What to do in Colorado while house and pet sitting

Wondering what to do in Colorado during a house and pet sit? From exploring the Rocky Mountains to soaking up the culture in Denver, the Centennial State has plenty to offer its visitors. Breathtaking scenery, a cosmopolitan arts scene and endless opportunities for adventure make this diverse state a sought-after destination. And, when you visit as a pet sitter, you get to explore like a local with a furry best pal by your side. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Colorado.

Colorado attractions

There are lots of things to do in Colorado, and many of them involve getting out into that spectacular nature. As far as we're concerned, these are some of the most unmissable attractions the state has to offer.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park: Covering 415 square miles – and spanning the Continental Divide – Rocky Mountain National Park is truly awe-inspiring. Scenic drives include the Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road, passing by protected mountains and dense Aspen forests. Daring climbers might attempt the Keyhole Route, which crosses vertical rock faces to reach the summit of Longs Peak – the park's tallest mountain. For the more faint-hearted, you can enjoy mountain views from the trail surrounding Bear Lake.  

2. Denver: Colorado's lively capital city combines Old West charm with hipster attitude. Larimer Square, with its 19th century buildings, is the beating heart of the city. There's always something going on here, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. As well as a thriving craft beer scene, Denver is also well known for its art. No visit to the Mile High city is complete without a stroll around the Denver Art Museum with its famed collection of indigenous artworks. 

3. Mesa Verde National Park: Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in Native American culture. This wild landscape of deep canyons was home to the Ancestral Pueblo people, who once had thriving communities on the mesas. See how they lived at the well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the seriously impressive Cliff Palace. Follow the Petroglyph Point Trail to see a number of ancient rock carvings, or head along the Mesa Top Loop Road to see archeological sites and sweeping viewpoints.

Free things to do in Colorado

Visiting Colorado doesn’t have to put a dent in your bank account. These fun things to do in Colorado are free, and bound to keep you entertained.

1. National Wildlife Refuges: Colorado is home to eight national Wildlife Refuges, each one dedicated to preserving the state's natural landscapes to protect local and migratory animals. These incredible landscapes are free to visit, with hiking trails to explore. Each refuge has different landscapes and a diverse range of creatures. For example Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge covers desert and wetlands, home to elk, rabbits, coyote and deer. Meanwhile Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is mainly wetland and home to different types of waterfowl. 

2. Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs is home to the famous United States Airforce Academy and its striking chapel. It's only open to the public at select times, but you can get a taste of local history at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. The historic granite building served as the El Paso County Courthouse from 1903 until 1973. Inside you'll find a range of exhibitions, including a number of Ute, Arapaho and Cheyenne artefacts. There are also old photos, newspapers and directories dating back to the 1870's. 

3. Dinosaur Walks: Millions of years ago, Colorado was roamed by dinosaurs like triceratops and stegosaurus. You can see evidence of these mighty beasts by following one of the state's dinosaur trails. Picketwire Canyonlands has the nation's largest collection of fossilised dinosaur footprints, with over a thousand tracks along a short half-mile stretch of river. Amateur palaeontologists won't want to miss a visit to Dinosaur Ridge, where some of the world's most famous dinosaurs were discovered. 

Fun things to do in Colorado

Lovers of the great outdoors will find no shortage of fun things to do in Colorado. Get your adrenaline pumping with our pick of the best things to do.

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Picture a giant's sandpit – that's Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. There are plenty of hiking, biking and horse riding trails but one of the most fun things to do in Colorado is to go sand sledding down the towering dunes. If you arrive during summer you can splash in Medano Creek, too. This seasonal waterway is made from snowmelt, and flows around the base of the dunes to create a shallow inland beach. Grab a rubber ring and float along the surge flow.

2. Garden of the Gods: With its weird and wonderful red sandstone rock formations, Garden of the Gods is one of the most fun places to visit in Colorado Springs. The steep natural structures are a playground for climbers, although you'll need to secure a permit if you fancy scaling them. If you'd rather stay closer to ground level, there are plenty of fun tours available. Hop on a colourful vintage trolley, climb into an open-top jeep or speed around on a Segway. 

3. Aspen: When it comes to fun things to do in Colorado, we have to mention skiing. And one of the best places to hit the powder is Aspen. This elegant ski resort is known for its winter sports, high-end restaurants and pretty Victorian-era buildings. Part of the four-mountain Aspen Snowmass resort, it provides plenty of variety in terms of terrain. Daredevils can tackle famous double-black-diamond runs like Bear Paw and Short Snort, while beginners can stick to the tamer slopes at Buttermilk.

What to do in Colorado with pets

With so many incredible outdoor attractions, there's no shortage of things to do with pets in Colorado. From Denver dog parks to dog-friendly beach spots, here are some of the things you and your new four-legged friend can do together.

1. Union Reservoir Dog Beach: The south side of Union Reservoir in Longmont has a dedicated dog training area. They can run around off-leash, and there are designated areas for swimming – perfect for water-loving hounds like Labradors. 

2. The Promenade Shops at Centerra: Well-behaved dogs are welcome at this outdoor shopping centre, as long as you keep them on their leash. Many shops allow owners to bring their pets inside, too – just look out for the sticker in the window. This includes big brands like American Eagle, Bath & Body Works and Best Buy so you can shop 'til you drop without leaving your buddy behind. 

3. Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Dog Area: With a whopping 70 acres of off-leash area, a visit to Chatfield State Park is like a doggy dream-come-true. There's plenty of different types of terrain to sniff around, with walking trails to explore and ponds to splash into. As well as concrete paths, there are also dirt trails to keep your pal's paws from getting too toasty.

Best restaurants in Colorado

When it comes to food and drink, Colorado definitely pulls its weight. From foodhalls to fine dining restaurants, these are some of the best places to eat in Colorado.

1. Avery Brewing Co, Boulder: Sample some of Colorado's famous craft beer at this brewery-slash-restaurant. Choose from hearty dishes like pork poutine, roast vegetable tacos and wagyu brisket. There are 30 rotating taps showcasing local craft brews, each one perfectly complemented by the menu of comfort food. You can even bring the dogs along – patio seating is pupper friendly.

2. Motherloaded Tavern, Breckenridge: Enjoy a slice of Americana at this cosy tavern. The menu is heavy on comfort food favourites like mac 'n' cheese, chicken and waffles and half-pound Angus burgers. During the warmer months, there's an outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. Don't forget to check out the drinks menu with its wide selection of Colorado craft beer and mason jar cocktails.

3. The Wolf's Tailor, Denver: Locally foraged food is the hero at this eclectic fine dining restaurant – complemented by seasonal produce, wild game and home-fermented condiments. Its multi-course tasting menu brings together international flavours from countries as diverse as Japan and Italy, all tied together with Colorado flair. Reservations are definitely recommended, and it's one to save for special occasions.

House and pet sitting in Colorado

Blessed with gorgeous nature and buzzing cities, Colorado is a fantastic state to discover – especially with a cute pet by your side. Ready to find that Rocky Mountain high? Search for house and pet sits in Colorado and discover your perfect match.