Top 15 Things To Do in Como, Colorado
Perched where high prairie meets jagged alpine, Como is a small-name, big-character hub for Colorado adventures. In summer it’s a gateway to hiking, bike tours and water activities in high basins; in winter the area folds into a quieter, snow-swept landscape for ski and winter activities. Use this guide to stitch short walking tours of historic Como with longer days of hiking or a half-day rafting run in nearby canyons, and don’t forget the seasonal pleasures—train rides that trace old rail grades, eco tours that decode the local wildlife, and ATV loops that open remote vistas. Practical, accessible, and unexpectedly varied, Como offers both mellow walking-tour mornings and serious mountaineering or climbing objectives within an easy drive.
Top 15 Things To Do in Como
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Como Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
There’s a particular clarity to the air around Como—thin, cold in shoulder seasons, bright in the high-summer afternoons—and that clarity mirrors how easy it is to assemble a day of varied adventure. From a walking tour through the town’s railway relics to an afternoon of river-focused water activities or a sunrise ridge hike, Como’s scale rewards planning that stacks. You can begin with a short, instructive historical walk among weathered stations and old rail beds, pause for a coffee, then point toward the Mosquito Range for a half-day hike that scrapes subalpine meadows and wildflower bowls. On warmer days, nearby streams and reservoirs invite paddlers and rafters; outfitters in the wider South Park area run shuttles and guided whitewater or mellow floats depending on river conditions. The practical truth—there are few places where bike rental, bike tours, and ATV/UTV outings thread so logically into a single itinerary—is part of Como’s appeal.
Beyond logistics, the place rewards slow curiosity. Wildlife sightings—mule deer at dusk, raptors quartering thermals, and the seasonal return of elk—are an easy complement to eco tours that explain the high-plain ecosystem. For families or mixed-ability groups, flat walking loops and interpretive train segments sit comfortably alongside intermediate hikes and singletrack. And when winter arrives, the landscape changes its tempo: cross-country and backcountry ski options open from the valley floors while snowpack draws a thinner, more deliberate crowd than the big resorts. For travelers who want both narrative and nature—who enjoy a walking-tour that ends at a viewpoint or a bike ride that finishes at a lakeside picnic—Como offers an outsized itinerary in a compact package.
The practical edges matter as much as the romantic ones. Trailheads here are often fewer and more exposed than in lower-elevation parks, so wind and afternoon storms influence schedules; river levels spike with snowmelt and can alter rafting options on short notice. Local outfitters, lodges, and longtime residents are good sources for up-to-date conditions. Bookings for guided climbs, specialized rafting, or the seasonal train excursions are best done in advance, especially in July and August. Yet even with planning, Como remains unusually flexible: warm-weather weeks are full of water activities and bike tours, autumn brings crisp walking tours and wildlife-viewing, and winter concentrates its pleasures into snowy, equipment-forward pursuits like skiing and snowmobile loops. That calibrated variety—historic character, accessible trails, and a surprising menu of outdoor pursuits—makes Como a quietly serious pick for travelers who want to mix culture with unvarnished mountain time.
Access is straightforward: a short drive from regional highways opens trails, river put-ins, and scenic drives. Local rental shops and outfitters support rafting, bike rental, and ski needs; many offer shuttles that simplify logistics for one-way hikes or multi-stage bike tours.
Pair the outdoors with quiet lodgings and local flavor. Small lodges and eco-focused stays let you pivot from sunrise hikes to evenings of local history and stargazing without long transfers.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Summers bring warm days and cooler nights with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. High-elevation weather changes quickly—pack layers. Winter is cold and snowy; many higher routes require winter skills or a guide.
Peak Season
High season runs June through September for hiking, bike tours, and water activities—expect higher demand for guided rafting and bike rentals.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall and weekdays in shoulder seasons reduce crowds and often yield lower lodging rates. Winter offers cross-country skiing and snowmobile/ATV access; check local avalanche and road conditions.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, well-marked walking tours of the town, mellow lakeside strolls, introductory bike rental loops, and flat water paddles that require little technical skill.
- Historic walking tour of Como and old rail sites
- Gentle paddle on a nearby reservoir or sheltered creek
- Beginner-friendly bike rental loop on graded roads
Intermediate
Longer day hikes with elevation gain, guided rafting with class II–III sections, gravel bike tours and eco tours that include wildlife viewing.
- Ridge hike into the Mosquito Range with alpine meadow views
- Half-day guided rafting on nearby canyons
- Gravel or moderate singletrack bike tours accessing nearby basins
Advanced
Technical climbing routes, full-day traverses at high elevation, whitewater runs in peak flows, or winter backcountry ski days that require planning, skills, and often a guide.
- Technical climbing on nearby granite faces
- Full-day high-elevation traverse with route-finding
- Backcountry ski or snowmobile expeditions in committed terrain
What to Bring
Essential
- Layered clothing—temperatures swing sharply from morning to afternoon
- Sun protection (SPF, sunglasses, hat) and hydration for high-elevation exertion
- Sturdy footwear for mixed trail and rail-bed surfaces
- Daypack with emergency blanket, map, and basic first-aid
- Cash or card for local outfitters and small lodgings
Recommended
- Light rain shell for pop-up storms
- Traction microspikes for early/late-season snow on trails
- Binoculars for wildlife and birding
- Dry bag for phones and gear during paddling or rafting
Optional
- Action camera or camera with zoom lens for ridge and wildlife shots
- Small fishing kit for permitted waters
- Compact stove for alpine-side meals on longer outings
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check current conditions with outfitters and local rangers before heading out; weather and water levels change quickly in mountain basins.
Start early to beat afternoon storms and crowds. For mixed itineraries—combine a morning walking tour with an afternoon hike or water activity to maximize daylight and weather windows. If you rent bikes or book guided rafting, reserve in advance during summer weekends. On trail days, carry extra water and a compact wind layer; high-elevation sun and sudden winds are the most common discomforts. Respect seasonal wildlife closures and pack out all trash. Finally, ask locals about road access: some approaches and forest roads close seasonally or require high-clearance vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes for basic hiking, walking tours, and casual water activities in low-flow conditions. Choose a guide for whitewater rafting, technical climbing, or unfamiliar winter travel.
Is the historic train running year-round?
Train excursions are often seasonal—peak in summer and during special fall or winter events. Confirm schedules with local operators before planning.
Are nearby rivers safe for swimming?
Some reservoirs and designated swim areas are safe, but rivers can have strong currents, cold temperatures, and seasonal surges. Obey signage and prefer staffed or guided water activities when in doubt.