I've got an idea in my head for something in 2013. I'm hoping to garner a little input from you guys that have seen more of the state than I have. So the question here is, can you name 25 things in Colorado that you MUST see/visit, for those who've never done so?

Keep in mind, outdoorsy/scenic is best. Off the beaten path even better.

Check out this spot:

https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=39 ... CB0Q8gEwAA

There is a very cool old mining cabin there with a great trail that runs along the top of a ridgeline. If you look at it in Google maps or Earth with the photo option turned on you can see pics of the cabin and the adjacent mine structure. It's on the list if I'm ever able to make the Great Divide Overlanding Trip happen. Was up there in a rental jeep a few years ago. You can stay in the cabin, just be aware that a marmot lives in the stove when no one is around.

Here are a couple of my favorite places in Colorado.

Browns Creek over the back side of Mt Antero. One of the most beautiful valleys that I have seen.

The end of a large meadow on High Mesa (Near Montrose). Its about a 2 hour hike but it is one of the best views that I have ever seen. Overlooks Sheep Mtn., Silver Jack Res and has a 120 view facing south from over 11,000 ft.

Wheeler Geological near Creede is an awesome 4x4 drive & camping spot. The road is keyholed into wilderness, so you are really in the middle of nowhere:
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=305

Its remote, and a 3 hour drive from the trailhead near Creede, so I always try to plan 1 day to get in, 1 day there, and 1 day to drive out & home. Its a lot of work to turn around and leave the next morning, but its doable. Go on a full moon, and the whole rock formation glows in the dark.
wheeler.JPG

Anything around Ouray, or the Alpine Loop - Engineers to Cinnamon pass from Lake City or Ouray.

Good suggestions Chad. Been to wheeler once a LONG time ago. Would like to go back! There is many many roads that are pretty and secluded in the San Luis Valley. Ouray - yes! Black Bear Pass is amazing! Return on Imogene.
Man, there are some places in this state that are truly amazing.

St. Elmo area (hancock pass, etc) is very pretty. Williams Pass is cool, and just on the moderate side of an easy trail, but only open to vehicles in August. There are some tougher roads too, like Grizzly lake & Iron Chest.

Mosquito Pass is cool, if for nothing else to say you've driven the highest driveable road in North America.

Blanca peak is tons of fun, but takes a pretty well built rig to get up there. The Sand Dunes are nearby, or there is also Madeno Pass to the back side of the dunes. Can have deep water in the spring.

Holy Cross - like Blanca, is very pretty, but takes a serious rig.

Bill Moore Lake is cool, but it has been many years since I have been up there. A moderate rig was required back then.

Never made it to the Crystal Mill, but that looks cool.

I am coming up empty for places to go in a 2wd car. Maybe Garden of the Gods?

It'll be interesting to follow this thread and see where people like to go based on their interests.

What about the North West? I'm looking at the map and see Dinosaur National Monument up there. Seems pretty interesting.

There are sand dunes up there you can play in too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtxZOS9S ... ure=relmfu

Some beautiful places to visit in that area for sure, but I am not too familiar.

Look up "ellis jeep trail" on trail damage. It is a pretty cool trail but one of my favorite places in the state is along the Continental divide trail just east of the ellis jeep trail head. Keep going on rd 501 through a clear cut, then a burn area to where the road ends and becomes a foot / quad trail, hike about 3/4 mile to "the notch" . be there at sun rise and watch as the sun comes up and lights up the valley to your east.

Spend the day wandering around the area - Mt Zirckle Wilderness. Then climb the mountian to the north of the notch before sunset and watch the sun set over Haans peak to the west (pay close attention to where you are - more than one of my group of hunters has been turned around on this peak). If you are not moved - check your pulse, you are not alive.