If you are looking for a budget-friendly vacation to take during the summer months or as a graduation trip, then gather up some friends or your family, and look no further than Colorado. Contrary to popular belief, a trip to Colorado is not that expensive if you plan right, even for high school students. 

Flights to Denver are as cheap as $100 for a round trip right now, and there are a handful of Airbnbs and hotels available in downtown Denver that will not break the bank if you split it with some friends. Because Uber rides will start to add up quickly, you may be better off renting a car for a few days. This way, you can explore all that Colorado has to offer. Driving yourself is also an option if you are willing to take the long trip.

Below is a list of the top places to visit and things to do during a weekend in Colorado, and remember to bring a mask. 

Paint Mines Interpretive Park: 

This unique park is located about 90 minutes south of Denver in El Paso County. It is free to enter and is open from dawn to dark (I recommend visiting during sunset). The Paint Mines are known for its colorful rock formations of clay in shades of yellow, purple, red and grey. It is a popular destination for photos, yet still not many people know about this hidden spot. There are also four miles of trails open to the public that can be easily accessed through the parking lots. Because it is a protected area, it is important not to climb on any of the Paint Mines formations while visiting. 

Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center: 

The Garden of the Gods is another free (and photo-worthy) spot to visit during a trip to Colorado. With its towering sandstone rock formations and scenic backdrop, the Garden of the Gods is the most visited attraction in the region. The park is located one hour south of Denver in Colorado Springs, and near the Pikes Peak region. Visitors have the option of driving through the Garden of the Gods or hiking the trails, but both are worth the trip. This is a very popular destination, so the park can get very busy on days when the weather is nice. 

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: 

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just a short drive out of Denver and it is a must-see. This unique outdoor theatre is built into a rock structure with a breathtaking view of the skyline. It has recently reopened after being closed due to the pandemic, and the theatre will be hosting many concerts this summer yet again. While attending a concert here would be incredible, watching the sunrise is a close second. The amphitheater is also open free to the public when events are not taking place. 

Pikes Peak:

This is the highest summit of the southern Rocky mountains with a staggering height of 14,115 feet, so if you do not do well with high altitudes, this may not be for you. While Pikes Peak can be hiked, there is a convenient road that will take you all the way up to the top. It is a two-three hour round trip on the 19-mile highway, not including stops for photos, and it will cost $10 per person. Along the way, there are mile markers as well as gift shops to stop in to buy some souvenirs or take a break if needed. Reaching the summit and seeing the incredible view is a one of a kind experience that is hard to find anywhere else. 

Rocky Mountain National Park: 

Most people have heard about this national park, and truthfully it lives up to the hype. It is a bit of a journey from Denver and there is a fee to enter, but along the way, you pass through Estes Park and other notable areas. One of the more popular trails in the Rocky Mountains is the hike to Emerald Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and trees. The hike passes through other notable lakes such as Bear Lake, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. The trail is typically covered in snow for most of the year and has quite an incline, so it is more of a strenuous hike, but it is more than worth it.