Dating doesn’t have to be confined to indoor activities. If you live in Colorado and have no idea where to take your date outdoors, today is your lucky day! Together with Flure, we’re on a mission to help you find your adventure and someone to share it with. Let’s go!

Why Colorado is the Perfect Place for Outdoor Romance

Why do we believe the state of Colorado is a great spot for outdoor romances? We’re glad you asked!

• Stunning landscapes and picturesque views, including lakes and mountains.
• An advanced infrastructure of adventurous activities, including skiing, hiking, and even hot air balloon rides.
• Lots of getaway rentals with nothing but silence around you, luxurious spas, jacuzzis, and seclusion.
• Natural hot springs for those looking for an exotic experience and health boost.

Last but not least, Colorado gets to see all four seasons which makes going out and doing things in the wild exciting, romantic, and different every time you go.

What better way to create lasting memories and experience the beauty of the country than by roaming through Colorado’s landscapes with your partner?

How Adventure Brings Couples Closer

If you’re not sure that adventures in nature can bring you and your partner together, we want to change your mind.

First of all, you get to spend quality time together without distractions, such as social media, TV, books, friends, or work. You are literally in the middle of nowhere, and possibly out of network, so scrolling Instagram is not an option. But even if you have a signal, you can’t stay glued to your phone as you need to watch where you’re going, use your hands for climbing, and those sorts of things.

The more quality time you spend together while actively moving your bodies, the better the mood you’re in, and, consequently, the connection between you two. Imagine that: fresh air, physical activity, all the good hormones that your body is generating, – all that adds to happiness and helps cement that positive shared adventure that you’re having.

Also, pretty much all outdoor activities require some sort of teamwork. If you’re setting up camp, kayaking, and even hiking, you need each other’s support every once in a while. There is a reason why so many corporations arrange active team buildings in the wild. It encourages teamwork and builds trust between the people. Every time you face and overcome a challenge together, you become a little bit closer and your bond deepens.

Best Outdoor Adventure Date Ideas in Colorado

Colorado has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities for couples that if you start planning them today, you’ll need another year to go through the list.

Hiking to Romance: Trails with Stunning Views

There are endless trails in Colorado, but we’ve selected the ones that work best for a couple’s trips.

• Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs has many trails to offer, but the Perkins Central Garden Trail in particular can be a good choice for a slow-paced outdoorsy date where you walk along a 1.5-mile trail and enjoy picturesque views.
• The Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge, located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, is more challenging but very rewarding. It stretches for 8.6 miles and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. You may be tired by the end of it, but the breathtaking nature will be worth it. You’ll see waterfalls, lakes, granite cliffs, and so much more.
• The Emerald Lake Trail is like a compromise between our first two options. It is a 3.5-mile hike that leads to an alpine lake surrounded by gorgeous peaks. It is also located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, so if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can come there early and tackle both trails in 24 hours.
• This next trail offers a completely different backdrop to your romantic hike. As you tackle the Royal Arch Trail, you get to walk through sandstone arches with panoramic views of Boulder. It is 3.4 miles long and is considered a moderately difficult route.
• We couldn’t make this list and not mention Pikes Peak hike which is often referred to as America’s Mountain. It’s not for the weak, as the roundtrip distance reaches 24 miles, the starting point is over 14,000 feet high, and the total elevation is 7,400 feet. It is recommended to arrive in the area a day or two prior to hiking so your body can adapt to higher altitudes and you won’t get sick as you go up. If you don’t think you can handle the entire route there and back, arrange a ride down by cog railway or car.

Here are some tips for making a hike more romantic:

1. Pick the trail that you’re both going to be comfortable with. It can be challenging a little, but try to plan for routes that aren’t going to exhaust you to the point of mental breakdown (yes, it happened before).
2. Comfort over looks. Yes, you’re going on a date, but make sure you’re smart about the clothes you’re wearing and the shoes you put on. Layer up in case it’s windy or rainy, pick shoes that you know won’t give you blisters, and bring along a cap to avoid sunburns.
3. Bring food and drinks and look up possible picnic spots before you venture out into the wild. Don’t forget water, and lean into healthier options, such as fresh sandwiches, veggies, and fruits that you can eat without cutting.
4. Research sunset views and general viewpoints. Those are easy to miss and walk by if you don’t know they exist. And what better way to end a hike or take a break during one than by enjoying the gorgeous view?

Thrilling Dates: Rock Climbing and Zip-lining

Although hiking is a great way to hang out outdoors with your lover, it’s not the only option.

Colorado is a rocky state, and there are countless rock climbing places where you can take your significant other to break a sweat and feel the adrenaline.

P.S. – some of those rock climbing spots are in the same area as hiking trails, so you can do both if you guys are in good shape and have the energy.

• Eldorado Canyon State Park, the Flatirons, and Boulder Canyon, all in Boulder
• Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
• Devil’s Head in Sedalia
• Independence Pass in Aspen
• Shelf Road in Cañon City
• Clear Creek Canyon in Golden

Each of the rock climbing spots has scenic views, and dining options not too far away, and guarantees an unforgettable experience.

If you’re more into zip-lining, try the following places:

• Captain Zipline (Salida)
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (Glenwood Springs
• Soaring Tree Top Adventures (Durango)
• Apex Ex (Conifer)
• The Broadmoor Seven Falls Zip Line (Colorado Springs)
• Castle Rock Zip Line Tours (Castle Rock)

These zipline spots are tried and tested by many Flure users, but you can definitely start with the ziplines that are closer to your location, and explore the options further away once you fall in love with this activity.

Water Adventures: Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Are you guys into watersports? Colorado has you covered on that front too!

For kayaking, try Lake Dillon. The calm waters and beautiful peaks that surround the lake make it a perfect relaxing date on the water. Alternatively, head over to Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest lake in all of Colorado that gives you countless opportunities to explore nature, and many hidden spots for romantic picnics with just the two of you.

If you’d like to go paddleboarding with your partner, choose Boulder Reservoir, Twin Lakes, Horsetooth Reservoir, or Grand Lake for a chill, calm paddle where you get to enjoy nature and not rush anywhere.

Cozy and Scenic: Hot Air Balloon Rides

Now for the big finish – if you really want to surprise your partner and have your date stand out, rent a hot air balloon ride for the two of you.

• Pagosa Springs Hot Air Balloon Rides, Pagosa Springs is a good choice for a first-ever balloon ride as you float above different kinds of nature, including forests, mountains, and lakes. Once you’re done with the ride, head over to the famous hot springs to finish the day on a high.
• Royal Gorge Balloon Rides, Cañon City is another wonderful option as it gives you a unique opportunity to see the Royal Gorge Bridge from the sky.
• The Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights, Erie is next to Denver, so it’s easy to reach them without a car and you won’t have to spend all day driving. It also includes a little celebration after you’re done floating, so you don’t need to arrange that separately once you go down.

Find Your Adventure Partner

Colorado has so much to offer, and each outdoor adventure is unique and breathtaking thanks to the unique nature and landscape of the state. Don’t wait or delay exploring all the options we talked about today, head over to Flure and find someone who will be just as enthusiastic about outdoor experiences as you are.