Are you looking for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer? If so, keep reading!
Though Colorado may be best known for its winter getaway spots, summer in Colorado is equally stunning.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, then this list should give you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
With dozens of mountainous areas, warm days, and cool nights, you’ll be able to skip the winter crowds whilst still catching the best of what the state has to offer.
There are so many choices for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
So, although you won’t be able to hit the slopes, there are so many beautiful spots to visit within the Centennial State during the summer months.
With so many amazing activities and unbeatable views, we can guarantee that you won’t miss the frosty air one bit. There are so many great options for best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, so let’s get started!
Read more about visiting Colorado: 20 fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer!
The best places to visit in Colorado in the summer….
Vail
First on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, it’s Vail. Though Vail is one of the world’s most popular skiing resort towns, it transforms into an outdoor paradise during the summer months.
With visitors able to mountain bike, hike and golf to their heart’s content, outdoorsy individuals will find Vail something of a panacea during the summer.
However, though these activities make summer in Vail one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, they aren’t the only appealing things on offer here.
During the summer, Vail hosts the Vail Valley Music Festival, the Vail Jazz festival, and the Vail International Dance Festival.
With so much culture on offer, you’ll have no shortage of things to do. When looking for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, this is it!
Telluride
Viewed as one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer due to its luscious landscape and great weather, Telluride is absolutely a must-visit city.
With grand Victorian buildings that line the streets filled with quaint stores, it’s a fantastic place to unwind.
Though you won’t be able to ski here during the summer, you can still head up the mountains on a gondola and check out the amazing views on offer in summer in Telluride.
If you fancy it, you can even hike to the state’s longest free-falling waterfall (Bridal Veil Falls). Don’t miss out on visiting Telluride – it’s one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer!
Though you’ll need to set aside some time for this, it’s absolutely one of the best hikes in the state.
Though Telluride is on the smaller side, it’s absolutely bursting with character and adventure and is not to be missed!
Read more about visiting Colorado: Top 10 castles in Colorado!
Denver
If you’re not familiar with Colorado, you’ve likely at least heard of Denver. Known as the state’s cultural hub, Denver is absolutely packed with things to do year-round.
Seen as one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer due to its metropolitan vibe, you’ll find that you may struggle to fit everything into one trip!
With easy access to the Rocky Mountains as well as amazing shopping streets and sports venues, you’re bound to find fun for the whole family in Denver this summer.
Another great option for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Ouray
This stunning mountain town is in the San Juan Mountains in the south of Colorado. One of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer for its jaw-dropping sights, it should absolutely be on your list.
Be sure to head to Bear Creek Falls for some breath-taking views of the area or head out with the family on the Ridgeway Area Trail System.
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Arguably one of the best towns out there for outdoor adventuring, it’s great for active families that are looking for an escape from normality.
However, if you fancy a more laid-back vacation, head into the town for some historic walking tours and shopping.
Whatever you choose to do, Ouray has something for everyone.Ouray is a great option for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Steamboat Springs
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in summer, it’s Steamboat Springs. Yet another one of Colorado’s most famous skiing destinations is Steamboat Springs.
Though this place is packed in the winter, it’s much more mellow during the summer months. If you visit during the summer, you’ll be able to catch the beautiful wildflowers blooming in Steamboat Springs.
However, it’s not just the flora present here that makes this Coloradan spot worth visiting. With fly fishing, tube rides, and rafting on the menu, there are a host of exhilarating activities to partake in.
If that doesn’t float your boat, be sure to check out the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo in July.
Boasting an extensive number of colourful balloons along with live entertainment and a bunch of great food, it’s a massive highlight that shouldn’t be missed.
Steamboat Springs is definitely one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Buena Vista
Next up on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer – it’s Buena Vista. Located east of the Collegiate Peaks, Buena Vista is a beautiful spot in Colorado that is one of the best places to visit in the summer.
Drawing visitors for its Gold Rush Days every August and offering tons of live music during the summer, it’s a vibrant place to visit for those that love culture.
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However, it’s not just music that goes on here. If you have a taste for adventure, then be sure to check out the ziplines at Arkansas Valley Adventures.
Popular amongst both kids and adults, this is an activity that should absolutely be on your list of things to do in Buena Vista. This is a great option for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Snowmass Village
Snowmass Village is next on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in summer!
Snowmass Village is located nestled in the Elk Mountains and it’s a beautiful hamlet of scenic wildflowers, mountain views and great restaurants.
It’s actually only nine miles to popular Aspen, so you could always enjoy a day or two there during your trip too, as well as all the amazing hikes and trails in and around the village too. It’s definitely a winner!
Leadville
Leadville is next on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in summer. With 310 days of sunshine during an average year, Leadville has long been popular amongst Colorado’s holidaymakers.
If you can, try and book your visit during the Leadville BBQ and Brew Festival that runs in June. Serving up great food and even better brews, it’s the perfect time to stop at Leadville.
With spectacular mountain views, great trails and some old mining structures that offer visitors a taste of the past, it’s the perfect place to visit in Colorado in the summer for curious tourists!
If you love BBQ – then you need to add this to your list of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is next on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer. Grand Lake is a fantastic place to visit in the summer in Colorado for those that adore water sports.
With fishing, sailing, boating, swimming, kayaking and more on offer here, it’s the perfect place to get stuck in. If you can, be sure to head out to Grand Lake for the Fourth of July.
With the biggest firework display in all of Colorado, it’s a spectacle not to be missed! If that isn’t enough of a draw, you’re also mere miles away from the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Filled with amazing wildlife and great flora, you’ll find plenty to love at Grand Lake in summer. Definitely a must-visit location and one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
Colorado Springs
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, it’s Colorado Springs. If you’re looking for a city break in Colorado in the summer, then Colorado Springs is a perfect choice.
You’ll find lovely outdoor restaurants, cafes and food markets in the summer, and (of course) you’re within easy reach of several great hikes and trails too from Colorado Springs! Perfect for exploring in the summertime!
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Palisade
Our next suggestion for the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer, is Palisade.
Palisade is a beautiful small town with rich agricultural history, and lots of amazing activities for outdoor types.
There’s a great energy here, and the area is known for amazing chefs and restaurants, including farm to table concepts.
Keystone
The final place on our list of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer is Keystone.
Essentially a year-round outdoor playground for families, this is the perfect spot to visit for those that love adventure.
With play parks, paddle boarding, day camps and more, there is so much in Keystone for both youngsters and kids at heart.
If that isn’t enough to sway you, then be sure to hit up one of the many festivals held in Keystone.
The Model Boat Regata and Cirque D’Wheels are just two of the festivals on offer in Keystone during the summer, so book your spot and have fun! It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer!
