With over 300 days of sunshine, there is no bad season to visit Colorado, but summer is nothing short of spectacular. With snow-capped peaks giving way to wildflower-strewn meadows, warm sunny days, and cool mountain nights, the state becomes a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, festival-goers, and road trippers alike. Whether you’re hiking through mountain trails, paddling on glassy lakes, sipping craft beer in a mountain town, or catching a concert at Red Rocks, Colorado offers endless ways to soak up the season. From adventure to relaxation, there’s something for every kind of traveler!
Before you head out, be sure to check out my list of the Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Colorado so you can avoid them on your trip.
1. Outdoor Activities
Summer in Colorado is a paradise for outdoor recreation, with endless ways to explore the state’s stunning natural beauty. For the adventurer, hikers in top shape will appreciate the miles of trails or taking on the challenge of a 14er (peaks over 14,000 feet), while mountain bikers have access to world-class singletrack. Climbers head to bouldering areas across the Front Range, and whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River offers adrenaline-pumping fun through deep canyons and rapids.
HOT TIP: If you have never hiked a 14er before, be sure to read my tips.
For those looking for a more relaxed pace, hikers with less experience will find endless opportunities for easy nature walks and bike rides, lakes to try stand-up paddleboarding, fly-fishing, mountain hot springs, and camping under star-filled skies. With so much to explore, you will never run out of adventures!
2. Beautiful Weather
Colorado summers bring beautiful, sunny days with comfortably cool evenings. Thanks to the state’s low humidity, it often feels cooler than the actual temperature. While parts of southern Colorado can occasionally reach over 100°F, the heat is usually manageable across most of the state.
When the heat ramps up in July and August, mountain towns are the perfect escape. There, daytime temperatures typically hover in the 70s°F, and evenings cool down enough that you might need a jacket.
Mornings usually start off sunny, but it’s common for clouds to roll in during the afternoon. Brief thunderstorms can develop quickly—especially in the mountains—so always be prepared for sudden changes in weather, particularly if you’re hiking or enjoying outdoor activities.
3. Mountain Towns
Colorado’s mountain towns are the perfect summer destination, offering stunning scenery, crisp mountain air, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re looking to hike scenic trails, browse local shops and art galleries, or simply relax on a patio with mountain views, there’s a town that fits the bill. Many offer access to outdoor recreation like biking, fishing, rafting, and zip-lining, along with family-friendly activities and festivals. From charming main streets to cozy cabins and lively local restaurants, these towns are ideal for weekend getaways or longer stays.
While every Colorado mountain town has its own charm, these are a few of my personal favorites:
Crested Butte – In late June, the hills come alive with wildflowers, making it a dream destination for hiking and mountain biking. Elk Street, the main street through town, has tons of shopping, galleries, and fun bars and restaurants.
Breckenridge – One of the larger and more accessible mountain towns, Breck is packed with family-friendly fun. Stroll along Main Street for shopping and dining, then hop on the gondola to the ski resort, where you’ll find three alpine slides to race down the mountain.
Grand Lake – This charming town is on the shores of Colorado’s largest natural lake and is the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. You will find stunning mountain views, water activities, and a historic boardwalk perfect for a relaxing summer getaway.
Buena Vista – A little more off the beaten path, Buena Vista is a hub for whitewater rafting and fly fishing on the Arkansas River. It also offers access to several nearby 14ers and the relaxing Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
No matter where you go, Colorado’s mountain towns provide a refreshing retreat from the summer heat and a chance to connect with nature.
4. Live Music
From music festivals, both big and small, to iconic outdoor music venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and free concerts, there are plenty of opportunities to hear live music around Colorado from well-known artists. If you are in Denver, check out the Summer Concert Series at the Denver Botanic Gardens (tickets for purchase) or the free concerts at City Park Jazz and Levitt Pavilion.
For more about live music in Colorado, check out my Top 5 Outdoor Music Venues in Colorado and how to Have the Best Concert Experience at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
5. Festivals
After Memorial Day, festivals pop up all across Colorado. From jazz and bluegrass to craft beer, food, and wine, there’s something happening nearly every weekend through September to match any interest.
Colorado’s mountain towns are especially vibrant during the summer festival season. Big-name events like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Aspen Food & Wine Classic,Jazz Aspen Snowmass, and Telluride Film Festival are among the most popular—but also tend to be on the pricey side and sell out quickly. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly (and with fewer crowds), two excellent options are the Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival and the Breckenridge Beer Festival.
Hot air balloon festivals are another highlight of Colorado summers. In September, the Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs offers a fun, family-friendly weekend, while the Snowmass Balloon Festival, now celebrating over 50 years, is a beloved tradition near Aspen.
6. National Parks
No matter which park you choose to visit, Colorado’s national parks promise unforgettable summer experiences. Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite summer destination, with alpine lakes, wildlife sightings, and over 350 miles of hiking trails, including the scenic Trail Ridge Road. Plan ahead, because you must have reservations to enter the park.
Head to the south to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can climb massive sand dunes by day, try your hand at “sand sledding”, and camp while stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country at night. At Mesa Verde National Park, tour cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.
And finally, get away from the crowds at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which delivers dramatic vistas and thrilling hikes along sheer cliff edges.
All of these parks require a U.S. Park Pass. Save money by purchasing an annual pass, which allows you entry into any national park for an entire year from the purchase. And if you have a child in the fourth grade, take advantage of the Every Kid Outdoors Program, which provides your family access to the parks for free!
7. Historic Sites
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Colorado’s roots, exploring Colorado’s historic sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s rich and varied past, from ancient civilizations to Wild West boomtowns. In Idaho Springs, Leadville, and Central City, stroll through 19th-century mining towns that once bustled with prospectors during the Colorado Gold Rush. In Denver, stop by the Molly Brown House Museum or take a historic walking tour. Another option, History Colorado Center, has interactive exhibits to enjoy as you learn about Colorado’s history and children are admitted for free!
8. Wildlife Viewing
One of the great joys of Colorado is the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural setting. Moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears are just a few of the animals you might be lucky enough to see, but while these sightings are awe-inspiring, be sure to take measures to prevent unwanted encounters.
If you are looking for a unique wildlife experience of a different kind, plan a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, named the #2 Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY, and a personal favorite of mine. Take part in activities like feeding the giraffes, elephants, or rhinos, or an up close animal encounter.
9. Breweries
Colorado is home to over 400 breweries, making it a haven for beer drinkers. Whether you’re sipping a hazy IPA in Fort Collins, home of brewery legends like New Belgium and Odell, or sampling sours in Denver’s RiNo District, there’s no shortage of flavor or variety. In Golden, be sure to place your stop at the Coors Brewery. Many breweries offer tours, outdoor patios, and food trucks, making them perfect stops for an afternoon hangout or a full-day adventure. Check out the Colorado Brewery List to plan your next beer tour.
10. Outdoor Patios
And finally, there’s no better way to soak up the sunshine and mountain views than with a drink or meal on an outdoor patio and Colorado is full of spots to kick back and enjoy the fresh air. In Denver, patios like Avanti and Linger offer rooftop views of the city skyline, and Lumen8 Rooftop Social in Colorado Springs provides a unique 360 degree view. The Quandary in Breckenridge provides stunning slope side views while many mountain town breweries like Outer Range Brewing Co. in Frisco have the ideal setting to relax and take it all in.
As a Colorado native, I have plenty of recommendations about where to go and what to do on your summer stay in Colorado. Leave your comment and I will be sure to respond!
