The 15 best things to do in Colorado in the summer

Summer in Colorado is pure magic. Once the snow melts in the high country, the landscape bursts back to life, with vibrant wildflowers, roaring rivers and scenic drives that invite travelers to explore from sunrise to starlight.

Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer or more of a mellow meanderer, the Centennial State shines in the summer. Hit the trails, slip onto sunny patios, take in open-air concerts, and so much more. Here’s how to make the most of this colorful season in Colorado.

1. Step back in time to the age of dinosaurs

Millions of years ago, Colorado was inhabited by large, lumbering reptiles such as stegosaurus, apatosaurus and allosaurus. Though the dinosaurs are long gone, their bones and footprints have been preserved for millions of years, making the state one of the best places to learn about these prehistoric giants.

See more than 250 dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge, or watch scientists study and prepare fossils at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. You can also explore the largest dinosaur tracksite in North America at Picket Wire Canyonlands, part of the Comanche National Grasslands, just south of La Junta.

Local tip: Want to try digging for dinosaur fossils yourself? Join one of the half-day, full-day or multi-day expeditions organized by the Museums of Western Colorado during the summer.

2. Cruise Colorado’s scenic byways

In the summer, driving over Colorado’s high-elevation mountain passes is one of the best ways to explore the state’s diverse ecosystems, which vary dramatically by altitude. Keep an eye out for marmots while cruising along Trail Ridge Road, which winds to 12,183ft above sea level inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, catch a glimpse of mountain goats while driving the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which climbs to an altitude of 14,130ft. 

Local tip: Many Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways have been equipped with dual-port DC fast charging stations at least every 100 miles, making it easier than ever to explore by electric vehicle. Known as Colorado Electric Byways, these routes are part of the state’s broader push to cut greenhouse gas emissions. 

3. Ramble through alpine blooms

When it finally melts, the winter snowpack in the Rockies gives way to lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers. To see them up close, hike to the top of 14,058-foot Handies Peak – one of the most beginner-friendly “14ers” in the state – through American Basin in southwest Colorado.

Try to time your visit for mid-July or early August, when the slopes are blanketed with Parry’s primrose, king’s crown and purple columbine – the state flower of Colorado – alongside numerous other colorful blooms. 

Detour: For even more seasonal color, head to Crested Butte, nicknamed the wildflower capital of Colorado. Go mountain biking at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, meander along wildflower-studded routes like the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail, or attend the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which includes workshops on everything from photography to pollinators.

4. Savor local flavors at award-winning restaurants

Colorado’s culinary scene is thriving, with a growing roster of Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-recognized restaurants and gifted chefs elevating the state’s dining reputation. If you’re spending a few days in the Denver area, you can easily build an itinerary around standout spots such as The Wolf's Tailor, Alma Fonda Fina and Kizaki – each offering a distinct experience, from inventive tasting menus to refined takes on contemporary Mexican and Japanese cuisine.

5. Listen to live music under the stars

Around 10 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological marvel – and a music lover’s dream. This open-air performance venue was built amid natural sandstone formations protruding from the ground; with its natural acoustics, this is one of the most iconic places to catch a concert in all of Colorado.

Beyond Red Rocks, Colorado has several other scenic outdoor spots where you can enjoy live music under the stars, from the riverside Mishawaka Amphitheatre, tucked into Poudre Canyon outside of Fort Collins, to the Gerald R Ford Amphitheater in Vail, with 360-degree views of the Rockies.

Local tip: Return to Red Rocks during the day to explore the hiking trails weaving through this 743-acre natural park. Inside the amphitheater itself, you’ll find fitness fanatics running, burpee-ing and climbing the steep rows of wooden benches, working up a sweat for their daily workout.   

6. Taste Colorado's distinctive wines

Colorado’s high elevation, plentiful sunshine and alkaline soils impart a distinctive “terroir” to wines made in the state. To sip and sample the bold cabernet francs and crisp sauvignon blancs for yourself, head to Palisade, a charming small town surrounded by vineyards on the Western Slope.

Base yourself at Spoke and Vine Motel, a lovingly restored vintage stay, then rent bikes from Palisade Cycle and pedal between wineries such as Sauvage Spectrum, Carboy Winery, Ordinary Fellow and Colterris Winery on the Fruit & Wine Byway.

Detour: Neighboring Grand Junction is worthy of a pit stop. Treat yourself to an innovative meal at Bin 707 Foodbar, from James Beard-recognized chef Josh Niernberg. Also, see the majestic monoliths and red rock canyons at Colorado National Monument, shop for local produce at the downtown Market on Main and go off-roading in the rugged high-desert terrain.

7. Scale Colorado's cliffs on a via ferrata route

Rock climbers flock to Colorado for its sheer granite walls, dramatic canyons and high-alpine routes – but you don’t have to be Alex Honnold to get off the ground here. Instead, try one of the state's via ferrata trails – protected climbing routes, inspired by the "iron roads" developed by mountaineering soldiers in Europe during World War I.

These vertiginous routes feature fixed cables, iron rungs and ladders that allow you to traverse cliffs while securely clipped in, making the experience both exhilarating and accessible for beginners. Find guided options at Arapahoe Basin, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, just to name a few.

Local tip: For even more aerial fun, check out ziplines and high ropes courses around the state, like Durango Adventures and Zipline Tours, in the southwest corner of the state, or Treehouse Adventure Park, southwest of Denver.

8. Giddy up at a dude ranch

In Colorado, traces of the Wild West still linger in the state's wide-open valleys and along its dusty trails and cattle drives. A stay at a dude ranch is an immersive way to experience a bit of that heritage, with horseback rides, hearty meals and “cowboy coffee” made over a campfire.

Options range from ultra-luxe to rustic, more traditional working ranches. At Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, which has been operating since 1912, you can go fly fishing, try trap shooting and archery, and participate in horsemanship clinics.

Local tip: If your visit falls during late August or early September, add the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo to your itinerary. Expect classic rodeo events such as bull riding and barrel racing, a livestock show and the chance to see working ranch traditions up close. 

9. Stay up late and contemplate the cosmos 

Colorado is the ideal place to stay up late and go stargazing, thanks to its low light pollution and crisp, clear air. You’ll find Certified Dark Sky Places all over Colorado – the state even has its own official stargazing trail.

Key stops include Jackson Lake State Park in the northeast, Mesa Verde National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in the southwest. So no matter where you’re exploring, you’re likely not far from inky-black skies.

Local tip: Organized by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, the Rocky Mountain Star Stare takes place every June just outside of Gardner. This family-friendly “star party” includes lectures, outdoor activities and lots of late-night dark-sky observation sessions.

10. Get inspired by art in Denver

Denver’s art scene blends innovative street art with world-class institutions. Explore the Denver Art Museum’s striking collections, then wander colorful murals and browse independent galleries in the River North Art District, known locally as RiNo. Want more? Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic, mind-bending world of Meow Wolf, and admire thousands of abstract expressionist masterpieces at the Clyfford Still Museum.

Detour: About an hour north of Denver, Loveland also has a robust public art scene, anchored around the Benson Sculpture Garden, which has more than 150 pieces by world-renowned artists on permanent display. For even more inspiration, check out the McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park, the Chapungu Sculpture Park and the downtown area.

11. Watch wild horses roam free

In Colorado, you can see bands of wild mustangs roaming the landscape – a living, breathing symbol of the American West. Catch them at the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range, a 36,113-acre swath of open country maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.

A few miles from Grand Junction, this equestrian reserve is home to more than 100 horses of all ages, colors, patterns and sizes – from palominos and blue roans to paints and appaloosas. 

Local tip: Colorado has four official herds of wild horses. Beyond the Little Book Cliffs, you can also see wild horses at Sand Wash Basin and Piceance-East Douglas in northwest Colorado, as well as Spring Creek Basin in southwest Colorado. 

12. Sink into steaming hot springs

Colorado has been practicing the art of rejuvenation for centuries, thanks to its abundant geothermal hot springs. Long before modern wellness retreats, Indigenous communities recognized the state's soothing, mineral-rich waters for their restorative properties.

You can experience the warm waters at destinations such as Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the world’s largest hot springs pool, which also offers waterslides, splash pads and tubing. Alternatively, check out the nearby Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which offers a more intimate and varied soaking experience at its 16 geothermal soaking pools. Turn off your phone, breathe deeply and let yourself truly relax.

Local tip: Stay nearby at the historic Hotel Colorado, which has been operating since 1893, and has hosted VIPs such as Teddy Roosevelt, Al Capone and Molly Brown. Modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome, this elegant property boasts intricate woodwork, grand fireplaces and glittering chandeliers – with contemporary touches throughout.

13. Ride the rails through the Rockies 

Sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving for a while on a scenic train ride through the Rocky Mountains. Wind your way to the top of Pikes Peak – aka America’s Mountain and one of Colorado’s highest peaks – on the cog railway, with panoramic views all the way to five other states from the summit.

For a full-day adventure, book a seat on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The route will take you past gorgeous vistas on a 19th-century steam locomotive that cuts through the San Juan wilderness to the historic silver mining town of Silverton on a line dating back to 1882.

Local tip: Want more train history? Make time to visit one of the state’s railroad museums and exhibits. The Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver has a scale model of Union Pacific No 4005, or “Big Boy,” the world's largest steam locomotive. In Greeley, the Colorado Model Railroad Museum has a seriously impressive 5500-sq-ft miniature railroad complete with 500 locomotives, 72 scale miles of track and more than 20,000 tiny trees.

14. Go fly fishing in a peaceful stream

Few experiences are as peaceful as casting a fly-fishing rod while standing in a gently flowing stream beneath a clear-blue sky with a soundtrack of birdsong. Colorado has nearly 325 miles of “Gold Medal” waters, a designation given by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for sections of river and lakes with abundant trout. One of the easiest-to-access stretches is Gore Creek, which runs through the heart of Vail next to a paved recreation path.

Local tip: Even experienced anglers will benefit from a local guide's insights on insect hatches, river conditions and productive runs, to help fast-track your catch. In Vail, tap Gore Creek Fly Fisherman for expert help catching rainbow and brown trout.

15. Conquer Colorado’s rivers on a whitewater rafting adventure

Rafting rivers surge downhill across the Rockies, and Colorado’s whitewater rafting season typically runs from late May through mid-July. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, you’ll find a stretch that’s right for you; the Arkansas River is a perennial favorite, with numerous trips departing from the towns of Buena Vista, Salida and Cañon City.

Local tip: Sleep under the stars in a glamping tent at Royal Gorge Cabins (or a vacation cabin if you prefer more creature comforts), then head across the road for a whitewater rafting excursion with Echo Canyon River Expeditions.