McCullough Gulch Trail, the Hoosier Pass Loop and the Sawmill Reservoir trail.

Insider tip: A romantic dinner at Hearthstone Restaurant can't be beat. Give the lamb a try; it's spectacular!

Visit Colorado's wine country

Most people associate Colorado with craft beer and countless breweries . However, you may be surprised to learn that Colorado also produces its fair share of wine. The state's "wine country" is located on the western edge of Colorado near the city of Grand Junction, where the cool, dry mountain climate and high elevation work together to create an ideal wine-making environment.

You'll find wineries and tasting rooms galore in Grand Junction and nearby Palisade. According to recent visitors, some of the top options include Carlson Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room, Varaison Vineyards and Winery, and Peach Street Distillers. Some visitors recommend touring Colorado's wine country on an e-bike for an extra dose of fun. When it comes time to rest, turn down at one of the best hotels in Grand Junction , most of which are conveniently located near the bars and restaurants of Main Street.

Insider tip: A stay at Palisade's Wine Country Inn makes for the perfect romantic getaway in Colorado . Make sure to take advantage of the property's daily complimentary wine tasting in the afternoon. In addition to wine, Palisade is known for its peaches; consider taking a peach farm tour with Suncrest Orchard Alpacas – which includes walking with your very own fluffy alpaca.

While this Colorado town is famous for its excellent ski offerings, Vail is also a great place to kick back and spend your time getting pampered. During the day, shop (or window-shop) for everything from outdoor gear to art, before taking a relaxing stroll through the meticulously landscaped Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Afternoon wine tastings at 4 Eagle Ranch or Root & Flower will make your day extra indulgent. When evening comes, splurge on upscale Japanese cuisine at Matsuhisa or contemporary American favorites at Sweet Basil.

Luxurious accommodation options also abound in Vail. If you're looking for top-notch spa offerings, book a stay at the European-inspired Sonnenalp hotel. The on-site spa offers massages, body treatments, scrubs, facials, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, and even an oxygen bar if the altitude gets to you. If you'd rather relax in the comfort of your guest room, consider staying at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail , where certain accommodations feature spacious living room areas, cozy furniture and gas fireplaces alongside mountain views.

Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge

If you want to get your heart pumping, look no further than the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park , located about 60 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. The bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. at 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Crossing the bridge is not for the faint of heart, but don't worry – the engineering feat is supported by 4,100 sturdy cables and can hold more than 2 million pounds. If you're still (understandably) nervous about walking over the bridge, however, some visitors recommend riding the Aerial Gondola across it first.

There's an activity for everyone at the park, from the three-story Playland for kids to the Cloudscraper Zip Line – the highest zip line in America – and the Royal Rush Skycoaster for thrill-seekers. Travelers recommend going in the offseason for smaller crowds.

Address: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212

Enjoy family-friendly fun in Steamboat Springs

This northwestern Colorado city is known for its ski offerings and hot springs. The ski mountain offers 182 trails, 23 lifts and four terrain parks, each for a different skill level. After skiing, pay a visit to the Old Town Hot Springs in the heart of downtown, which features several designated pools as well as two waterslides open seasonally. If you're not into downhill skiing, you can still enjoy other Steamboat Springs activities , including cross-country skiing , horseback riding, snowmobiling , ice skating, tubing and scenic gondola rides. In the summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking and fly-fishing; there are also many local lakes perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.

If you're planning to spend the night in Steamboat Springs , recent travelers recommend staying at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort for modern appliances and gorgeous views.

Go leaf peeping

The fall season in Colorado is particularly stunning as the trees, most notably aspens, start to change color. You can hike among the vivid yellow, orange and red leaves in a multitude of mountain destinations, such as Kenosha Pass located 65 miles from Denver (but be warned that this is one of the most popular leaf-peeping spots ). To avoid the crowds, head to Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, which boasts one of the largest and most photographed aspen groves in the country. The leaf-peeping season typically runs from September to mid-October, but the exact timing depends on a variety of factors, such as whether there's an early freeze.

Insider tip: If you're heading to Kebler Pass, spend some time in the charming town of Crested Butte. The Secret Stash offers a range of pizzas as well as the delicious and popular "Crack Fries."

Drive the highest road in North America

The Scenic Byway to Blue Sky, which begins 33 miles west of Denver, climbs to the peak of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) and offers stunning mountain views along the way. You'll start in Idaho Springs, then gain about 7,000 feet in elevation as you twist and turn along the 28-mile road to the 14,130-foot summit. Keep your eyes peeled for wild animals such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep and marmots.

Due to potentially dangerous winter conditions, cars are only permitted to drive to the peak from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and reservations are required. If you're an avid hiker, you also have the option to complete the challenging hike to the peak, but note that it's one of the more popular 14ers to climb.

Experience small-town life in Salida

Visiting small towns like Salida is one of the best ways to experience the Centennial State. Salida sits about 140 miles south of Denver and offers plenty of quaint Colorado charm. As you walk down F Street, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time thanks to preserved buildings reminiscent of the Wild West and retro stores like the F Street Five & Dime and the Salida Pharmacy & Fountain. The downtown area is the state's largest historic district. At the end of the street, you'll find the Arkansas River and the adjacent Riverside Park, which is a perfect spot for lounging, picnicking or exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skiing and snowboarding might be the first activities that come to mind when putting together your winter Colorado itinerary, but consider a variety of cold weather offerings across the state:

• Take the family dog-sledding
• Go snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park
• Enjoy a sleigh ride dinner in Steamboat Springs
• Head to Breckenridge for the International Snow Sculpture Championships
• Ride the Polar Express Train from Durango to Silverton
• Eat pierogies at the Denver Christkindlmarket
• Explore more than 70 installations at Meow Wolf

It's no surprise that a summer in Colorado means partaking in myriad outdoor adventures:

• Rock climb in Eldorado State Park (and receive a stamp in your Colorado Parks Passport )
• Get your adrenaline pumping on a zip line
• Visit Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs
• Ride the Alpine Slide in Winter Park (the longest alpine slide in the state)
• See the stunning Maroon Bells
• Explore the colorful Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Colorado Springs
• Hike around Dinosaur National Monument

And plenty of other activities await if you're not in the mood to lace up your hiking boots:

• Watch a play at the Shakespeare Festival in Boulder
• Take a flight in a hot air balloon above the Rocky Mountains
• Catch a baseball game at Coors Field
• Attend the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, south of Colorado Springs
• Explore a ghost town like St. Elmo or Independence Ghost Town near Aspen

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Leilani Osmundson has lived in Colorado for most of her life, including four years in Boulder while she attended the University of Colorado Boulder . She spends her free time hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing and paddleboarding around the state, and has experienced much on this list.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Colorado
• The Best Places to Hike in the U.S.
• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.
• The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Tags: Travel , Colorado Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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Where to buy Coldplay 2025 tour tickets for London and Hull shows today, September 27

Coldplay fans don't have long to wait to get tickets for the band's upcoming Music of the Spheres World 2025 tour

• 08:30, 27 SEP 2024
• Updated 10:26, 27 SEP 2024

General sale tickets for Coldplay's highly anticipated tour will go on sale on Friday, September 27. Frontman Chris Martin and his bandmates are gearing up to perform in London and Hull next summer, with several exciting shows lined up.

Coldplay shared the thrilling announcement of their 2025 concert dates earlier this month, and fans won’t have to wait too long to buy their tickets. This tour coincides with the upcoming release of their much-anticipated tenth album, Moon Music.

Coldplay has responded to overwhelming demand by adding four additional dates to their Music of the Spheres World 2025 tour September 3, 4, 7 and 8. They are set to put on two performances in Hull. The first show will take place on August 18 at Craven Park Stadium, followed by the second show on August 19.

On Thursday, September 26, Coldplay fans hurried to grab presale tickets as they became available on Ticketmaster . The presale kicked off at 9am, and only those who received an access code through email were permitted to purchase tickets.

If you weren't able to secure tickets, don't worry, there will be a general sale on Friday, September 26. Here’s all the information you need to know to grab your tickets, including how much they'll cost.

How to buy general sale tickets

Coldplay general sale tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 27, at 9am . They will be available on Ticketmaster , See Tickets , AXS and Ticketmaster .

If you don’t already have a Ticketmaster account, go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk and get your account set up with all your correct billing and delivery information before the sale.

How much do Coldplay tickets cost?

London Wembley Stadium: General admission standing tickets are priced at £112.75 per ticket plus a £2.75 per order fee. Seats are priced between £57.75 - £195.25 per ticket plus a £2.75 per order fee.

Hull Craven Park: General admission standing tickets are priced at £110.00 per ticket plus a £2.75 per order fee. Seats are priced between £55.00 - £165.00 per ticket plus a £2.75 per order fee.

An extremely limited number of Infinity Tickets will be made available on Friday, November 22 2024. These tickets are for seats that are allocated to you by the organiser and may be located anywhere in the venue and are sold in pairs at £52.25 per pair.

All ticket prices for these concerts are fixed at the advertised rate. The above pricing excludes VIP and hotel packages.

What's the transport options for the 2025 tour?

By Coach: Big Green Coach is the official coach travel partner to the Coldplay 2025 tour and is providing hassle-free and sustainable return coach travel to Wembley Stadium and the Craven Park Stadium in Hull.

Wembley Stadium : Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Chelmsford, Colchester, Coventry, Exeter, Ipswich, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth, Reading, Southampton, Swindon and Taunton.

Craven Park Stadium, Hull : Bradford, Doncaster, Hartlepool, Leeds, Lincoln, Liverpool, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newark-on-Trent, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Rotherham, Sheffield, Sunderland and York.

Your carbon neutral coach is timetabled to arrive at the venue before the music starts and return after the show has finished so you don't miss a minute of the action. Guarantee your seat to see Coldplay with Big Green Coach, the UK's largest events travel company from just £38. £1 deposit and payment plan available. Book here .

Full list of Coldplay Hull and London tour dates:

• Monday, August 18 2025 - Hull, Craven Park
• Tuesday, August 19 2025 - Hull, Craven Park
• Friday, August 22 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Wednesday, July 23 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Saturday, July 26 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Sunday, July 27 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Wednesday, July 30 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Thursday, July 31 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Wednesday, September 3 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Thursday, September 4 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Sunday, September 7 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
• Monday, September 8 2025 - London, Wembley Stadium
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史上初グランドスラムへ　申ジエが“4～5年ぶり”のシャフトチェンジ「前のもの以上でないと替えられなかった」

史上初のグランドスラムがかかる申ジエ。そのための工夫も。

配信日時: 2024年9月26日 23時30分

＜日本女子オープン 初日◇26日◇大利根カントリークラブ 西コース(茨城県) ◇6845ヤード・パー72＞ 日本のメジャーでこれまで3冠を達成し、史上初のグランドスラム（メジャー全制覇）まで残すはこの「日本女子オープン」のタイトルのみ。申ジエ（韓国）は、「この大会のコースを歩けるのは今でも光栄」という気持ちも胸に悲願成就を目指している。

思いのほか軟らかいグリーンにも助けられ、スコアを伸ばしていく上位陣を見て「練習ラウンドをしていた時、こんなにアンダーパーが出るとは思わなかった」と苦笑いも浮かべる。しかし、そこにしっかりと食らいついた。初日に出した3アンダーは首位と4打差の4位タイ。「すごく安定していました」と、満足度は高い。 ポイントに挙げるのは「ティショット」。この日はパー3を除く14ホール中11ホールでフェアウェイをヒットした。「ラフに入ったらピンを狙うのは厳しい。きょうは3ホール（ラフに）外したけど、そのうち2つがパー5だったので大丈夫でした。ティショットはプレッシャーを感じますね」。百戦錬磨の元世界1位でも、そこに入れたら万事休すというのが、今回の厄介なラフだ。 その回避を助けているひとつが、ドライバーのシャフトだ。3週前の「住友生命Vitalityレディス 東海クラシック」から、USTマミヤの『The ATTAS V2 5S』を投入している。「前のシャフトは4～5年替えられなかった。そこまで使い続けると、それ以上にいいと思えるものが出ないとなかなか替えられなかった。いいシャフトをテストすることができ、よりいい状態で挑戦することができました。安定性がありますね」。最近は「よりランが出る」クラブセッティングを模索中。そのなかで見出した1本が、“重い腰”をあげさせた。 イメージするのは、最終日にトロフィーを掲げる自分の姿。ただ、一足飛びではそこにたどり着けないことも重々承知だ。「きょうみたいなプレーを続けていきたいですね」。通算30勝で得られる永久シードが目前となる日本通算28勝目を手にしてから、もう1年以上が過ぎた。新たな武器とともに、最後の大物を釣り上げる。（文・間宮輝憲）

随時更新　日本女子オープンのリーダーボード

2日目の組み合わせ＆スタート時間

黄金世代の“日本女子OP6連覇”はなるか？ 選手も気合「9年中8勝、行きます！」

史上最長、深いラフに空中ハザードに選手は「全部、難しい…」　日本一が争われる“モンスターコース”の正体は？

日本女子オープンのニュース

• JGAは“拡散希望”！ 今年の日本女子OPはスマホ撮影がOKに　ただし音の問題も…「注意喚起を続けていく」
• まさかのトラブルで猛省も…　プロテストへ日本女子アマ女王が原英莉花らから得た財産「レベルの高い選手を見習って」
• 山下美夢有が単独首位で週末へ　笠りつ子と申ジエ2差2位、15歳アマ岩永杏奈が4位
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Things To Do | Tony-winning “Kimberly Akimbo” launches…

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Things to do | tony-winning “kimberly akimbo” launches national tour in denver | theater review, the show won five tony awards in 2022.

That David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s musical about a teenager with an extremely rare disease and her dysfunctional parents (less rare but oh-so challenging), can be soul-affirming without losing its edge and ouchy-ness is an achievement, one that speaks to the elasticity of the musical genre. And one that the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League recognized when they awarded  “Kimberly Akimbo” five Tony Awards in 2022. Among that trove were statuettes for best musical, best leading actress, and best featured actress.

On Thursday, the national tour launched at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, inviting theatergoers to ache and laugh and ache and, yes, laugh again.

The show opens at the Skater Planet in Bergen County, N.J., a haunt that isn’t as happening as the town’s mall. Kimberly Levaco (Carolee Carmello), soon-to-be 16 years old, stands by herself, waiting. Although her face is that of an adult, everything about her tentative posture and awkward lonesomeness screams teenager.

High schooler and ice rink worker Seth (Miguel Gil) takes the microphone to announce a Zamboni timeout. A quartet of teen friends — Delia, Martin, Teresa and Aaron — chatter with an electric energy and then launch into “Skater Planet.” (“It’s Saturday night in Bergen County. There are parties everywhere, but we never get invited.”) The words are cute-sad, but the ridiculously upbeat tune sets the tone for an infectious glee that permeates so much of “Kimberly Akimbo.”

While there is a genetic disorder that ages people prematurely, the show’s makers chose not to name Kimberly’s ailment. We do know that for every year in her life, her body ages five years, and that her life expectancy is dramatically abbreviated.

At school, Seth tells Kimberly in front of the lockers, “I thought you were the lunch lady.” Think of it as a version of kids saying the darndest things. That’s before Kim and Seth become lab partners on a biology project about diseases, before they are friends and maybe more. Gil does wonders as the sweetly polite, tuba-playing, anagram-addicted Seth.

For show choir kids Delia, Martin, Teresa and Aaron (the charming ensemble of Grace Capeless, Darron Hayes, Skye Alyssa Friedman and Pierce Wheeler), the vectors of fondness veer hilariously off their mark. For Kimberly and Seth, whatever is gently going on between them is as subtle as it is true.

Carmello takes on the beautifully daunting and tricky work of being 16 going on 70. It’s an illusion that one buys into or doesn’t quite. I didn’t when I saw a very good understudy do the role on Broadway (and still loved the show). I did here.

Certainly, Kimberly’s wardrobe (costumes by Sara Laux), a believable mashup of patterns and textures, plaid shirts and combat boots, helps. But it’s the three-time Tony nominee Carmello’s way of inhabiting Kimberly’s fears and yearnings that convinces. Whether she’s composing a letter to a social service organization (“Make a Wish”) or crushing out on Seth (“Anagram”), her voice bubbles up and out, going from tentative to expectant.

Kimberly’s mature for her age, much the way children are forced to be when their parents aren’t mature for their ages. Mom Pattie (Dana Steingold) is pregnant, and from the video she’s surreptitiously shooting for the anticipated newcomer (“Hello, Darling”), she sees the next child as something of a do-over. But don’t judge Pattie too harshly; she follows a reprise of the self-absorbed “Hello Darling” with a ballad of remarkable tenderness about “Father Time.”

Dad Buddy (Jim Hogan) acts too much like a pal and not enough like a reliable father. He drinks. He’s late. He makes promises he won’t keep. His most paternal gesture is worrying that Seth might have a crush on his daughter. He sings “Happy for Her”  as he drives Kimberly and Seth to school.

Because Kimberly can be so can-do and her parents are often woefully childish, it’s easy to forget that Pattie and Buddy have also been living with the burdens of their daughter’s fleeting life.

There are other dramas, too. For reasons they want to keep hush-hush, they uprooted Kimberly from Lodi to their new town without leaving a forwarding address.

The mystery of that abrupt departure is solved when Kimberly’s aunt Debra (Emily Koch) tracks down her niece at her new school. Debra wheedles information from Kimberly about the location of her sister and brother-in-law’s new home. It becomes clear quickly why the Levaco family doesn’t want Debra around.

“When life gives you lemons … you gotta go out and steal some apples,” she sings in “Better,” preaching to the quartet of show choir kids. Think of her as an Artful Dodger by way of the Jersey Turnpike, the Cat in the Hat out on parole.

The second act brilliantly balances Seth and Kimberly’s growing fondness for each other with the criminal enterprise that Debra’s concocted. She’s created an assembly line for check kiting, having enlisted the teen quartet in her scheme. (Hey, they need money for their costumes!)

When they start to balk, she prods them by reminding them that another school’s show choir would have this funny business down pat. Like Debra’s other song and her constant wisecracking, “How to Wash a Check” is hilarious. Its darker implications fade in part because her “crew” is so inept at the task, but mostly because Koch’s and director Jessica Stone’s comedic timing is ace.

And the timing here needs to be crisp. Because “Kimberly Akimbo”  constantly mixes moods — up and down and sideways. Kimberly knows that time, however sped up, delivers the existential alongside the joyous. She wants us to know that, too.

Lisa Kennedy is a Denver-based freelance writer specializing in theater and film. 

“Kimberly Akimbo”: Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Music by Jeanine Tesori. Directed by Jessica Stone. Featuring Carolee Carmello, Miguel Gil, Grace Capeless, Darron Hayes, Skye Alyssa Friedman, Pierce Wheeler, Jim Hogan, Dana Steingold and Emily Koch. At the Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through Oct. 5.  For tickets and info denvercenter.org or 303-893-4100

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Daniel radcliffe mourns ‘harry potter’ co-star maggie smith’s death: ‘she was incredibly kind’.

Daniel Radcliffe mourned the loss of his “Harry Potter” co-star Dame Maggie Smith after the actress passed away on Friday.

“The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job,” Radcliffe tells Page Six in a statement on Friday.

The “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” actor, 35, said that he didn’t know much about her at the time but that his parents were “awestruck” that he would get to work with her.

“The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was ‘would you like me to call you Dame?’ at which she laughed and said something to the effect of ‘don’t be ridiculous!’ he recalled.

Radcliffe remembered feeling “nervous” to meet her, only to immediately be put “at ease” by her warm nature.

“She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the ‘Harry Potter’ films,” Radcliffe said.

The “Equus” star called the late “Downton Abbey” alum a “fierce intellect” with a “gloriously sharp tongue.”

“[Maggie] could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny,” he said.

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“I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set,” Radcliffe shared. “The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”

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Radcliffe starred as the lead character Harry Potter while Smith played the role of the beloved Professor Minerva McGonagall in all eight of the film adaptations of J.K. Rowlings’ book series from 2001 to 2011.

Smith’s family confirmed that she had passed away “peacefully in hospital” at the age of 89 — though they did not reveal her cause of death.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, whom Smith shared with ex-husband Robert Stephens, wrote in a statement.

“An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end,” they said, adding that her sons and five grandchildren are “devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Smith left her mark on the film and theater industry, winning three Emmys for her role in “Downton Abbey,” as well as two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes. and one Tony Award.

In 1990,  Queen Elizabeth II appointed Smith  a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

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