Planning your summer vacation in Colorado but unsure where to start? This picturesque state is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, family-friendly destinations, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From hiking amid towering mountains to exploring lively city attractions, Colorado offers something for everyone.
Here are the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer:
With a blend of scenic beauty and thrilling trips you’re bound to create lasting memories in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. Known for its stunning mountain landscapes and over 100 alpine lakes, it’s a hiker’s paradise. The park offers numerous trails like the Bear Lake Trailhead and the challenging Longs Peak. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. For a scenic drive, take the Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet.
Denver combines urban fun with easy access to outdoor trips. Families will love the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Don’t miss the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a concert or a hike. If you’re up for a short drive, visit the beautiful St. Mary’s Glacier for a quick but rewarding hike.
Telluride is a small town big on trip. Surrounded by towering peaks, it’s famous for its festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Outdoor activities like hiking to Bridal Veil Falls or exploring the scenic Box Canyon are popular. The free gondola ride to Mountain Village offers breathtaking views and is a hit with families.
Glenwood Springs is perfect for those looking to relax and have fun. Soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool or explore the Hanging Lake Trail, known for its stunning turquoise waters. For thrill-seekers, the Glenwood Caverns Trip Park offers cave tours and an alpine coaster.
Step back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient cliff dwellings. The park offers guided tours of sites like Cliff Palace and Balcony House. It’s a unique experience that combines history with breathtaking scenery.
Breckenridge is a charming mountain town with plenty to offer in the summer. Hike Quandary Peak, visit the woodland troll, or take a free gondola ride for spectacular views. Lake Dillon is perfect for boating and fishing, making it a great family destination.
Steamboat Springs offers a mix of trip and relaxation. Hike Fish Creek Falls or float down the Yampa River. Don’t miss the Strawberry Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. For a panoramic view, take a gondola ride up Mount Werner.
Known for its hot springs, Pagosa Springs is a relaxing getaway. The town is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, offering excellent hiking and fishing opportunities. The nearby Wolf Creek Pass provides stunning views and is a great spot for a scenic drive.
Whether you’re looking for trip or relaxation, these best places to visit in Colorado in the summer offer something for everyone.
Denver is a vibrant city perfect for families and triprs alike. Start your visit at the Denver Zoo, home to over 3,000 animals. Kids will love seeing the lions, elephants, and more.
Next, head to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This museum is packed with exhibits about space, ancient Egypt, and gems. It’s fun and educational for all ages.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a must-see. This iconic venue offers hiking trails with breathtaking views. If you have time, take a short drive to St. Mary’s Glacier. The hike is easy and the glacier is stunning.
Colorado Springs offers a mix of outdoor beauty and unique attractions. Garden of the Gods is a free park with incredible red rock formations. Perfect for hiking and photography.
For a thrilling experience, visit Pikes Peak. You can drive, hike, or take a train to the summit for panoramic views.
Don’t miss the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Watch athletes train and try out some sports yourself.
Nature lovers will enjoy North Cheyenne Cañon Park. This park offers beautiful trails and waterfalls, ideal for a summer hike.
Boulder is known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. Start your visit on Pearl Street, a pedestrian mall filled with shops, street performers, and restaurants.
For breathtaking views, hike the Flatirons. These iconic rock formations offer trails for all skill levels.
Tea enthusiasts should tour the Celestial Seasonings tea factory. Learn how tea is made and enjoy free samples.
Finally, visit Boulder Falls. This short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a family outing.
Whether you’re exploring the city or the great outdoors, these best places to visit in Colorado in the summer offer unforgettable experiences.
Telluride and Ouray are both gems nestled in the San Juan Mountains. Bridal Veil Falls is a must-see in Telluride. It’s the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. The hike to the falls is challenging but worth it for the stunning views.
In Ouray, explore the Box Canyon. This natural wonder features a roaring waterfall inside a narrow, rocky gorge. After a day of hiking, unwind in the town’s famous hot springs.
For a unique experience, take the gondola to Mountain Village. It offers panoramic views and easy access to hiking and biking trails.
Steamboat Springs is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss Fish Creek Falls, a 280-foot waterfall that’s accessible via a short hike.
The Yampa River runs through town, ideal for tubing, kayaking, and fishing. For a relaxing soak, head to Strawberry Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are surrounded by scenic beauty.
For hiking and mountain biking, check out Mount Werner. The trails are suitable for all skill levels and offer breathtaking mountain views.
Breckenridge is a popular summer destination. Hike Quandary Peak, one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. The hike is tough but rewards you with panoramic views from the summit.
Lake Dillon is nearby and perfect for paddleboarding and picnicking. The lake area also features a beach and marina.
Don’t forget to visit the woodland troll. This giant wooden sculpture is hidden in the forest and a delight for both kids and adults.
Take the free gondola up the mountain for more hiking and stunning vistas. It’s a great way to see the town from above.
Crested Butte is a haven for nature lovers. Visit during wildflower season to see fields of colorful blooms. It’s the wildflower capital of Colorado.
Lake Irwin is another highlight. This serene lake is perfect for paddleboarding and fishing.
Crested Butte also has a charming ski village. In summer, the village transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking.
Aspen is famous for its outdoor activities. A visit to the Maroon Bells is a must. These iconic peaks are some of the most photographed mountains in North America.
For a unique experience, explore the Grottos. This easy hike features ice caves and a beautiful cascade.
Nearby Snowmass offers additional outdoor trips. Hike the trails or enjoy a guided nature walk with experts from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.
These best places to visit in Colorado in the summer offer something for everyone, from thrilling hikes to relaxing hot springs. Whether you’re seeking trip or tranquility, Colorado’s outdoor destinations won’t disappoint.
Snowmass Village is a hidden gem nestled in the Elk Mountains. It’s just nine miles from Aspen, but it has its own unique charm. Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a must-visit for art lovers, offering workshops and exhibitions. Families will enjoy Base Village, which has kid-friendly activities, live music, and festivals. Don’t miss the free guided hikes with naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. These hikes take you through fields of wildflowers and offer breathtaking views.
Palisade is known for its vineyards and farms, but it’s also an emerging destination for mountain biking. The Palisade Plunge is one of the longest singletrack downhill trails in the U.S., descending from the top of Grand Mesa into town. Foodies will love Pêche, a farm-to-table restaurant by chef Matthew Chasseur. And of course, don’t forget to explore the local vineyards. A wine-tasting tour is a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
The town of Dinosaur gets its name from the nearby Dinosaur National Monument. This 210,000-acre park offers a mix of dinosaur fossils, rock art, and hiking trails. While most of the dinosaur bones are on the Utah side, the Colorado side features stunning canyon and river views. Start your trip at the Canyon Visitor Center and then take a scenic drive along Harpers Corner Road. This route offers spectacular views of the Green and Yampa rivers.
Grand Lake is the gateway to the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. This charming town offers a laid-back vibe and fantastic outdoor activities. For a unique experience, join Kaiyote Tours for a guided hike or overnight backpacking trip. You’ll learn about birding and wildlife from experts. Don’t forget to explore the town’s shops and restaurants, which add to its quaint charm.
Buena Vista lives up to its name with stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities. The Arkansas River offers excellent rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities. If you’re looking for relaxation, head to the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. After a day of trip, soaking in the hot springs is the perfect way to unwind.
Mancos is adjacent to Mesa Verde National Park, known for its ancient cliff dwellings. The town itself has a vibrant community with coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques. For a deeper dive into the area’s history, join a tour of the Ute Mountain Tribal Park. Native American guides will take you through Ancestral Puebloan ruins and cliff dwellings, sharing stories of the past.
Home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins is a lively town with a mix of college students, tech entrepreneurs, and families. The town is connected by more than 285 miles of bike trails and lanes. For a unique experience, visit the Colorado Shoe School. Here, you can design and create your own custom shoes from repurposed materials. It’s a fun and eco-friendly activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Leadville is North America’s highest incorporated city, sitting at over 10,000 feet above sea level. This historic town offers access to both the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. After a day of hiking, head to Two Mile Brewing for a refreshing craft beer. Popular choices include the Leadville Lager and Camp Hale Pale Ale.
These hidden gems offer a diverse range of activities and experiences, making them some of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer. Whether you’re into art, trip, history, or relaxation, these towns have something special to offer.
Colorado is full of amazing summer destinations, but a few stand out. Breckenridge is a top choice for families and trip seekers. It offers activities like hiking Quandary Peak, exploring Lake Dillon, and riding the free gondola.
Rocky Mountain National Park is another must-visit. It’s perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The park’s Trail Ridge Road reaches elevations over 12,000 feet, providing breathtaking views.
Denver is great for those who want a mix of urban and outdoor experiences. You can visit the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and take a short drive to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Lastly, Telluride is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, you can hike to Bridal Veil Falls, soak in the hot springs, or take a gondola ride to Mountain Village.
The #1 attraction in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. This park draws millions of visitors each year with its stunning mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you prefer hiking, camping, or scenic drives, Rocky Mountain National Park offers something for everyone.
Both July and August are excellent months to visit Colorado.
July offers warm weather and blooming wildflowers, making it great for hiking and outdoor activities. Events like Breckenridge’s Independence Day celebrations and Telluride’s Bluegrass Festival also take place in July.
August is slightly cooler and less crowded, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a great time to visit places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver, where late-summer events and festivals are in full swing.
For those who prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall. These seasons offer mild weather and beautiful scenery, especially during the fall when the leaves change color.
Whether you choose July, August, spring, or fall, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time exploring the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Planning your summer vacation in Colorado can be overwhelming with so many amazing places to choose from. That’s where we come in. At Travel Lens, we specialize in creating personalized travel guides to help you steer your trip with ease.
Our insider knowledge ensures that you get the most authentic travel experience possible. We’ve spent years exploring Colorado, and we’re excited to share our favorite spots with you.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant city life of Denver, the outdoor trips in Rocky Mountain National Park, or the relaxing hot springs in Glenwood Springs, we’ve got you covered.
For more detailed information on destinations like Colorado Springs, check out our Travel Lens guide.
With Travel Lens, your Colorado summer vacation will be one for the books. From hidden gems to popular attractions, we make sure you don’t miss a thing. So, pack your bags, accept your sense of trip, and get ready to explore the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
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