Best places to visit in Colorado in the summer

Although more famously regarded as one of the world's top winter destinations, Colorado also has just as much to offer during the summer. Filled with endless opportunities for warm-weathered exploring, visitors will find that Colorado is home to some of the world's best mountain biking and hiking trails, a wide range of blue ribbon rivers for fishing and resorts that come alive in the summer with family activities like alpine slides, zip lines, festivals and much more. Find the best place to vacation in Colorado in the summer below.

Aspen Snowmass

• Nestled in the stunning Elk Mountain Range, Aspen is home to several 14,000-foot peaks, including the spectacular Maroon Bells, North America's most photographed peaks.
• Snowcovered trails are transformed to wildflower-lined hiking and biking trials during the summer.
• In early summer, the Roaring Fork River is a playground for whitewater rafters and kayakers.
• The lift-accessed Snowmass Bike Park will thrill downhill biking lovers of all levels.
• A stacked summer events calendar include the famous Food & Wine Classic, Jazz Aspen Labor Day Experience, Rendezvous Craft Beer Festival, Audi Power of Four races and much more.
• Independence Pass is a world-renowned mecca for rock climbing.
• Al fresco mountain dining is on a whole new level in Aspen's many fine-dining restaurants.

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Breckenridge

• Hike to soaring heights in Breckenridge. The Continential Divide affords stunning snow-capped views and hillsides dotted with the most beautiful high-alpine wildflowers.
• Beginner hikers have plenty of options, too, with miles of gentle paved paths that wind along streams and rivers. Off-mountain hikers will enjoy strolling through Breck's picturesque downtown streets.
• Fly down 2,500 feet of elevated track on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, which can hit speeds of 45 MPH.
• Mountain bikers can test their skills on Breck's 50-mile trail network, much of which is lift-accessed for downhill enthusiasts. 

Crested Butte

• Famous for its Wildflower Festival in early- to mid-July, Crested Butte's mountainsides are awash in color during the summer.
• Mountain biking was born in Crested Butte, so you can bet there's no shortage of epic trails to explore, both cross-country and lift-accessed at Evolution Bike Park.
• Perusing the charming Elk Avenue, downtown Crested Butte's historic Main Street, is an idyllic experience made even more wonderful by warm summer days.
• There are a variety of camping spots just a short drive from downtown Crested Butte, making it easy to experience everything this incredibly delightful mining-era town has to offer.

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Steamboat Springs

• Known for being "down-to-earth" and very authentic, Steamboat Springs is welcoming to both hiking and cowboy boots alike.
• Enjoy a craft beer made by one of the many local breweries.
• Located close to the Yampa River, Steamboat is perfect for SUPing, rafting, kayaking and fly fishing trout.
• Routt County offers great rock climbing perfect for beginners and intermediates alike.
• Enjoy a piece of the unique cowboy culture with a horsebacking excursion through Steamboat's idyllic countryside.

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Telluride

• Known as "Bike Town, USA," cross-country and downhill riders have more than 50 miles of gondola-serviced downhill and freeride trails.
• Tucked against the San Juan Mountain Range, Telluride is home to one of the most stunning valleys in all of Colorado.
• Famous for its lively events and festivals, including the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Wine Festival, Yoga Festival and Telluride Film Festival.
• For adventurous hikers, Telluride is also within striking distance to several 14,000-plus-foot peaks, also known as "14ers."

Vail

• Renowned for its Bavarian-style architecture and cobblestone streets.
• In the summer, Adventure Ridge, which is accessed via the Eagle Bahn Gondola, offers a ropes course, disc golf and much more for the young (and young at heart).
• Downhil and cross-country mountain bikers have a host of trails to explore at Vail, including the famous Two Elks trail.
• Home to some of Colorado's best luxurious spas, fine dining and shopping.
• The Vail Valley has three rivers to choose from for whitewater rafting and fishing: The Colorado, Eagle or Arkansas Rivers.
• Don't miss the Saturday Farmers Market in Vail Village for local produce, crafts, arts and street-style eats.

Winter Park

• Home to the longest alpine slide in the state of Colorado.
• Offers other unique activities such as s'mores by the fire, summer tubing, bungee trampoline, disc golf, a climbing wall, mini golf and the GyroExtreme space trainer, to name a few.
• Two-wheeled adventurers have more than 600 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails to explore.
• The resort's Trestle Bike Park is world-renowned among downhill mountain bikers.

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