With 53 fourteeners and 3.5 million acres of protected wilderness areas, it’s no secret that the Centennial State has an infinite number of cool places to explore. Somehow StorQuest managed to narrow it down to six of our favorites.
1) Royal Gorge
Calling all adrenaline junkies! The Royal Gorge is your one-stop spot if you’re looking for a heart-pounding experience. Pick up a paddle and raft at one of the best places in the U.S., with white caps ranging from small Class II rapids to epic Class IV and V rapids. Or you can fly through the air at 1,200 feet on the Cloudscraper Zipline. No matter what you choose, finish your day above it all on the Royal Gorge Bridge – one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.
2) Unaweep Canyon
Unaweep Canyon is just south of Grand Junction and has hundreds of routes for both climbing and bouldering. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, from challenging sport routes to multi-pitch climbing and some awesome sandstone bouldering. Camping is free, so grab your tent from storage and make a weekend out of it!
3) Flat Tops Wilderness Area
Dramatic peaks, volcanoes, crashing rivers – Flat Tops Wilderness Area isn’t afraid to show off. It’s the third-largest area reserve in Colorado with over 230,000 acres, and there’s no shortage of adventure. Strap on a backpack and spend a few days exploring and soaking it all in. A few of our favorite must-sees? Devil’s Causeway, Finger Rock, and Trapper’s Peak.
4) Rainbow Hot Springs
Rainbow Hot Springs is one of the most remote natural springs in Colorado. Road trip to the Weminuche Wilderness north of Pagosa Springs and you’ll start the 4.5-mile trek up 1,000 feet of elevation. It’s all worth it, though. At the top are two hot mineral pools tucked next to the San Juan River with unbelievable views of the mountains.
5) Great Sand Dunes National Park
When the chairlifts on the mountain stop running, it doesn’t mean you have to stop shredding. The Great Sand Dunes National Park, southwest of Denver, is filled with sand ridges reaching over a mile high, making it perfect for sandboarding. Plan your adventure during the spring or early summer and come down from the dunes to cool off in what’s referred to as Colorado’s natural beach. This natural phenomenon is called a surge flow but we call it the perfect way to end the day with tubing and wakeboarding.
6) Adrenaline Falls
The name speaks for itself. For those who just can’t get enough of the feeling of free falling, Adrenaline Falls hosts some of the most awesome cliff jumping in southwest Colorado. Make sure to scout out your jump spot beforehand, then take the plunge from 15 feet above. Once you’ve had your fill, kick back and relax on the beaches or hang out in the some of the surrounding shallow pools.
Start Your Adventure with StorQuest
StorQuest knows that when it’s time to get out and explore, no time should be wasted. Our self storage units give you a place to keep all of your gear, so you can easily pack up and go whenever the mountains start calling. Find a location near you and start your adventure with StorQuest.