The end of summer is always filled with regret and shame. Regret that we didn’t do enough or see enough, and shame for not following through with grand plans. This summer, however, things are going to be different. This summer will be filled with adventure, eliminating any possible disappointment. It won’t be long before we’re back in the library trying to figure out how to read again (a typical occurrence of fall), so when making plans this time around, consider these five Colorado road trips to get started. Play in the sand, go for a swim or conquer a mountain. Just don’t sit at home all summer again.

Mesa Verde National Park – 6.5 hours from DU
Thousands of years ago in southwest Colorado, the Ancestral Pueblo people settled in a place called Mesa Verde. Today, the 52,000-acre area serves as a great piece of history with almost 5,000 known archaeological sites. Visitors can wander around the various dwellings these natives once inhabited, including roughly 600 cliff dwellings scattered about the park. There’s no better way to learn about Colorado’s history than diving straight into this spot, so make the trip down south to Mesa Verde and you’ll come back giddier than ever about this wild state.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve– 3.5 hours from DU
Imagine driving through Colorado and pulling up to a desert full of sand mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. Can’t imagine it? Go see it. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is perhaps the strangest place in Colorado, in the best way. The park is home to North America’s tallest sand dunes where visitors can run, slide and roll about, making this place more than just a pretty sight. For maximized fun, bring sleds and test your skills on the sandy slopes.

Rocky Mountain National Park – 2 hours from DU
Rocky Mountain National Park is a mandatory trip for any Colorado resident. One, because it’s a huge and magnificent park, and two, because it’s only a couple hours from DU. Unlike these other road trip options, this is a quick drive that’s no longer than a winter trip to summit county. This leaves no room for excuses, so put Rocky Mountain National Park on the to-do list no matter what your summer plans are. Its vast waters, snow-topped mountains and abundance of wildlife makes it one of the state’s best spots.

Telluride – 6 hours from DU
Visiting resorts in summit county is fun in the summer, but six hours southwest of Denver lies a hidden gem entirely different from the rest: Telluride. Known for its towering mountains and extreme terrain, this place is a haven for all outdoor enthusiasts. Anyone looking to escape the resort feel of Vail Resorts’ monopoly should escape straight here. Hikers, bikers, kayakers, fishers and really anyone with a passion for the outdoors falls in love with Telluride, and the town itself is equally awesome, with lots of great places to eat, drink and shop.

Crested Butte – 4 hours from DU
Another mountain town that successfully sets itself apart from the typical resort style is Crested Butte, a quaint little town tucked amongst some of Colorado’s best scenery. In addition to the beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes, the entire place is covered in wildflowers every summer. Walking through the colorful fields is comparable to walking on a rainbow, and if that doesn’t sound incredible, then you should probably just stay on the couch for the summer.

There are so many opportunities in this great state waiting to be seized, so don’t sit down to the first class of autumn quarter full of regret. No one will feel bad for you, and no one wants to hear about why you couldn’t follow through with your plans. Instead, sit down to that first class full of stories and happiness. Daydream about all the great things you did and doodle pictures of all the beautiful places you saw. After any of these five adventures, this will surely be the case.