Colorado is notorious for being an expensive state (thanks, Aspen and high cost of living)… however, contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of fun things to see and do in every price point, including FREE! Don’t believe me? Then check out these 9 free outdoor activities in Colorado that you cannot afford to miss:
- Follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs at Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison)…
Yelp/Dave C. Billed as being the “Number One ranked Tracksite in North America,” Dinosaur Ridge features two trails that pass along not just dinosaur tracks, but bones and other geologic wonders as well. (Admission to the exhibit hall and shuttle tours can be purchased for $8.)
- …and Purgatoire River Track Site (La Junta)
TripAdvisor/funtobeme Also known as Picketwire Canyonlands, this southeast Colorado dinosaur track site is one of the largest dinosaur track sites in the country, housing more than 100 unique track ways!
- Climb the famous Manitou Incline (Manitou Springs)
Wikimedia Commons Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? Then you will love the 2,744-step Manitou Incline and its 2,000-foot elevation gain. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricy gym membership.)
- Wander around the Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Wikimedia Commons Quite possibly one of the most stunning of Colorado natural wonders is that of the Garden of the Gods; a 1,367-acre U.S. National Natural Landmark that houses not only these iconic rock formations, but numerous trails as well.
- Take a soak in the Conundrum Hot Springs (Aspen)
Flickr/Zach Dischner Does this picture look amazing or what? Keep in mind, there is a price to pay for a soak in these soothing natural waters, as the hike to and from Conundrum is 8.5 miles each way.
- Dive into Paradise Cove (Guffey)
Yelp/Susi H. Also known as Guffey Cove, the aptly nicknamed Paradise Cove is just that; a thrill-seekers paradise complete with both incredible surroundings AND an exciting opportunity to dive.
- Fishing
Flickr/Adam Sharron Anglers, rejoice! The Centennial State is chock-full of various fish AND stellar places to catch them! (Need a couple suggestions? Try Gunnison Gorge and/or Steamboat Lake State Park.)
- Explore the Paint Mines Interpretive Park (Calhan)
Flickr/Bryce Bradford Want to add a little color to your weekend? Paint Mines Interpretive Park – which is located about a half hour from Colorado Springs – should do the trick with its 4 miles of trails and unique geologic features.
- Hiking
Flickr/Alex Kerney Everywhere you look in Colorado, there are scenic trails galore, ranging from short and simple strolls all the way up to epic 14K climbs. What are you waiting for? Find one that suits your preference, get outside, and go! (The best part? Most of these glorious hikes are FREE.)
Looking for even more free fun? Check out these 14 Awesome Thing You Can Do In Colorado… Without Opening Your Wallet.
Yelp/Dave C.
Billed as being the “Number One ranked Tracksite in North America,” Dinosaur Ridge features two trails that pass along not just dinosaur tracks, but bones and other geologic wonders as well. (Admission to the exhibit hall and shuttle tours can be purchased for $8.)
TripAdvisor/funtobeme
Also known as Picketwire Canyonlands, this southeast Colorado dinosaur track site is one of the largest dinosaur track sites in the country, housing more than 100 unique track ways!
Wikimedia Commons
Are you ready for one of the most difficult and butt-busting workouts of your life? Then you will love the 2,744-step Manitou Incline and its 2,000-foot elevation gain. (FREE leg-burning incline > pricy gym membership.)
Quite possibly one of the most stunning of Colorado natural wonders is that of the Garden of the Gods; a 1,367-acre U.S. National Natural Landmark that houses not only these iconic rock formations, but numerous trails as well.
Flickr/Zach Dischner
Does this picture look amazing or what? Keep in mind, there is a price to pay for a soak in these soothing natural waters, as the hike to and from Conundrum is 8.5 miles each way.
Yelp/Susi H.
Also known as Guffey Cove, the aptly nicknamed Paradise Cove is just that; a thrill-seekers paradise complete with both incredible surroundings AND an exciting opportunity to dive.
Flickr/Adam Sharron
Anglers, rejoice! The Centennial State is chock-full of various fish AND stellar places to catch them! (Need a couple suggestions? Try Gunnison Gorge and/or Steamboat Lake State Park.)
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Want to add a little color to your weekend? Paint Mines Interpretive Park – which is located about a half hour from Colorado Springs – should do the trick with its 4 miles of trails and unique geologic features.
Flickr/Alex Kerney
Everywhere you look in Colorado, there are scenic trails galore, ranging from short and simple strolls all the way up to epic 14K climbs. What are you waiting for? Find one that suits your preference, get outside, and go! (The best part? Most of these glorious hikes are FREE.)
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
