Fort Collins CO

If you've ever wished your childhood daydreams would gallop into reality, the Colorado Unicorn Festival in Littleton is the fairytale you didn’t know you needed. Held at Centennial Center Park in Aurora, this celebration of all things sparkly, mythical, and delightfully over-the-top is more than just a kids' party—it’s a full-on fantasyland for anyone who still believes in magic (or just loves a good photo op with a dragon).

If you’ve ever wanted to watch giraffes nibble lettuce while gazing over an entire city skyline, this is your spot. Perched over 6,700 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo isn’t just another animal park—it’s a full-on alpine adventure where the creatures and the scenery are equally jaw-dropping.

If your idea of movie night could use a twist of local flavor, a splash of funky charm, and maybe a slice of wood-fired pizza—then you're overdue for a trip to The Lyric in Fort Collins. This isn't your standard megaplex. It’s a whimsical, independently owned cinema-meets-community-hub where every corner brims with creativity, personality, and yes—bike racks shaped like mustaches.

Castlewood Canyon State Park isn’t your typical “big mountains, big crowds” Colorado experience. Just 45 minutes from Denver, this hidden gem near Franktown delivers winding trails, canyon-carved views, and even a crumbling old dam that nature is slowly reclaiming. It’s wild in the best way—and the kind of place that makes you feel like an explorer, not just a hiker.

Tucked into the heart of Colorado’s Elk Mountains, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a full-on symphony of wild beauty. Think towering, jagged peaks reflected perfectly in still alpine lakes, a crisp pine-scented breeze brushing your cheeks, and the crunch of gravel underfoot as you hike a trail older than most buildings in Aspen.

If you think botanical gardens are just a walk past some pretty roses—think again. At Denver Botanic Gardens, you’ll find a vibrant collision of ecosystems, sculptures, and serenity that feels more like a choose-your-own-nature-adventure than a traditional garden stroll.

Tucked beneath the towering bluffs of the Rocky Mountain foothills, just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, there’s a place where cowboy hats outnumber baseball caps and the air smells like mesquite and campfire beans. Welcome to Flying W Ranch, where history, harmony, and hearty helpings collide in one unforgettable Colorado evening.

If you're the type who loves jaw-dropping nature with just the right amount of challenge, this trail might be your new favorite hike. Hidden high in the canyons of Glenwood Springs is a glimmering natural secret—Hanging Lake, a turquoise jewel nestled among lush cliffs and misty waterfalls. And yes, the name says it all: this lake literally hangs off the edge of a steep gorge.

Tucked into the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, there’s a quiet little wonder that art lovers and mountain dreamers alike should have on their radar. It’s not loud or flashy, but step inside and you’ll feel it—this is a place where the American West doesn’t just hang on the walls. It lives and breathes through every brushstroke, sculpture, and story.

If you’ve ever wished you could step inside a dream—or maybe a graphic novel drawn by aliens—then Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station in Denver is your next must-see. This immersive, technicolor universe feels like a theme park designed by mad geniuses with laser beams, blacklight paint, and a deep love of storytelling.