So you’re new to Colorado, and are seeking some of the best things to do and see during your visit to the beautiful and expansive Centennial State. As a long-time resident of ski-country USA, Sam Holz is knowledgeable in the many adventuring opportunities available to even the most seasoned of Colorado travelers, and that it may be nearly impossible to cover these opportunities in even the longest of lifetimes.

Before you start planning your next Colorado vacation, says Sam Holz, it’s important to know what you really want out of your Rocky Mountain adventure. Below, Sam Holz provides some of his top things to do in the land of skiing and sunshine, adventures he believes every visitor, and resident, should experience during their Colorado-based vacation.

Scale a 14er

Colorado is famous for its purple mountain’s majesty, says Sam Holz, as well as the over 50 14000 feet-in-altitude peaks that comprise one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. Every Colorado visitor, he believes, should take the opportunity to make an ascension to the summit of at least one Rocky Mountain peak before they head back home.

Catch a Show at Red Rocks

One of the most famous attractions in the entire Colorado Front Range, as well as in the total of musicdom, says Sam Holz, is the Red Rocks Amphitheater, which provides even the most traveled of concert goer and music fan an incredible live music experience. A must see for all music aficionados, Red Rocks offers beautiful scenery, amazing sound and an unforgettable live music experience.

The Elk of Rocky Mountain National Park

A visit up to Estes Park, says Sam Holz, has the potential to put visitors in nearly direct contact with some of the most amazing wildlife specimens on Earth: Elk. The Elk, which are famous for bugling their mating calls during the late summer and early fall, are as abundant as the people in the town of Estes, putting visitors within feet of these large and powerful creatures.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

The Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located in Steamboat Springs, are a great way to enjoy the natural soothing and relaxing aspects of natural hot springs in pools of various temperatures and settings.

About: Sam Holz is an expert on the Colorado outdoors, and enjoys sharing his outdoor experiences with others.