It’s never too early to start planning what you’ll do next summer, and if you plan (or want to be) in Colorado, here’s our definitive list (in no particular order) of 10 must-see and must-do Colorado attractions and activities.

Climb Some Sand Dunes

To be in Colorado and surrounded by high sand dunes is pretty mind-blowing. Add in some sandboarding or a float down Medano Creek, and you’ll begin to think you’re in another world altogether.

Summit a Fourteener

Colorado is famous for its mountains, most notably its 58 14,000-footers. Make a goal of summitting at least one this summer. Buena Vista in the Arkansas River Valley is a great base camp because it’s surrounded by the largest concentration of fourteeners in Colorado.

Experience an Ancient Culture

Climb underground into an ancient kiva in southern Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, home to thousands of ancient archeological sites and cliff dwellings. This historically fascinating, must-see park dates back to year 600 to 1300. Stay in nearby Dolores and take a three-day Dolores raft trip with KODI.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre provides a unique natural landscape and live music all rolled into one. The park is centered around the incredible red rock formations for which it gets its name, and out of which the world-famous amphitheatre was built. Walk around the stage, explore trails throughout the park, and catch world-class musicians at night.

Go Rafting

Navigate Colorado’s epic rivers by raft, led by a trusted guide. KODI Rafting offers gentle family floats and challenging white water excursions. You can craft a multi-day splash fest or simply join for a day of fun. See a different side of Colorado and enjoy some family bonding, too. Learn more about KODI’s raft trips.

Go Ziplining

See a Colorado forest or canyon like never before. Zip through the trees and above a crevice at high speed for an adventure to last a lifetime. KODI offers zipline trips in the summer and winter. Book yours today.

Horseback Ride through the Rockies

Few activities embody the West like a good old-fashioned horseback ride through the Colorado mountains. Somehow, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and simply enjoying the outdoors are just a little better when sitting astride a saddle. Learn more about KODI’s horseback riding trips.

See Crested Butte’s Wildflowers

When Colorado’s wildflowers are in full bloom, there’s no better place to see the sprawling fields of purple, yellow and red than in Crested Butte.  Crested Butte has several trail options that will give you amazing views of wildflowers and amazing mountain scenery surrounding the town. Getting to Crested Butte from Buena Vista is quick and easy. Just head over the newly paved Cottonwood Pass and you’ll be there in a jiffy.

Soak in Some Hot Springs

Colorado is dotted with hot springs, from fancy resorts to hidden gems in the middle of a forest. In Buena Vista, there are two great hot springs to choose from. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resorts offers an up-scale resort feel, while Cottonwood Hot Springs offers a down-to-earth, get lost in the woods feel. Take a dip and go rafting with KODI’s Paddle and Dip Adventure Package.

Hike to a Waterfall

Waterfalls are one of the best side effects of a Colorado hike. They might be tiny, wispy ones you happen by along a scenic trail, or they might be bigger destinations unto themselves. Popular Colorado waterfall include Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride, Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs, Zapata Falls near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs.