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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Titans take Cam Ward, Colorado's stars go in the top three

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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Titans take Cam Ward, Colorado's stars go in the top three


• Travis Hunter heads to Cleveland, and Shedeur Sanders joins the Giants: Hunter would provide dual-threat ability for a depleted Browns squad, while Sanders could be the answer to New York’s quarterback woes.

• Titans secure the No. 1 overall pick: Tennessee is the unlikely winner of the No. 1 pick sweepstakes, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward is the team’s choice in this mock draft.

• 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

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The 2025 NFL Draft order is now set for the 18 non-playoff teams. Here is one way the first round could play out as things stand, with the Tennessee Titans kicking things off by drafting one of only two quarterbacks selected in Round 1.


1. TENNESSEE TITANS: QB CAM WARD, MIAMI (FL)

The Titans earned the No. 1 overall pick in Week 18, largely because of their shortcomings at the quarterback position this season. Ward won’t be a fit for every team. For as much as he has some heroic big-time throws, he also has some head-scratching turnover-worthy plays. But he has improved every year he’s been in college, no matter the team. Ward possesses the mentality and the confidence you want in a potential franchise passer.

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2. CLEVELAND BROWNS: WR/CB TRAVIS HUNTER, COLORADO

The Browns getting the No. 2 pick means that a quarterback could be in play. I also like the idea of them exploring all options to trade down, especially if they don’t take a quarterback here (I would not). But with this being our first mock with the solidified non-playoff draft order, I didn’t want to do any trade-downs. Instead, I stay true to the big board and give the Browns the best playmaker in the draft in Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

Hunter was the third-highest-graded cornerback (90.6) and the sixth-highest-graded receiver (89.0) in the FBS. He could legitimately play on both sides of the ball in Cleveland. I would slot him in full time at cornerback with about 10-15 plays at receiver each week.


3. NEW YORK GIANTS: QB SHEDEUR SANDERS, COLORADO

Truth be told, I am not at all convinced a quarterback will be drafted in the top five this year. But until free agency proves otherwise, the Giants are so desperate for a quarterback that it would feel disingenuous not to award them one here. Sanders recorded an 83.0 PFF passing grade in all four college seasons he played in. Over the past two years, he was excellent at post-snap reads and taking care of the football. Sanders doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he plays a clean brand of quarterback — which some teams will gravitate toward. 

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4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: T WILL CAMPBELL, LSU

The Patriots’ Week 18 win over the Bills dropped from the No. 1 overall pick to No. 4. Shortly after their victory, they fired head coach Jerod Mayo, so their vision of how to build around quarterback Drake Maye could change. But the desire to improve what was statistically the worst offensive line should remain a constant. Campbell will be viewed as a guard by some teams, but he feels like a player who, with three years of good starting experience at tackle at LSU, should get his shot at tackle in the pros. Regardless, he’s a damn good lineman who would be an immediate starter in New England.


5. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: DI MASON GRAHAM, MICHIGAN

Jaguars edge defenders Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen bring disruptive potential, but the team’s defense lacks strong interior play to match it. Graham, who earned elite PFF overall grades of 90.0 and 90.7 over the past two seasons, is a stud run defender and a twitchy interior pass-rusher. This is a “best player available” type of pick.


6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: WR TETAIROA McMILLAN, ARIZONA

After trading away Davante Adams mid-season, the Raiders created a serious need for a WR1. They will likely be in the market for one in free agency, but if that fails, they should be in range for one of the top receivers in the draft. Here, they get the top receiver on PFF’s big board in Arizona’s McMillan. He’s a 6-foot-5 receiver with some of the strongest hands in the class and a unique after-the-catch mentality for a player of his size. He felt like a lone bright spot on the Wildcats’ offense this year.


7. NEW YORK JETS: CB WILL JOHNSON, MICHIGAN

Johnson was hurt for most of this season, but when he was fully healthy last year, he showed us he was one of the best coverage players in the country with top-tier NFL ability. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he has the athletic ability and fluidity to play mirror-man coverage against any receiver. Adding Johnson to a secondary with Sauce Gardner would create elite potential.


8. CAROLINA PANTHERS: EDGE ABDUL CARTER, PENN STATE

The Panthers’ win over the Falcons in Week 18 may have dropped them in the draft order, but Bryce Young capping off an incredible turnaround over the second half of this season was more important than a few draft spots (and that’s coming from a draft guy). Defense needs to be the focus for the Panthers in the draft, and pass rush is likely at the top of their list. Carter has the best burst and bend in the class, and he earned a 91.0 PFF pass-rush grade with a 23.0% pass-rush win rate in his first year as a full-time edge rusher this year. He would be a welcomed addition to Carolina’s defensive line.

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9. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: EDGE NIC SCOURTON, TEXAS A&M

It was a quiet year for Scourton based on expectations. But at Purdue in 2023, he earned a 91.0 PFF pass-rush grade with a 21.3% pass-rush win rate, thanks to a deep pass-rush tool bag with tons of different moves and counters at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds. He is the Saints’ type as a 4-3 defensive end (depending on whether the new coaching staff has that same front).


10. CHICAGO BEARS: T KELVIN BANKS JR., TEXAS

The Bears’ offensive line was still too up-and-down this season for the front office to not make new investments. Banks is small in height and length for a tackle (might be just under 6-foot-4), so he may start his career inside at guard. That could work out flawlessly in Chicago, which seems to have more solidified talent at the tackle spots. His athletic ability is very impressive and provides him with a high ceiling, and he earned 86.8 and 88.0 PFF pass-blocking grades over the past two years.


11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: EDGE JALON WALKER, GEORGIA

The 49ers could use help in the trenches this offseason, and defense is the choice here due to it being the strong position in this year’s draft. Walker is listed as an off-ball linebacker, but he is at his best when rushing the passer as an edge. At 6-foot-2 and around 250 pounds, he’s a bit light on his measurables to be a full-time edge defender, but his 18.3% and 21.0% pass-rush win rates over the past two years are proof of his consistent disruption at that size. Walker is explosive and turns speed to power easily.


12. DALLAS COWBOYS: RB ASHTON JEANTY, BOISE STATE

Is this an obvious choice? Yes. Does that change my mind? No. Jeanty enjoyed a historic season this year with more than 2,600 rushing yards. But beyond just the overall output, he was also incredibly efficient, with a 96.6 PFF rushing grade, a 99th-percentile missed tackles forced per attempt figure and a 98th-percentile yards after contact number. He is one of the best football players in the draft, and Dallas needs a player like that badly on its offense.


13. MIAMI DOLPHINS: T JOSH SIMMONS, OHIO STATE

Simmons got hurt midway through the season, so unfortunately, we haven’t seen him during Ohio State’s deep playoff run. But before he tore his ACL, he looked like one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. He has some of the best footwork in the class, with good athletic ability and smooth movements. The Dolphins just need to improve their offensive line in any way they can, and Simmons could play guard for them if Patrick Paul is a starter at offensive tackle. On 158 pass-blocking snaps this season, Simmons didn’t allow a sack and allowed just one pressure on his way to an 82.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. 


14. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: TE TYLER WARREN, PENN STATE

It’s not often that a tight end is selected in the top 20, but Warren warrants it. He’s a true all-around tight end who can block effectively in-line and make strong contested catches as a receiver. The big plus is that, at 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, he earned a 93.3 PFF receiving grade thanks to 666 receiving yards after the catch this season as Penn State’s main mode of receiving production.

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15. ATLANTA FALCONS: EDGE JAMES PEARCE JR., TENNESSEE

The Falcons’ pass rush came alive during the second half of the season, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t consider selecting a pass-rusher in a pass-rusher-heavy draft. Pearce gives them some burst and bend they don’t have on their defensive line right now, and he plays a natural stand-up outside linebacker spot. Though undersized at around 240 pounds, he recorded pass-rush win rates above 20% in each of the past two years.


16. ARIZONA CARDINALS: DI WALTER NOLEN, OLE MISS

Nolen is a former five-star recruit who came into his own this season. He is incredibly explosive at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds and earned an elite 91.1 PFF run-defense grade with great flashes as a twitched-up pass-rusher (73.5 PFF pass-rush grade in 2024). The Cardinals need new juice on their defensive line, specifically in the pass-rush category.


17. CINCINNATI BENGALS: WR LUTHER BURDEN III, MISSOURI

Burden was not as productive in 2024 as in 2023, but that is more an indictment of the offense as a whole than Burden. He is an elite after-the-catch receiver who can win as a flanker and in the slot. The Jermaine Burton experiment is not going well in Cincinnati, and pending free agent Tee Higgins could be elsewhere next season. The Bengals need plenty of help on the defensive line but could use another playmaker next to Ja’Marr Chase to remain a potent offense.

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18. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: EDGE SHEMAR STEWART, TEXAS A&M

Edge rusher Boye Mafe took a nice step forward as a pass-rusher this year, but the Seahawks need more in that area. Stewart has a rare combination of size, speed and power at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds. He earned an 88.9 PFF run-defense grade but also flashed as a pass-rusher over the past two years. If he can hone his go-to pass-rush moves, he could be a great addition for Seattle.


19. HOUSTON TEXANS: T CAMERON WILLIAMS, TEXAS

The Texans’ interior offensive line has been a major Achilles’ heel of their offense. Tytus Howard has been pushed into one of the guard spots, which has produced mixed results. They could potentially keep him there if they draft a talented offensive tackle to play opposite Laremy Tunsil. Williams is raw but extremely talented with length, power and speed. Plus, he has plenty of experience at right tackle.


20. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: S MALAKI STARKS, GEORGIA

The Buccaneers will be eyeing pass-rush upgrades, but with a lot of the top pass-rushers off the board — and with this being a deep pash-rush class in Rounds 2 and 3 — I like the idea of them forming what would likely be the most talented safety duo in the league: Starks and Antoine Winfield Jr. This season has exposed Tampa Bay’s deficiencies in the secondary.

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21. DENVER BRONCOS: TE COLSTON LOVELAND

Despite wide receiver Courtland Sutton‘s excellence, the Broncos have lacked any other consistent receiver presence on offense in 2024. Head coach Sean Payton has been one to emphasize the tight end position when he has a viable option. Loveland’s lack of production this year was more an indication of how poor Michigan’s passing game was than anything. When he’s healthy and in a rolling offense (see 2023), he’s a big, fluid receiver — an ideal passing weapon for Bo Nix moving forward.


22. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: CB BENJAMIN MORRISON, NOTRE DAME

Morrison hasn’t been a part of Notre Dame’s deep playoff run due to a hip injury, but he’s a fluid, fearless man coverage cornerback — something the Steelers have been searching for in their past few secondary draft picks.


23. LOS ANGELES RAMS: WYATT MILUM, WEST VIRGINIA

Rob Havenstein will be 33 years old and in the last year of his contract next season. The Rams could look to find his replacement, whether for 2025 or beyond. Milum was one of the most consistently dominant offensive linemen in 2024. He earned a 91.7 PFF overall grade with 90.0-plus grades in run blocking and pass blocking.


24. GREEN BAY PACKERS: CB SHAVON REVEL, EAST CAROLINA

The Packers‘ cornerbacks were disappointing this season. Revel represents their type of player, meeting length and speed thresholds while bringing play-making ability. He should be very high on their board, even coming off a torn ACL.


25. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: EDGE JACK SAWYER, OHIO STATE

Khalil Mack has been productive over the past few years, even now at 33 years old. But Joey Bosa has taken a step back due to injuries, and Mack won’t be there forever. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is not one to let the trenches fade into oblivion when it comes to roster building. Sawyer has been steady, disruptive and productive over the past two seasons, something Harbaugh got a good look at when facing him multiple times in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. 

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26. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: MYKEL WILLIAMS, GEORGIA

The Commanders are building a good-looking defense under Dan Quinn, but they still need talent and depth at edge rusher. Williams is a high-floor player who is as strong as an ox with long arms, but his pass-rush game is still developing (he might not be a high-sack player). I do like him for the Commanders, though, since they would get stouter with his presence. 

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27. BALTIMORE RAVENS: T JOSH CONERLY JR., OREGON 

Oregon’s Conerly took a big step up in pass protection this year. He allowed just 10 pressures on 521 pass-blocking snaps while earning a 78.0 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets. He is a true junior with two years of starting experience under his belt. The NFL will love the potential.


28. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: CB TREY AMOS, OLE MISS

The Vikings could lose a good chunk of their cornerback room to free agency this March. Amos brings ideal length to the position at 6-foot and 190 pounds with long arms. He forced 14 incompletions this season, tied for the seventh most in the FBS.


29. BUFFALO BILLS: CB JAHDAE BARRON, TEXAS

Barron went from a starting safety to a starting slot defender to a starting outside cornerback over the past three seasons and thrived at all three spots. This year was his most productive. As an off-zone defender, he recorded five interceptions and 10 forced interceptions with a 91.6 PFF coverage grade in 2024.


30. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: EDGE PRINCELY UMANMIELEN, OLE MISS

The Eagles are a tough team to mock for these days due to how well general manager Howie Roseman has built the roster. However, with edge rushers Brandon Graham retiring and Josh Sweat set to hit free agency, perhaps another pass-rusher is in store for them in Round 1. Umanmielen put up great pass-rushing numbers over 2023 and 2024 (two consecutive seasons with a pass-rush win rate above 22%). He has some of the best burst and bend in the class.


31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: EDGE MIKE GREEN, MARSHALL

Green, even as just a redshirt sophomore, was an absolute stud for the Thundering Herd this season. He earned a 92.0 PFF overall grade, thanks to a 90.1 PFF run-defense grade and a 91.0 PFF pass-rush grade. He is still young as a pass-rusher but has a good bag of moves and an NFL-level first step.

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32. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE LANDON JACKSON, ARKANSAS

As we head into the playoffs, Aidan Hutchinson still leads the Lions in sacks (7.5). It’s safe to say they need some pass-rush help this offseason. Jackon is a unique edge rusher because of his 6-foot-7 frame and 275-pound weight. Yet, he has good burst and some intriguing bend for a player with those measurables. I expect the Lions to like his profile.



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Southern Colorado farmers’ market season is here

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Southern Colorado farmers’ market season is here


(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Spring brings the first fresh produce, which means it will soon be time for farmers’ markets to kick off around the area.

For those in Southern Colorado who want to buy their products from local vendors and growers, check out the list below.

North Colorado Springs

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

  • 225 North Gate Boulevard, near the I-25 exit
  • Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Runs from May through September

Briargate Farmers Market

  • 7610 North Union Boulevard, near Briargate Boulevard
  • Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Runs from May 27 through Sept. 30

Cordera

  • 11894 Grandlawn Circle, near Briargate Parkway and North Union Boulevard
  • Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Runs from May 24 through Sept. 6

Colorado Farm and Art Market

  • 7350 Pine Creek Road, near East Woodmen Road and I-25
  • Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Runs from June 20 through Oct. 17

Banning Lewis Ranch at Vista Park

  • 8833 Vista Del Pico Boulevard, near Dublin Boulevard and Marksheffel Road
  • Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Runs from May 28 through Aug. 27

Backyard Market in Black Forest

  • 6845 Shoup Road, near Black Forest Road
  • Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Runs from May 23 through Oct. 17

South Colorado Springs

Colorado Farm and Art Market

  • 132 West Cimarron Street, at the corner of Sierra Madre Street, Downtown
  • Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Runs from June 17 through Oct. 21

Old Colorado City Farmers Market

  • Bancroft Park at West Colorado Avenue and South 24th Street in Old Colorado City
  • Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Runs from June 6 through Oct. 17

Colorado Springs Sunday Market

  • Acacia Park 115 East Platte Avenue, Downtown
  • Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Runs from May 10 through Oct. 25

Southeast Farmer’s Market

  • 2050 Jet Wing Drive, near Chelton Road
  • Sundays from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.
  • Runs from June 14 through Oct. 11

Fountain

Fountain Community Market

  • Metcalfe Park, 618 East Ohio Avenue, near Fountain Mesa Road
  • Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Runs from May 30 through Sept. 26

Woodland Park

Woodland Park Farmers Market

  • At Memorial Park, 117 Center Avenue, near East Lake Avenue
  • Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Runs from June through September

Pueblo

Pueblo Farmers Market

  • Mineral Palace Park, 1604 North Santa Fe Avenue, at West 15th Street
  • Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon
  • Runs from May 2 through Oct. 31



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Thornton marks 70 years: Exhibit traces Colorado city’s roots from developer’s dream to thriving suburb

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Thornton marks 70 years: Exhibit traces Colorado city’s roots from developer’s dream to thriving suburb


Seventy years ago, a housing developer looked at an empty stretch of land north of Denver and saw the future. What Sam Hoffman built there became the city of Thornton — and a free public exhibit is now telling that story for the first time in a generation.

CBS Colorado is excited to shine the spotlight on Thornton, as Colorado marks 150 years as a state.

“The history of Thornton is really the history of suburbia,” said Lance Jones, the historian and curator of the city’s 70th anniversary exhibit. “Thornton was planned. Thornton was intentionally created as a city.”

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City of Thornton


Hoffman, Jones explained, recognized an opportunity in the postwar boom. “He realized the Denver Metro area was going to really explode and he wanted in on the ground floor,” Jones said. To sell his 5,000 planned homes, Hoffman turned to an unlikely marketing asset — Hollywood.

Three of his employees happened to be the brothers of Jane Russell, one of the biggest film stars in America at the time. “She was an A-list actress. I mean, she was really top of the game,” Jones said. Hoffman asked the brothers if their sister might make an appearance, and she agreed.

“One day in 1954, his grand opening celebration, she came out. And a lot of people came out to see her — big, big crowd,” Jones said. “Thousands of people showed up to see her, to get a glimpse, to take a picture.” Russell would return to Thornton more than three decades later, appearing at the opening of the Thornton Parkway interchange in 1986.

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City of Thornton


The homes Russell helped promote were advertised at $9,950, with a down payment for GI’s of $532.30 and a monthly mortgage of $65. Jones noted those were not trivial sums for working families of the era. “That represented a big chunk of the average person’s paycheck. People would have to save up for that,” Jones said.

A Denver Post clipping from Jan. 31, 1954, on display at the exhibit, documents the arrival of the city’s first residents. “This is one of the first families in Thornton moving in,” Jones said. “This was a unique thing. They created the city. It just sprang from nothing.”

By 1956, residents had established enough civic infrastructure to pursue formal incorporation. “There were a lot of civic organizations, a lot of clubs, a lot of veterans organizations — it was a big joiner kind of town,” Jones said. “And, eventually, in 1956, they were able to get incorporated.”

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That civic spirit, Jones argued, never left. “The culture here in Thornton kind of developed from that. It’s still a city with a lot of civic involvement, a lot of events, a lot of cohesion.”

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Loretta Garcia, the first person born in the City of Thornton in 1956.

City of Thornton


The exhibit highlights several residents whose stories reflect the city’s early character. Among the artifacts is a cheerleading uniform that belonged to Loretta Garcia — the first baby born in Thornton after its incorporation. She and the city share the same milestone birthday. “Thornton is 70, and so is she,” Jones said. Garcia was delivered at home on Rowena Street because the trip to a Denver hospital was considered too far. “The doctor came up here and delivered her at home.”

Another featured resident is Norma Ellman, a Thornton High School teacher, who in 1956 traveled to California to compete on a CBS game show called “High Finance.” She won the equivalent of what Jones estimates would be more than $1 million today. The victory was significant enough that the mayor authorized Ellman to present the show’s host with a key to the city of Thornton.

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Jones said the exhibit is designed to connect newer residents with the people who built the community, noting that from its earliest days Thornton had a strong Hispanic presence that continues today alongside a growing diversity of other ethnicities.

“The younger people really do need to hear from the folks who made Thornton, Thornton,” Jones said. “You have to know where we came from to know where we’re going.”

The 70th anniversary exhibit is free and open to the public at the Thornton Arts and Culture Annex. Visit this page for days and hours. 



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Is Elitch Gardens open? Your guide to Colorado amusement parks

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Is Elitch Gardens open? Your guide to Colorado amusement parks


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Last year, the buzz around Elitch Gardens was that 2025 could have been its last year — or at least the last year at its current site near Ball Arena.

But a June property deal gave sole ownership of the park’s land to Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the arena, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and other assets. That deal seemed to save Elitch Gardens at its current location for the immediate future, although the specter of a wrecking ball still looms.

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Here’s a look at what Colorado’s amusement parks, water parks, fun centers and other activities have to offer in 2026.

Elitch Gardens in Denver

Colorado’s oldest amusement park kicked off its 136th year April 18 and has new events and activities planned for 2026.

Where: Downtown Denver

When it’s open: It opened for the season on April 18. Hours can vary and the most up-to-date information can be found online at its website.

Can’t miss rides: The park boasts multiple roller coasters, including Twister III, a 4,640-foot wooden coaster featuring a 90-foot drop and a pitch black tunnel. The attraction was listed as temporarily unavailable as of April 20, but other roller coasters include the Mind Eraser, Boomerang and Sidewinder.

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Tickets and season passes: A day pass can run as much as $72.99, although discounts can often be found. Season passes start at $84.99, with multiple tiers of perks, with discounts sometimes available. Kids age 2 and younger get in free. Get more season pass information online

More information: elitchgardens.com

Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver

The low-cost alternative to Elitch Gardens is still finalizing plans for the 2026 season, but will be up and running for its 119th year in the same location.

Where: Denver

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When it’s open: Lakeside has yet to announce an opening day but typically opens for weekends starting in mid-May before moving to a six-day-a-week schedule (no Tuesdays) from early June through mid-August. It usually closes out the season with weekends-only admission into September. Hours can also vary, so call Lakeside at 303-477-1621 to confirm hours before going.

Can’t miss rides: A smaller park, Lakeside has classic rides such as the Scrambler and the Tilt-A-Whirl. Its roller coasters include the Pinfari and Chipmunk. There’s no update on if its landmark coaster, the Cyclone, will reopen after nearly four years of sitting idle.

Tickets: 2026 pricing has not been announced yet.

More information: www.lakesideamusementpark.com

Glennwood Caverns Adventure Park near Glenwood Springs

The highest amusement park in the land, Glenwood Caverns sits at more than 7,100 feet elevation and offers both rides and chances to explore.  

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Where: On top of Iron Mountain

When it’s open: It has year-round operations, with all rides slated to open on May 1. The schedule is lighter outside of the summer. Its online schedule shows the park open every day from May 13 through Sept. 7, with hours stretching from 9 am. to 7 p.m. for much of that time before it starts mixing in off-days again.

Can’t miss rides: A gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain has been a staple of the park dating to its founding, and its alpine coaster back down and cave tours all plays to its unique location. Not all rides are open every day and the harsh weather common on Colorado mountaintops can shut some attractions down, so check the weather and the website before going.

Tickets: Single-day advance tickets start at $32.99 for just gondola rides up Iron Mountain, ranging up to $62.99 for a Fun Day ticket that includes access to two cave tours, alpine coaster and other attractions on the mountaintop. Through April 30, local residents can get free annual gondola passes and a $63 discount on  annual thrill passes. Annual passes without the discount are $157 for adults and $147 for children.

More information: www.glenwoodcaverns.com

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North Pole – Santa’s Workshop near Colorado Springs

Experience the magic of Santa and the North Pole as early as the spring at this park on Pikes Peak.  

Where: Cascade

When it’s open: May 16 marks the return of Santa and the reopening of the shops and rides. The park will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. into the fall, according to its website. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, it is slated to typically be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Holiday week schedules can be different and weather could cause the park to close.

Can’t miss rides: The park was built for little kids, with some rides gentle enough to bring an infant on. The Candy Cane Coaster is a right-sized first coaster for preschooler, while the 60-foot high Ferris wheel gives great views of the park.

Tickets: During the summer and fall, admission to the park is free. To ride rides, purchase an all-access wristband at the park for $38 for those ages 3 to 59. Military family members and seniors can receive discounts in the spring and summer. From Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, all visitors age 3 and up entering must pay a yet-to-be-announced admission fee, which includes unlimited rides, and reservations will be required on peak days for individuals. Season passes are available, with some blackout dates.

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More information: northpolecolorado.com

Water World near Denver

One of the nation’s top-rated water parks, Water World’s updates in the off-season includes its new Summit Canyon area with new waterslides and a toddler splash area.   

Where: Federal Heights

When it’s open: Season starts May 23. Park hours are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although Summit Canyon will be open to 6 p.m. and special events could alter hours.

Can’t miss rides: The park has more than 50 attractions across 70 acres, including the Mile High Flyer water coaster, the Voyage to the Center of the Earth waterslide and Water World’s lazy river. All were recognized in 2025 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards in their respective categories.  

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Tickets: Advance single-day tickets for any day the park is open are $53.99 for people 48 inches and taller and $48.99 for those shorter, with discounts for tickets bought for specific days. A full season Splash Pass starts at $144.99 for people under 48 inches and $154.99 for people 48 inches and taller, with prices going up to add perks like discounts and meal plans. Guests under 40 inches always receive free admission.

More information: waterworldcolorado.com

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City

There is no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of one of Colorado’s most famous landmarks. Some are tame and one gives a unique thrill.

Where: Cañon City

When it’s open: Weather permitting, the park is open year round. The visitor’s center is typically open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  and rides typically open at 10 a.m.

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Can’t miss rides: The world’s highest suspension bridge is awe-inspiring on its own, and the aerial gondola gives stunning views, but the Royal Rush Skycoaster — which dangles riders 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River — can really get the heart pumping.

Tickets: General admission purchased in advance online is $34.95 for ages 12 and up and $29.95 for kids ages 3 to 11. There are additional fees for the Zipline, Skycoaster or Via Ferrata. A one-year pass is $80 for kids 3 to 11, $90 for ages 12 and up and $260 for a family of four. Discounts on season passes are available for Colorado residents through April 30.

More information: royalgorgebridge.com

Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs

The chain of hotels with their own indoor waterparks has one location in Colorado, offering guests access to waterslides and other entertainment under the same roof as their hotel.  

When it’s open: Year-round. Hours vary.

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Can’t miss rides: You can spin through the six-story funnel of the Howlin’ Tornado, stand up to the lapping waves of the Slap Tail Pond and race your family in the Mountain Edge Raceway.

Tickets: Rates for day passes and rooms vary greatly, so interested vacationers should look online. Deep discounts are easy to find.

More information: greatwolf.com/colorado-springs  

Ski towns

With ski season largely over, many of Colorado’s ski towns are getting ready to start their summer activities. While they do not have full-fledged amusement parks, many of the ski resorts offer mountain coasters, alpine slides and other attractions to keep people entertained in the summer. Check out the options at Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Keystone, Purgatory, Steamboat, Vail and Winter Park long after the snow has melted.

Fun centers and community water parks

If a day trip or road trip is more than you want to take on, many communities have fun centers or public water parks for people to enjoy. Check out:

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Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.



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