Places To Go In Colorado In The Summer
Colorado in summer is like that friend who shows up with a cooler and says, “Let’s go somewhere.” You don’t argue. You just grab a jacket and pray you remembered sunscreen. Th...
Colorado in summer is like that friend who shows up with a cooler and says, “Let’s go somewhere.” You don’t argue. You just grab a jacket and pray you remembered sunscreen.
The mountains are green, the wildflowers are showing off, and the trails are calling your name. So, where should you actually go? Let’s chat.
Rocky Mountain National Park
First stop: Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s crowded.
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But there’s a reason everyone wants a piece. Drive Trail Ridge Road for views that make your phone camera feel inadequate. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, where the chipmunks are bold.
Bring layers, because summer up there can feel like a fridge one minute and an oven the next. Want a quieter hike? Try Emerald Lake. Start early—like sunrise.
Garden of the Gods
Next, head to Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is free, which is my favorite price. Red rock spires jut up like nature got bored and decided to sculpt.
You can hike, bike, or just wander around looking amazed. The Siamese Twins trail gives you a perfect window view of Pikes Peak. Pro tip: go at sunset.
The rocks glow like they’re on fire, but in a nice way. Then pop over to Manitou Springs for a weird soda.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Okay, imagine a beach. Now put it at 8,000 feet, surround it with mountains, and remove the ocean. That’s Great Sand Dunes—bizarre and beautiful.
Rent a sandboard and slide down a dune. You will fall, laugh, and find sand in places you didn’t know existed. Worth it.
Go in late afternoon to avoid scorching sand. Medano Creek is usually flowing in early summer, so you can splash like a kid. Weirdest beach day ever.
25 Best Places to Visit & See in Colorado in the Summer | Geovea
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
If you like trains and old western vibes, this is your jam. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad chugs through canyon walls and aspen groves.
You can do a half-day or full-day trip. The open-air car is windy but worth it. Don’t forget a hat—unless you want to chase it down the Animas River.
Durango itself is cute, with breweries and a main street that begs for strolling. Silverton looks like a movie set, but with real people and really good fudge.
Aspen & Maroon Bells
Aspen isn’t just for winter ski bums. In summer, it’s all about Maroon Bells. Those two peaks are probably the most photographed mountains in Colorado—sorry, other mountains.
You need a reservation to drive up, so plan ahead. Or take the shuttle. Once there, hike around Maroon Lake.
The reflection will make you pretend you’re a nature photographer. Then grab lunch in Aspen. No, you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy a sandwich.
Telluride
Telluride is tucked into a box canyon, which sounds made up but isn’t. The free gondola runs in summer, and it’s basically a sky ride with jaw-dropping views.
Hike to Bridal Veil Falls. It’s the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. The switchbacks will humble you, but the mist feels amazing.
Summer Maroon Bells Colorado
In town, catch a festival or just listen to live music spilling out of bars. Telluride has a chill vibe that’s hard to fake.
Glenwood Springs
Need a soak? Glenwood Springs has the world’s largest hot springs pool. It’s basically a giant bathtub with mountain views—yes, please.
After your soak, check out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. It’s on a mountain, and the alpine coaster is a scream—literally. You will scream.
Hanging Lake is nearby, but you need a permit. It’s worth the hassle. The water is so turquoise you’ll think someone added dye.
Boulder & Estes Park
Boulder is a college town with a serious outdoor habit. Hike the Flatirons, then grab a smoothie and people-watch on Pearl Street.
It’s Boulder. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It has a giant historic hotel that looks haunted in the best way.
The Stanley Hotel, anyone? Rent a pontoon on Lake Estes or just eat ice cream while elk graze nearby. Do not pet the elk.
They are large, antlered divas.
So pack your bags. Colorado is waiting. Just bring sunscreen—and a jacket, because mountain weather is moody.
