“Come for the winter and stay for the summer” they say. Although it may be cliché, the residents and visitors alike agree. Summer is appreciated on a different level here in Colorado. As the snow melts and the rivers start to roar, the high country opens up offering a wide variety of activity. Whether you appreciate the arts and electric atmosphere of the city, or nature and its limitless beauty, summer will keep you occupied.
Endless National Forest and over 40 wilderness areas are located across the state ranging from the high alpine to the desert and including 4 national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde). Within those areas 54 peaks rise above 14,000ft. This unique feature provides easy access to unbelievable landscapes filled with waterfalls, wildflowers and snow-capped peaks. Up here you can escape the heat and enjoy thousands of miles of endless hiking, biking, and backpacking. Cross off one of the fifty-four fourteeners off your list or sleep underneath a cold and crisp starlit sky while backpacking and witnessing some of the most pristine beauty within the state of Colorado.
Contrary to popular belief, there is also water in Colorado. From the crest of the Continental Divide, water drains East and West filling our Colorado rivers and lakes, providing some of the best natural environments for Cutthroat, Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout. Grab your best friend, your favorite rod, and wet a line. However, if adrenaline is your thing, you must experience the exhilarating thrill of whitewater rafting. There are over 26 well established rafting areas within the state and countless guide services to navigate you safely down the river. Once you return to town, hit the links; and there is no better way to golf than at high altitude. For one, the ball flies 10% further, but there’s also 290 plus golf courses in the state of Colorado – some of them open year-round.
Colorado comes alive in the summer, and it’s easy to be inspired when you’re surrounded by culture. There’s no shortage of creative expression and you’re destined to fall in love with numerous art galleries, museums, and local performing arts. On a nightly basis you will be entertained with live music featuring some of the best musicians in the world, not to mention the world-renown music festivals that frequent the state.
Upon completion of your multi-sport day, you will need to kick back and relax. Also known as the “State of Craft Beer,” don’t forget to celebrate your day in the mountains with a frosty pint-glass at one of the 260 breweries state-wide, or ease into some of the most unique hot springs in the country. From secluded pools inside caves, to diving boards, waterslides, lap-pools, and poolside bars – no two hot springs are the same. By now you may have forgotten about the colder months, but our winters truly make us appreciate all that summer has to offer in Colorado.