Colorado is home to world-famous ski resorts, so it’s no surprise that the state gets crowded in the winter. But here’s a little-known fact: summer is actually the best time to visit Colorado. Planning your summer getaways in Colorado means trading heavy winter coats for hiking boots, and crowded ski lifts for peaceful mountain trails.

Summer in Colorado brings babbling streams, lush green valleys, warm, sunny days, and cool nights. If you’re thinking about where to go this summer, a trip to Colorado will satisfy your craving for fresh air and breathtaking scenery. Let us break down the top towns, forests, and parks you need to see.

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Is Colorado Good to Visit in Summer?

Absolutely. In fact, many people consider this to be the best time of year here. Why?

• Pleasant weather, you get plenty of sunshine, but without that oppressive humidity you find in the South or on the East Coast. Daytime temperatures typically hover comfortably in the 70s or 80s, while evenings are cooler.

• With a wide variety of outdoor activities available, you can experience whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, and rock climbing all in a single weekend for an action-packed getaway.

• Many charming small towns each have their own unique character; some offer mountain scenery and outdoor activities, while others are steeped in Western culture.

• With its diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, forests, and canyons, and pleasant temperatures, Colorado is one of the best summer destinations in the United States.

Places to Visit in Colorado in Summer

In addition to Aspen and Colorado Springs, there are many other small towns here that offer a unique atmosphere and setting. I have put together a list of the absolute best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, mixing charming mountain towns with massive stretches of wild national forests.

Estes Park

Estes Park sits at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park; it is the best gateway to the park. The town has a classic, nostalgic vacation vibe, with a variety of restaurants and beautiful lakeside walking paths.

Things to do

If you have a sweet tooth, walk down Elkhorn Avenue and grab some fresh saltwater taffy. There are a handful of old-school taffy shops here that still pull the candy right in the front window. After that, bring a paddleboard or rent a pontoon boat and head to Lake Estes.

Where to stay

You cannot talk about Estes Park without bringing up The Stanley Hotel. Yes, this is the massive, historic hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Even if you do not believe in ghosts, the architecture and the whiskey bar inside are fantastic. If you travel with a big family, check out the YMCA of the Rockies. They offer massive cabins, an indoor pool, roller skating, and endless activities for kids.

Crested Butte

Locals call Crested Butte the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” When you visit in July, you immediately understand why. The hillsides literally explode with purple, yellow, and red flowers. This town sits at the end of a long valley. Due to its high elevation, the weather remains relatively cool even in summer, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Things to do

Mountain biking and paragliding are popular outdoor activities in Crested Butte, especially biking at the area’s famous Evolution Bike Park. You will walk through dense aspen groves and open meadows filled with waist-high wildflowers. Later, walk down Elk Avenue, and the town paints its historic wooden buildings in bright, vibrant colors.

Where to stay

If you want to stay right on the mountain with luxury amenities, book a room at the Elevation Hotel & Spa. You can walk right out the back door and onto the hiking trails. For a more intimate, bed-and-breakfast vibe down in the historic town, look into the Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast. They serve incredible morning meals and offer a daily beer tasting.

Gunnison

Gunnison is also nestled in the Rocky Mountains; it is a wide valley surrounded by sagebrush and jagged peaks. From this small town, it’s easy to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, though the town itself is a quiet and pleasant destination with interesting museums and shops.

Things to do

If fishing is your favorite pastime, you absolutely must visit Blue Mesa Reservoir. With a little luck, you might even catch a cutthroat trout there. Combined with the surrounding rocky terrain, it feels like an oasis in the desert. If you like history, spend a couple of hours at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum. They have a massive collection of antique cars, old trains, and buildings from the 1800s that you can walk through.

Where to stay

For an incredibly fun, budget-friendly option, look at The Wanderlust Hostel. It is clean, cozy, and you will meet travelers from all over the world. If you want a traditional hotel room with a great outdoor patio and a fire pit, The Inn at Tomichi Village is a fantastic choice located just outside of town.

Salida

Salida sits right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, but it feels completely different from a typical ski town. The Arkansas River flows directly through the historic downtown. Because of this, the whole town revolves around water sports and river culture. The galleries and small shops in the town are also quite unique, so be sure to check them out if you have time.

Things to do

By the river, you can splash around, go surfing, or try whitewater rafting, fully immersing yourself in the summer atmosphere and enjoying the season. Even if you’re not a fan of water, you can hike the “S” Mountain trails. The trailhead starts at the bridge across from downtown, and from the summit, you can take in the view of the mountains across the way.

Where to stay

The Amigo Motor Lodge transformed an old 1950s roadside motel into a gorgeous, boutique accommodation. They have teepees, Airstreams, and minimalist rooms that look fantastic. If you want to stay right in the center of the historic downtown district, book a suite at The Palace Hotel.

Buena Vista

It’s another riverside town, nestled at the foot of the Collegiate Peaks, a massive mountain range rising over 14,000 feet above sea level. The town has a laid-back atmosphere, making it especially ideal for a leisurely getaway.

Things to do

You have to go whitewater rafting through Browns Canyon National Monument. The rapids here offer the perfect mix of thrilling drops and calm floating sections where you can just look up at the canyon walls. After a long day on the river, drive up the road to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. You can soak in pristine, natural hot water pools. They even have natural hot spring vents right in the creek, so you can sit in the river and build a little rock wall to trap the hot water around you.

Where to stay

Located along the Arkansas River, the Surf Hotel offers you a unique view and experience. The building features a European-inspired design, and the hotel is situated close to the town center.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is often overshadowed by Colorado Springs, but it has a character all its own. It boasts a whimsical, artistic, and slightly bohemian vibe. With its many natural hot springs and as a key gateway to the famous Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.

Things to do

Go on a mineral spring tasting tour. The town features eight distinct mineral spring fountains scattered along the main streets. Each one tastes completely different due to the natural carbonation and mineral content in the earth. Bring your own cup and try them all. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Manitou Incline. It’s a series of old railroad ties that run straight up the hillside, and you’ll climb over 2,000 feet in elevation in less than a mile. It’s a tough hike, but reaching the top is well worth it.

Where to stay

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak offers pure Victorian luxury. It has been operating since the 1800s and features incredible dining. If you want a more modern, wellness-focused trip, look for lodging near the SunWater Spa, where you can soak in cedar mineral tubs overlooking the town.

Rocky Mountain National Park

You cannot talk about summer getaways without dedicating a whole section to Rocky Mountain National Park. Spanning over 265,000 acres, this park contains some of the highest and most dramatic alpine environments in the country.

Summer is also the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, when hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the scenery are all great outdoor activities. Summer is also the season when wildflowers are in full bloom, offering visitors a chance to take in the stunning scenery.

Things to do

First, you need to drive Trail Ridge Road. It is the highest continuous paved road in North America, peaking at over 12,000 feet. You drive completely above the treeline, entering a world of alpine tundra where the air is thin and the views stretch for a hundred miles. Keep an eye out for marmots and bighorn sheep. Next, hike the Bear Lake corridor. You can do a relatively easy loop that hits Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake all in one morning.

Please note that you must book a timed entry slot online before visiting during the summer.

Where to stay

If you want to sleep inside the park, you have to camp. Moraine Park Campground is fantastic, offering great views of the starry sky and bugling elk, but you need to book it months in advance. Otherwise, stay in the neighboring towns of Grand Lake or Estes Park.

San Juan National Forest

The San Juan National Forest is a vast and pristine natural area covering nearly two million acres; its mountains are more rugged, steeper, and more spectacular than those to the north.

This area boasts rolling mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and abundant wildlife. Compared to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s relatively less crowded. It’s perfect for travelers who want to get away from the crowds and immerse themselves in Colorado’s natural scenery.

Things to do

You must ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. You board a historic, coal-fired steam train in Durango and ride the rails up a sheer cliffside canyon all the way to the old mining town of Silverton. If you have a reliable car and do not mind heights, drive the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray. The road has no guardrails and features massive drop-offs, but it provides the most breathtaking roadside views in the state. Hike the Ice Lakes Trail if you want to see an alpine lake so brilliantly blue it looks fake.

Where to stay

The Strater Hotel sits right on Main Street; walking through its doors feels like stepping into a saloon from the Wild West. If you prefer sleeping under the stars, drive up Junction Creek Road and find a quiet, dispersed camping spot in the pines.

Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest is one of Colorado’s underrated gems. Because it’s far from the city, it’s much quieter, and you’ll be treated to views of pine forests, streams, and mountains. The area is also dotted with hot springs and quaint little towns.

Things to do

This is another excellent spot for fishing, especially the upper Rio Grande River, where you can have a long stretch of the river all to yourself. If you want to try some cool things to do in Colorado this summer, consider planning a trip to the Wheeler Geologic Area.

You will need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle or be prepared for a very long hike, but you will be rewarded with bizarre, volcanic ash rock formations that look like giant sandcastles hidden in the woods. While you are in the area, you can easily take a quick drive over to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which borders the forest

Where to stay

Look into the town of Del Norte, the Windsor Hotel recently underwent a massive restoration. It is a stunning, historic building with one of the best dining rooms in the valley. If you are hauling a trailer, check out the South Fork area, which has numerous RV parks sitting right on the river banks.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Covering the western slopes of the San Juan Mountains, the Uncompahgre National Forest contains dense woods, deep canyons, and towering peaks. It is a dramatic landscape that surrounds famous towns like Telluride and Ouray. This is the perfect place to combine outdoor adventures with a small-town getaway for a truly memorable Colorado summer vacation.

Things to do

Drive into Telluride and walk to the end of the box canyon to see Bridal Veil Falls. It is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado; the water crashes down 365 feet over the edge of the cliff. If you brought your hiking boots, tackle the Blue Lakes Trail. You will hike up into the Mount Sneffels Wilderness to find three distinct turquoise lakes sitting in a high alpine basin. The sheer walls of the mountains rising straight up from the water will leave you speechless.

Where to stay

It’s best to stay in Ouray; the Beaumont Hotel offers upscale lodging with an incredible history dating back to the mining boom. If you want a cheaper, more rugged option, pitch a tent at the Amphitheater Campground. It sits on a ledge directly above Ouray, giving you a perfect view of the entire town below.

FAQ

What’s the prettiest place in Colorado?

The Maroon Bells near Aspen usually take the top spot. They are two giant, bell-shaped, maroon-colored mountains reflecting perfectly in a calm alpine lake. However, if you prefer rugged, dramatic cliffs, the San Juan Mountains in the southwest corner of the state rival anything you will see in the Swiss Alps. Both spots offer mind-blowing scenery.

What’s the average cost of a Colorado summer vacation?

A typical one-week summer vacation will cost a couple around $2,500 to $3,500. Mid-range hotels in mountain towns generally run between $150 and $300 a night during peak summer months. You also need to factor in a rental car, gas, and food. You can easily lower this cost by camping in the national forests for $20 a night and buying groceries instead of eating at expensive resort restaurants.

What town in Colorado is called the Switzerland of America?

That is Ouray, when you drive into this tiny town, you immediately see why. It sits at the bottom of a deep, narrow gorge. Massive, steep cliffs rise straight up on all four sides, boxing the town in completely. It looks exactly like a tiny alpine village in the Swiss Alps.