At Copper Mountain alone there are an endless number of ways to spend your days. From hiking and golf to mountain biking and the mountain coaster, you are sure to find some exciting local activities.

There are plenty of other adventures close by as well, and it's the perfect time of year to begin to see the fall colors!

Lake Dillon is a great place to kayak or paddleboard, and there are plenty of river rafting excursions nearby as well. There are also biking and walking trails around the lake connecting Frisco to other nearby towns.

Just 10-15 minutes south of the Copper Mountain exit on I-70, Mayflower Gulch is a stunning hike (about 4 miles roundtrip, and 800 ft elevation gain).

***Please note that many of these destinations/activities require reservations in advance, so don’t forget to do some research before you set out on adventures!

To The North

Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park – 2hr 30 min N

Rocky Mountain National Park via Grand Lake – 1hr 40 min N

· RMNP is one of the most traveled national parks in Colorado. You can drive straight through or stop for some hiking and sightseeing on the way. RMNP can be accessed through Estes Park or Grand Lake, both of which are worth exploring as stand-alone towns.

Hot Sulphur Springs – 1hr 10 min N

· A cool place to stop on the way to RMNP. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa is home to 18 hot mineral pools!

Steamboat Springs – 1hr 50 min NW

· Steamboat Springs is a fun town to explore. You’ll often find people rafting, tubing, kayaking, or paddle boarding down the river during summertime. Strawberry Hot Springs is located just outside of town and is our favorite natural hot springs to visit.

Vail – 20 min NW

Winter Park – 1hr 15 min NE

· Vail and Winter Park are both well-known ski towns, which become downhill mountain bike towns during the summer months.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway – 1hr NE

· Not for those who are afraid of heights! This is the highest road in North America, and the views are incredible.

To The East

Breckenridge – 25 min E

· Breckenridge is a very tourist-friendly town, there are plenty of shops, breweries, and scenic trails to explore. You can also take a ride on the gondola up to the base of their ski hill. Our all-time favorite bakery here is called La Française, they have the best almond croissants among other delicious pastries!

To The South

Great Sand Dunes National Park – 3hr S

· We have not visited here ourselves, but we have heard good things, and it is on our very own Colorado bucket list.

Crested Butte – 3hr SW

· Crested Butte is a historic mountain town with beautiful mountain views and is known for its lupine fields during wildflower season!

Pagosa Springs – 3hr 45 min S

· A beautiful mountain town known for its springs.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – 3hr 40 min SW

· Another bucket list item for us!

Ouray – 4hr SW

· Known as the “outdoor recreation capital” of Colorado, Ouray is one of our favorite towns to visit. They have a famous box canyon and a perimeter trail that takes you on a perfect loop trail up and around the entire town. There are several great hot springs to visit here as well. The Historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs and Lodging even has a steam cave! So cool!

Telluride – 4hr 40 min SW

· A well-known and beautiful mountain town near the San Juan Mountains.

Mesa Verde National Park – 5hr 20min SW

· Another park we hope to visit one day.

Garden of the Gods – 2hr 10 min SE

· We have not visited the Garden of the Gods ourselves, but friends have told us great things. It is another one for our ever-growing bucket list.

To The West

Hanging Lake (Glenwood Springs) – 1hr 20 min W

· Hanging Lake is situated at the top of a short but steep hike. The climb is worth it. Fun fact: this was one of our first hikes together in Colorado!

Palisades – 2hr 15 min W

Palisades is best known for its vineyards and peaches. If you like a good wine tasting, this is the place to visit. Tip from Becca: if you like mead, check out Meadery of the Rockies. Their ‘Honey Sheré’ is t