One of the best things about exploring Colorado’s natural wonders is having the solitude to do so. That can prove difficult in the middle of summer, however, when people flock from around the country to enjoy the great outdoors. Lucky for locals, there are plenty of backroads less traveled if you know where to look.
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Here are five underrated adventure destinations to check out if you’re seeking to camp, bike, relax in hot springs, explore spirituality or find all the summer fun you can handle in one place.
Lake City: Where you don’t have to fight for a campsite
If you’re tired of competing for camping reservations, it’s time to drive further into the middle of nowhere. Hinsdale County, home to Lake City, boasts being “the most remote area in the United States’ lower 48 states” with more than 96% of the county designated as public lands. There are many first-come, first-served campgrounds where visitors can find plenty of site choices, even during the height of summer tourism. That includes the Wupperman Campground, located on the shores of Lake San Cristobal just a few miles from town with prime access to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a popular OHV and four-wheel driving route. Lake City is also a stargazing hotspot. To peruse the camping options available, visit lakecity.com/camping.
Crestone: Where you can tap into the supernatural
The veil is thin in Crestone, a town in the San Luis Valley known for its spiritual traditions and ethereal essence. Since the 1980s, Crestone has become a hub for communities of various faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Native American traditions, each of which has put its own stamp on the local architecture. Monuments like the 42-foot-tall Tashi Gomang Stupa and the Crestone Ziggurat are open to the public. Additionally, the town has attracted New Age seekers and retreat centers; it’s not uncommon to hear drums beating while hiking local trails. Those willing to travel a short distance can also hit unusual attractions like the UFO Watchtower in Center and the Colorado Gators reptile rescue and park in Mosca, as well as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa.
Ouray: Where soaking in hot springs is a full-time job
Those interested in soaking in Colorado’s abundant hot springs might be inclined to visit a town with “springs” in the name. But on the Western Slope, Ouray has several options to satisfy whatever kind of setting travelers are looking for — whether that’s a large family-friendly entertainment venue like the namesake Ouray Hot Springs Pool or something more intimate, like Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodging with its renowned vapor cave. Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs features nine outdoor pools and a bar for both overnight guests and those who buy a day pass. And in nearby Ridgway, there’s the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs, which also offers camping.
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Naturita: Where you can bike through history and beyond
For bikers seeking to ride where few have before, there’s a growing network of trails in Colorado’s so-called West End, in Montrose County near Utah, that offers both an adventure and a tour of the region’s history. Since 2014, a group of volunteers operating as the West End Trails Alliance has built and mapped more than 300 miles of trails near Naturita and Nucla for fans of cross-country, gravel, and mountain biking. (That includes e-bikes.) Most follow old mining roads through canyons and across mesa tops where miners used to prospect for gold and uranium. The community ethos revolves around biking with stores like Paradox Cycle and Flying Bear Pizzeria, which doubles as a bike service shop, and races like the West End Gravel Rush. Opportunities for camping and glamping at CampV, located at a former mining enclave, mean you can explore for several days and enjoy the massive art installations on the 120-acre property after recreating.
Grand Mesa: Where summer fun never ends
Coloradans looking for a single destination that offers catch-all summer fun should look no further than the Grand Mesa, near Grand Junction. Known as the world’s largest flattop mountain, the Grand Mesa is home to more than 300 lakes that provide access to fishing and boating (both motorized and not), picnicking and stunning views. Hikes abound in the forest, allowing visitors to see wildflowers and forage for mushrooms. There are numerous campgrounds where the whole family can post up and get the most out of a trip. The best part: The Grand Mesa is easily accessible via a paved scenic byway that runs from the north to the south, so you don’t need an off-road vehicle to experience what the outdoors have to offer there. With all the exceptional recreation, it’s a wonder it doesn’t get more crowded. But, hey, all the better for those who wander to the Western Slope.
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