25 Places to “Do-It” in Colorado

As part of our 25-year celebration, Yellow Scene Magazine wants to share the love by showcasing 25 of the most uniquely Colorado places to propose. Popping the big question is a major milestone in many romantic relationships, and you deserve to do it in an unforgettable place. Colorado is home to plenty of iconic spots to choose from, whether you love the adventurous outdoors, picturesque downtowns, or a relaxing atmosphere. 

1. While fighting for your cause 

Jail might not be the first place you think of proposing, but it was where Ron Booth met his partner of 38 years.

He explains, “The ‘short’ story is that I had been jailed with a 6-month sentence, for an incursion into the Nevada Nuclear Test site to interfere with the first weapons test of 1987.  At the same time, I was taking my “hike” to ground zero, thousands had held a demonstration at the entrance to the NTS.  By the hundreds people were issued tresspass citations which afforded them the options of either paying a $125 fine or spending 6 days in jail.” Booth chose the latter.

This lock-up led to Booth meeting the love of his life while helping serve breakfast:s “ Thirty years later, we’re still by each other’s sides… one important change though, the morning we met, I served her oatmeal…she has never had me make her oatmeal since.”

2. Bring the Whimsy at the Butterfly Pavilion

Imagine asking your beloved to spend your lives together with hundreds of beautiful and protected butterflies as your witness. Or, taking your first engagement photo with Rosie the turanchala, helping to display the ring with her long legs positioned beside the stone. Located in Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion is more than a place to learn about insects and conservation; it is a place to relax and connect. The gazebo out back, surrounded by flowers and pollinators, could be the perfect place to share in hopes and goals, imagining a life together.

3. Haunted Rooms at The Stanley Hotel

Romance does not have to be dull; in fact, it can be downright spooky. Estes Park is more than just beautiful vistas, it’s the perfect place for paranormal enthusiasts. The Stanley Hotel is one of Colorado’s most famous destinations and has several “haunted” rooms that could provide the backdrop for a one-of-a-kind proposal. Historic rooms are so well-preserved that it will feel like stepping back in time. The Stanley Hotel is even more special if your loved one is a Stephen King fan, as the hotel inspired his book “The Shining.” 

4. The Classic: Chataqua Park 

It would be remiss not to mention the best proposal spots without mentioning the classic, Chataqua Park. That said, a classic need not be cliche. If you and your betrothed are hikers, cruise up to the Royal Arch for a steep and gorgeous overlook. Climbers? Scramble up one of the Boulder Flatirons for an adrenaline-filled commitment.

Of course, you can always keep it classy, enjoying a picnic in the meadow before popping the question with the stunning formations in the background.

5. Garden of the Gods

Smooch your partner below, kissing camels rock walk hand-in-hand down a winding, redened trail. Garden of the Gods might just be one of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, and it appears on numerous lists of ‘top romantic stops” in the state. The 480 acres in Colorado Springs is a National Natural Landmark that was established in 1909, and is home to plenty of raw natural beauty. It has provided a stunning getaway for Coloradans for generations and offers plenty of ideal proposal spots. You can pop the question on the 300-degree sandstone rocks, along one of the hiking trails, or in front of a one-of-a-kind dinosaur fossil. 

6. Glen Eyrie Castle

Right next door to the Garden of the Gods is another unique proposal destination: Glen Eyrie Castle. With over 150 years of history, the castle offers plenty of unique spots to pop the question. You can take your loved one to afternoon tea or on a scheduled tour of the grounds. You can even stay overnight in one of the castle’s stunning rooms.

7. Backcountry Skiing or Riding at Loveland

Turn on your beacon and head out for a backcountry tour with your love. Joy Jackson tells her story of her husband proposing twenty-one years ago. “My husband and I went to Loveland Pass to snowboard under a full moon. We hiked in and before we dropped in, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so worried he would drop the ring right in the snow that I remember nothing of what he said. I said yes. He put the ring on my finger. I put my glove back on and we snowboarded out.” 

8. At a music concert or festival

Colorado is home to a lively music scene. Whatever tunes you and your love prefer can be found in a unique venue. From the towering spires at Red Rocks the intimacy of the Bluebird Theater, you can find the perfect setting and soundtrack to propose.

If you want to make a weekend out of it, check out one of the many festivals: travel to Teluride for blues or bluegress, or stay local for some folk or roots, you can spend a weekend dancing and building memories of the day you popped the question.

9. North America’s Tallest Sand Dunes

Colorado is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, and you can use them as a beautiful backdrop for your engagement.  Make a weekend of it and plan to get a campsite in the park, or a permit to backpack through the sandy oasis with the Sangre de Christo mountains looming beside you. If you visit during a new moon, you can enjoy a stunning night sky full of stars. It’s the perfect setting to celebrate such an important romantic milestone.

10. The Gothic Ghost Town

One of the most unique places to visit in Colorado has to be the ghost town called Gothic. It sits near the West Elk Mountains and can be accessed year-round, making it a great proposal spot no matter when you plan to pop the question. 

Slightly to the south, Crested Butte is known to be the wildflower capitol of Colorado. That same fauna is found in the summer, giving the mountainous terrain a colorful and vibrant quality. In the winter, the town is only accessible by ski or snowmobile, making the adventure a little bit more of a remote and intimate adventure.

11. Hot Springs Surrounded by Natural Beauty

If you are after a more relaxing, romantic setting for your proposal, consider dropping by one of Colorado’s many hot springs. Strawberry Park is home to some of the state’s most beautiful hot springs, with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy and rustic accommodations to take advantage of. 

According to U.S. News and World Report, “Steamboat Springs was named for its relaxing hot springs, and some of the city’s best can be found at Strawberry Park Hot Springs.”In the summer, you can spend the day hiking, biking, or enjoying the western town of Steamboat, then stay at the on-site campground to soak in the pools. If it’s winter, why not spend the day sliding down the slopes before warming up with your sweetheart?

12. Horseback at Lost Valley Ranch

If you want a proposal amid the Wild West, then Lost Valley Ranch in Sedalia should be one of your top choices. There are rustic cabins to use as accommodation, and the cost includes delicious meals served in the dining room. While the ranch itself has some beautiful backdrops for your proposal, consider taking your loved one on a romantic horseback riding excursion before you pop the question.

13. Sky High on the Royal Gorge Bridge

For adventurous couples in Colorado, there is no shortage of exciting places to propose. One of the most exciting places to consider would have to be America’s highest suspension bridge, the Royal Gorge Bridge. Walk with your loved one up the 1,257 planks and brave popping the question 956 feet over the Arkansas River. The bridge can be enjoyed 365 days a year, but it does close during inclement weather. 

14. Exactly One Mile High

The Colorado State Capitol is home to one of the most unique places in the state, presenting a one-of-a-kind opportunity for proposing. You can get down on one knee on the 13th step of the Capitol Building, and pop the big question exactly one mile above sea level. You can even see an inscription carved into the step to commemorate the measurement. 

Commemorated with a golden, the mile-high mark, it is easy to find, making it the perfect romantic spot for a Colorado enthusiast. If the Capitol steps are not your thing, you can find other mile-high marks at Coors Field, the Denver Zoo, the Museum of Nature and Science, City Park, and the Denver International Airport.

15. Riding On a Historic Steam Train

All aboard! Take your pick from one of the many classic train rides to pledge your lifelong commitment. Sail through the mountains of Leadville or Georgetown for a high-elevation adventure, or go up-canyon through the Royal Gorge or up Pikes Peak to see some one-of-a-kind sites. Or, if history is your thing, you can hop on the Cumbres and Toltec, which is the longest running train in Colorado.  

Classic to Colorado and the Western United States, trains are a staple in the state, as well as a wonderful way to get cozy and spend time with your loved one. Many of the trains offer meals or drink cars, making it an all-encompassing date.

16. In the Lantern Lights at Cave of the Winds

You can find one of the most unique and beautiful proposal spots right under the Colorado ground. Cave of the Winds offers multiple underground tours, with the most adventurous being their Lantern Lights tour. 

Cave of the Winds offers an array of adventures, depending on how wild you and your love are feeling. If you want to stand in a large, echoing chamber, the general tour will be sufficient. For those feeling more adventurous, there is an option to be led deep underground, crawling around muddy rooms amid rock formations.

17. A One-Horse Open Sleigh

If you plan on proposing in the fall or winter, then a one-horse open sleigh is one of the most romantic settings you can choose. Take your loved one on a unique winter wonderland experience and make your proposal truly unforgettable. Golden Horse Shoe Sleigh Rides offers plenty of sleigh ride options, and some even come with hot cocoa. 

18. For the conservationist: get up close with some animals

Colorado, known for its natural wonder, is home to several conservation areas. Propose to your darling among their favorite creature. 

Just 30 miles northeast of Denver is the Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can walk along an elevated boardwalk, watching large predators: lions, bears, wolves, and more, enjoy the expansive wilderness.

To get a little bit closer to the critters, head to the Denver or Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. A little more expensive, the Denver Zoo holds more animals and exhibits, but the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is more interactive and gives the feeling of being out for a hike.

19. Floating in the Colorado Clouds  

With big, open skies, Colorado is home to several hot air baloon festivals and destination spots. Look no further than the Erie Baloon Festival, held every July, as a spot for romantic inspiration.

“My husband took me on a private hot air balloon ride,something I had dreamed of doing,” Says Katie French and popped the question over the Boulder Res.”

20. Painting with A Twist (And Proposal)

Plenty of the options on this list include outdoor fun, but you can still find a romantic proposal destination indoors. At Painting with A Twist, you can sip wine with your beloved while painting together and enjoying the relaxing ambiance. You can pop the question and create a unique art piece to commemorate the special day. 

21. At the leasing office

Renting in Boulder County is fraught with difficulties. From a lack of housing to high rents, it may seem beneficial to settle down with a permanent roommate. This was Yael Goldfeder’s suspicion when her now husband proposed after two days of being together.

“I will never know if he was serious or if he was just trying to get around the Boulder density laws to get in another roommate.” Though the density laws ended in 2024, they were still prevalent during the courtship. “He subsequently asked a couple more times, several months apart, and when we got ‘officially’ engaged, it was at my friend’s wedding in Mexico, and he made a ring out of a foam party favor because I had said that diamonds may be forever, but styrofoam is really forever.”

22. Find some real treasure while geocaching

Geocaching is an activity practiced among those with a love of orienteering and treasure hunting. Usually, coordinates are given on a website to a shared location, where travelers can leave an item, take an item, and leave another item and a note for the next seeker.

Charisa Davis, who loved spending time outdoors, used her love for adventure to pop the question.“ When it came time for my then-boyfriend, now husband, to propose, he knew exactly where it needed to happen. He was so clever and made it seem like it was my idea. We both happen to have the same day off so I suggested geocaching at the lake!”

“Once we got there and looked at the geocaching options, there was only one that stood out from the rest that seemed to be a Witches and Wizards theme, so I picked it. It was a hot hike in, and I complained the entire time, even suggesting we turn around at one point. Of course I ‘found’ the cache, because inside was the ring of my dreams and a framed picture of us that said ‘will you marry me’ in the borders.”

To set up your own geocaching proposal, you can visit geocaching.com and find a variety of places to set up your treasure hunt.

23. Amid Denver’s Unique Artwork

If you have ever been to the Colorado Convention Center, then you have no doubt laid eyes on the Big Blue Bear statue peering through the window. It has become one of the most recognizable features of downtown architecture, standing at about 40 feet tall. Popping the question under this giant art exhibit is sure to be a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Less into bears and more into giants dancing? Head over to the Denver Performing Arts Center to propose under the towering statues. There are also options for a large dust pan at the Denver Art Museum, a large lumineous dog at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, and a tower of beans at the Highland Bridge. While they may not scream romance, they do show the humor and fun your future marriage will hold.

24. While purchasing your season ski pass 

Laura Skladzinski explains that she had always gotten the Epic Pass, while her now husband had been a proponent of the Ikon Pass. 

“My now husband proposed last July on a hike in Golden Gate Canyon on my birthday.. He said he had a present for me, and it came with a question. He then handed me a jewelry box. When I opened it, I found an Ikon Pass.” 

Instead of asking for her hand, she asked if she would be his ski partner, specifically at the Ikon held mountains.

“I said yes and laughed hysterically, and while I was laughing, he then pulled out a ring and asked me the real question: to marry him. Very Colorado, and we had a blast skiing all the mountains on both passes last season.”

25. At a quintessential bookstore

Romance can exist beyond the pages if proposing at one of the unique bookstores of Colorado. The Tattered Cover is as much a staple of the true Coloradan as green chili. With the historic feel and an array of used, new, and local books, it is a cozy place to write your future story.

If you hope to stay in Boulder County, the Boulder Bookstore or The Read Queen in Lafayette are quirky locations that are sure to make your date swoon. 

Our list of unique proposal spots features places all around the state, but it is in no way all-encompassing. The state is full of beautiful and romantic destinations that could be the perfect backdrop for your proposal. Whether you take an idea from our list or come up with something on your own, we wish you and your partner all the love in the world.