Felicia Brower
2026 marks our Sesquisemiquincentennial—a dual celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood. As the Centennial State (Colorado joined the Union exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence), we honor this heritage by exploring the landscapes that have defined the Colorado spirit since August 1, 1876.
From a historic mountain peak takeover to a quiet morning on the water, here are nine ways to spend this historic Colorado Day in the great outdoors.
Witness History with Summit 2026
If you look up at the high peaks on the morning of August 1st, you’ll be looking at history in the making. Colorado Mountain Club and a dedicated coalition of partners and volunteers will be simultaneously summiting of all of Colorado’s 14ers at the same time for Summit 2026.
This momentous morning will be a tribute to Colorado’s rugged outdoor heritage and a celebration of the legacy of outdoor recreation that we all cherish. If you are out on the trails, remember that our high country will be busy. Pull out your best trail etiquette, yield to uphill hikers, and cheer on the teams on their journeys. Follow Colorado Mountain Club’s Instagram stories for live updates and join us at the Alpine After Party in Golden to celebrate the day with us.
Take a Stroll at a Local Park
You don’t have to climb a massive peak to enjoy world-class hiking on Colorado Day. The Centennial State is packed with gentler, family-friendly trails that offer massive scenic rewards without the intense high-altitude exhaustion. Pay a visit to a county or city park and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to go far to get breathtaking views anywhere in Colorado.
Bring Out the Binoculars for Birdwatching
For a more mindful outdoor experience, grab a pair of binoculars and head outdoors to see if you can spot some feathered friends. Birdwatching is a fantastic way to connect deeply with our native ecosystems while practicing low-impact recreation. Keep your eyes peeled for the brilliant blue of a Mountain Bluebird, the flash of a Broad-tailed Hummingbird, or the striking gray, black, and white patterns of a Clark’s Nutcracker. Not sure where to get started? Check out The Best Front Range Bird Hikes. (CMC members get 20% off all CMC Press books!)
Cast a Line on a Cool Morning
Colorado’s rivers, streams, and lakes are legendary for fishing, offering the ultimate way to find a little solitude on a bustling holiday. Spend your morning casting for native cutthroat, rainbow, or brown trout. Just remember that conservation is the heart of Colorado's outdoor culture. Before you head out to the water, make sure you have a valid Colorado fishing license and review the specific catch-and-release regulations for your chosen waterway. Don’t forget to pack out any leftover fishing line or tackle.
Hit the Trail at a State Park
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages more than 40 state parks, each preserving a unique slice of our state's diverse geography. From the alpine lakes of State Forest State Park to the montane meadows of Vega State Park, these protected areas offer excellent views, clean picnic sites, and well-maintained trail networks. It’s the perfect backdrop for a classic Colorado Day family hike and picnic.
Saddle Up for a Mountain Bike Ride
If you prefer your outdoor adventures on two wheels, Colorado’s extensive network of mountain biking trails offers everything from smooth, rolling singletrack to technical, rocky descents. Areas like Buffalo Creek or the high-country loops near Winter Park provide miles of interconnected trails that showcase the state's diverse topography. Always remember to practice good trail etiquette on your ride: yield to hikers and horseback riders, slow down around blind corners, and stay firmly on the dirt to prevent widening the trail through fragile terrain.
Scale New Heights with Outdoor Rock Climbing
From the granite crags of Elevenmile Canyon to the steep sandstone of Eldorado Canyon, Colorado is a world-renowned destination for rock climbing. Spending Colorado Day on a rope offers a completely unique perspective of our canyon landscapes and a thrilling physical challenge. If you are heading out to climb, be mindful of local raptor nesting closures that protect native bird species through the late summer.
Pack a Picnic at a Scenic Mountain Pass
You don’t have to embark on a grueling physical challenge to enjoy the best views the state has to offer. Packing a basket full of local Colorado cheeses, fruits, and snacks and driving up a scenic mountain pass, like Loveland Pass or Kenosha Pass, gives you easy access to sweeping, panoramic views. Experience the dramatic vistas of the high Rockies while enjoying a relaxed lunch in the warm summer breeze.
Dive Into the "Celebrate Colorado!" Calendar
If you want to blend your outdoor adventure with local community culture, look no further than the state’s Celebrate Colorado! event calendar. For the 150th anniversary, communities across the state are hosting guided nature hikes, outdoor festivals, historical walking tours, and open-air concerts.
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No matter how you choose to spend your Colorado Day, protecting these spaces is a shared responsibility. The summer season brings heavy traffic to our favorite public lands. You can do your part to keep Colorado beautiful by sticking firmly to designated trails, properly disposing of all waste, respecting local wildlife, and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Let's celebrate 150 years of Colorado by leaving our outdoor spaces better than we found them.
If you want to extend your outdoor adventures far beyond Colorado Day, joining the Colorado Mountain Club community is the perfect next step. Our year-round calendar is packed with outdoor activities, social events, group trips, and educational courses tailored for every skill level. Joining connects you with a passionate network of fellow adventurers, making it easy to build lasting friendships while confidently expanding your skills. Whether you want to master technical mountaineering or simply find a consistent group for weekend hikes, the club provides the perfect gateway to keep you exploring all year long. Learn more at cmc.org.