Summer in Colorado is truly special. It offers stunning landscapes, exciting adventures, and lively town scenes. I love hiking in Steamboat Springs or enjoying Vail’s cultural events. Finding the right place to stay is key for making great memories.
Colorado has many lodging choices. You can pick from fancy hotels to cozy cabins in the mountains. If you’re looking for the best summer spots, Colorado has plenty to offer and will get your right answer of where to stay in colorado during summer. Let’s find it out.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado’s summer offers unique landscapes and outdoor adventures.
- Vail and Steamboat Springs are ideal for music and adventure enthusiasts.
- Exploring mountain towns like Telluride and Ouray enhances your summer experience.
- There is a wide range of lodging options to suit all preferences.
- Each town features its own unique events and festivals during the summer.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Colorado in Summer?
Summer in Colorado is a great time to see beautiful landscapes and do fun outdoor activities. The mountains, green foothills, and wildflowers make it perfect for a summer vacation. The warm weather is great for hiking, biking, and swimming in the clear water.
Colorado’s towns have fun summer events that let me connect with the local culture. I enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals celebrating music and food. Planning a few long weekends in different towns lets me experience Colorado’s outdoor life and find great places to stay.
Finding a place to stay is easy, from fancy hotels to cozy cabins and affordable motels. Summer is less busy than winter, so booking is usually easy. But, holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July can get busy. Camping is also popular, and apps like iOverlander help me find great spots.
Activities like fly-fishing, mountain biking, and rafting make my adventures exciting and relaxing. There are many hiking trails to explore, offering something for everyone. Colorado is a summer paradise, perfect for anyone wanting to relax and explore.
Top Colorado Mountain Towns to Explore
Exploring Colorado mountain towns is a treat. Each town is full of culture and outdoor fun. Places like Breckenridge, Vail, and Telluride offer many activities for everyone.
Crested Butte is small but famous for its wildflowers. Steamboat Springs has a Hot Air Balloon Rodeo that’s magical. Ouray is tiny but has stunning mountains and hot springs.
Breckenridge is great for hiking in summer. Glenwood Springs is perfect for a weekend with its hot springs and outdoor fun.
Telluride’s Bluegrass Festival in June is a big draw. Eagle County, where Vail is, has many golf courses with amazing views. Each town has its own charm, from festivals to historic downtowns.
Summer travel in Colorado is all about adventure and beauty. These mountain towns are perfect for experiencing the Rockies’ splendor.
Vail: A Vibrant Summer Destination
Vail is a lively summer spot with lots to do and see. It has over 100 activities each summer. Visitors can enjoy outdoor fun and cultural events, making Vail special.
Outdoor Activities in Vail
Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do in Vail. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, and river rafting. For those who love excitement, there are events like the Whitewater Race series and the GoPro Mountain Games.
Vail Pass summit offers a 15-mile downhill cycling route. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a challenge. You can also have lunch with a llama or try goat yoga for a unique summer day.
Cultural Events and Festivals in Vail
Vail’s summer is filled with cultural events and festivals. The Vail Dance Festival and the Bravo! Vail Music Festival feature top artists. The summer concert series at Ford Amphitheater is also a must-see.
Culinary fans will enjoy the Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show and Vail Restaurant Week. These events mix local food with art. With direct flights to Vail Eagle County Airport and Denver International Airport, planning your trip is easy.
Steamboat Springs: The Wild West Experience
Steamboat Springs is a captivating destination that offers a taste of the Wild West during the summer months. It has stunning green mountains and vibrant wildflowers. This charming town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
My experiences here include thrilling adventures like tubing down the Yampa River and relaxing in natural hot springs. This mix of action and relaxation makes Steamboat Springs a memorable summer lodging spot.
Outdoor Adventures and Hot Springs
Camping and lodging options range from luxurious guest ranches to cozy vacation rentals. There’s something for every traveler. Local guest ranches offer unique experiences like horseback riding and cattle-driving activities, all just minutes from town.
There are over 60 trails nearby for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. This makes it an ideal spot for outdoor lovers.
The Yampa River offers thrilling tubing experiences during peak summer months. Hot springs like Old Town Hot Springs provide a rejuvenating experience. Pools are maintained around 100°F, welcoming visitors of all ages. This balance of adventure and relaxation makes Steamboat Springs a top destination for summer events.
Annual Events to Look For
Throughout the summer, several events highlight the local culture and community spirit. The Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series runs on Fridays and Saturdays from June 21 to August 24. It showcases an authentic Wild West atmosphere.
Another favorite is the Main Street Steamboat Farmers Market, held on Saturdays from early June to mid-September. It’s perfect for exploring local art, crafts, and delicious food.
With diverse activities and community events, Steamboat Springs thrives in summer. It offers excitement and relaxation for travelers. If you’re considering Steamboat Springs summer lodging, explore the many adventures this dynamic mountain town has to offer.
Telluride: A Hidden Gem
Telluride is a town in a beautiful box canyon. It has stunning mountains and a rich Victorian history. It’s just a six-hour drive from Denver, making it a great summer getaway.
As I explored, I saw the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, Bridal Veil Falls. The hike up is 1.8 miles and 1,300 feet high. It offers amazing views at the top.
The Jue Wiebe Trail is a favorite hike. It’s three miles long and shows off the area’s beauty. Telluride also hosts music festivals in the summer, adding to the fun.
The town has a charming small-town feel. It’s welcoming and perfect for relaxing.
Looking for places to stay, I found Lumiere. It’s a boutique hotel with great service. The New Sheridan Hotel, built in 1891, is also a favorite.
Lumiere has cool features like kitchenettes and steam showers. Its high touch service makes it stand out. It’s a top choice for summer stays in Colorado.
- Lumiere provides ski-in/ski-out access
- Collaborates with Black Tie Ski Delivery for gear rental
- Standard rooms priced around $395 during peak winter season
Telluride is all about adventure, culture, and relaxation. It’s perfect for finding hidden treasures. With many lodging options, it’s great for a stylish summer trip.
| Accommodation | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lumiere | Kitchenettes, steam showers, ski-in/ski-out access | Standard rooms from $395 during winter |
| New Sheridan Hotel | Historic charm, fine dining options | Varies by room type |
Ouray: The Switzerland of America
Ouray is known as “The Switzerland of America.” It has beautiful mountains and a rich history. It’s perfect for outdoor fun and relaxation, especially with its famous hot springs.
Exploring Natural Hot Springs
The Ouray Hot Springs are great after hiking or biking. They have pools at different temperatures, including one for adults only. There’s also a pool with an obstacle course and slide for families.
Entrance costs $7 to $12 for a day. Most hot springs here don’t have sulfur, making it a nice place to relax.
Historical Significance of Ouray
Ouray was once a mining town. Its buildings and stories show its mining past. You can learn about gold and silver mining at local museums.
The town is small, offering simple but cozy places to stay. There are no big hotel chains here. This makes your stay special, especially for ouray summer lodging. Book early, especially for big events like the 4th of July.
Where to Stay in Colorado During Summer
Choosing where to stay in Colorado during summer is important. You can choose from vacation rentals, hotels, and unique places. Each option has its own charm, making your stay special.
Vacation Rentals and Lodging Options
Colorado vacation rentals feel like home. You can find everything from cozy cabins to modern condos. Estes Park has cabins for nature lovers, while Aspen has luxury resorts for those who want to relax.
- Estes Park: Great for nature fans and Rocky Mountain National Park explorers.
- Aspen: Offers top-notch resorts for a pampering stay.
- Steamboat Springs: Perfect for families with outdoor fun and hot springs.
- Vail: Famous for its views and romantic spots.
Best Hotels in Popular Towns
Colorado’s hotels cater to all needs. You can find luxury resorts or cozy boutique hotels. Here are some top picks:
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Snowmass Resort | Aspen | Luxury amenities, on-site dining, and spa services |
| Steamboat Ski Resort | Steamboat Springs | Family-friendly activities, access to hot springs |
| Vail Ski Resort | Vail | Scenic hiking trails, romantic horseback riding |
| Copper Mountain Resort | Copper Mountain | Adventure activities like mountain biking, alpine coaster |
Camping and Outdoor Accommodations
For those who love nature, colorado summer camping is a great escape. The state has many campgrounds for all types of campers. You can choose from simple sites or ones with more comforts.
Camping near national parks and forests is amazing. Waking up to stunning views is unforgettable. You can hike, fish, or just enjoy the quiet of nature. Both colorado summer camping and glamping offer special experiences.
Colorado now has more places to stay outside. Here are some cool spots:
| New Lodging Properties | Glamping Experiences |
|---|---|
| Populus | Ramble at Great Sand Dunes National Park |
| Urban Cowboy | Pagosa River Domes |
| Kimpton Claret | Campfire Ranch Wash Gulch |
| Moxy Boulder | Rustic Rook Resort |
| Hotel Polaris | Seven Utes Yurt |
| Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon | Outside Design Company |
Some campgrounds have great features, like Camp Always Choose Adventures. It’s in Central City and focuses on outdoor safety. You can try rafting or hiking here. It’s a place where you can live sustainably in nature.
Exploring Other Notable Towns: Grand Lake and Crested Butte
Colorado has charming towns beyond the usual spots. Grand Lake and Crested Butte are perfect for summer fun. They offer stunning views and outdoor activities. Whether you want lake views or wildflowers, these towns are unforgettable.
Grand Lake: Access to Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural lake. It’s a key spot for Rocky Mountain National Park. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking here. The town’s beauty makes outdoor adventures special.
In summer, you can:
- Kayaking and canoeing on Grand Lake.
- Fishing for trout in clear waters.
- Hiking trails with amazing views in the national park.
Crested Butte: The Wildflower Capital of Colorado
Crested Butte is known for its wildflowers. The town is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. My visit was filled with:
- Scenic hikes through wildflower trails.
- Mountain biking on different terrains.
- Relaxing in cozy cafes and enjoying local culture.
Both towns are great summer spots with unique attractions. Here’s a comparison of Grand Lake and Crested Butte:
| Feature | Grand Lake | Crested Butte |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Activities | Boating, fishing, swimming | N/A |
| Hiking Trails | Access to Rocky Mountain National Park | Vibrant wildflower trails |
| Elevation | 8,368 feet | 8,865 feet |
| Accommodations | Various vacation rentals | Luxury hotels and lodges |
Denver: Urban Adventures in the State Capital
Denver is a lively spot for urban travel in Colorado. It has lots of things to do for everyone. With 300 sunny days a year, outdoor fun is easy to find. The city’s culture is also exciting.
I start my day at the Denver Art Museum. It has amazing art and is free for kids under 18. It’s great for families.
The 16th Street Mall is the city’s heart. It’s a long walkway with shops and places to eat. The Denver Pavilions add to the fun with 40 shops and shows.
The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is a must-see. It has art from around the world and locally. It’s a treasure trove for art lovers.
At City Park, I can relax and enjoy the views. It’s perfect for picnics and paddleboating. The Denver Performing Arts Complex offers great shows in the evening.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a special place for events. It’s just 15 miles from Denver. It’s a must-see for its views and events.
Denver has many Denver summer hotels to choose from. You can find something that fits your budget. The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa and Kimpton Hotel Born are top picks.
Denver is more than just sights. It’s a place to live and enjoy. From trying new foods to going to festivals, there’s always something to do. Denver is the perfect place for summer fun.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my time in Colorado, I see the state’s beauty shines in summer. Denver’s city buzz meets the calm of Vail and Steamboat Springs. Summer in Colorado has something for everyone.
From hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park to soaking in Ouray’s hot springs, there’s much to do. Summer vacations here are full of memories waiting to be made. You can enjoy festivals, historic sites, and tasty food.
Each place in Colorado offers a unique mix of adventure, culture, and views. You’ll find art, shops, and concerts for all interests. Planning your stay is key to enjoying Colorado’s summer fully.
With the right plans and tips, like for Dolores River Campground, you’ll get the most out of your trip. Summer in Colorado is an adventure filled with natural wonders and fun activities.
