While Colorado’s ski towns are world-renowned for winter sports, they are equally captivating in the summer, offering a rich array of outdoor activities, cultural festivals, and natural beauty. From high-alpine mountain biking to world-class music events, these towns provide a well-rounded summer experience for adventurers and vacationers alike.
Telluride: A Scenic Haven of Culture and Adventure
Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by dramatic peaks, Telluride may be as appealing in the summer as it is during ski season. Outdoor enthusiasts can tackle the iconic via ferrata or enjoy panoramic views aboard the San Sophia gondola before descending one of the area’s many hiking trails. Water-based recreation includes rafting on the San Miguel River and fishing for rainbow trout in nearby waters.
Telluride is also a cultural hub in the summer, hosting major events such as Mountain Film, one of the premier outdoor film festivals in the country, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Telluride Blues & Brews, which pairs acclaimed music acts with top-tier craft beers.
Crested Butte: A Mecca for Biking and Wildflowers
Crested Butte is renowned for its expansive mountain biking trails and vibrant wildflower displays. Riders can choose from flowy alpine descents or technical terrain through aspen groves, with both pedal and lift-access available at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
The Red Lady and Silver Queen Express lifts offer scenic rides for hikers and sightseers. The historic downtown area features locally owned restaurants and shops. For anglers and paddlers, nearby Gunnison offers rafting on the Taylor River and fishing opportunities on the Gunnison and Slate rivers, as well as access to high alpine lakes populated with cutthroat trout, grayling, and Kokanee salmon.
Steamboat Springs: A Well-Rounded Summer Playground
Steamboat Springs delivers a full spectrum of summer activities. Trails on Emerald Mountain and Buff Pass attract both mountain bikers and hikers, while the Steamboat Bike Park offers lift-served terrain. The Yampa River provides early-season rafting and kayaking, and as water levels recede, tubing and fly fishing become popular alternatives.
Visitors can unwind at Old Town Hot Springs or the more secluded Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Dining options along Yampa and Main Streets, coupled with live music venues such as SnowBowl and Old Town Pub, contribute to Steamboat’s vibrant après-adventure scene. The town also hosts the Yampa River Festival and SBT GRVL, a nationally recognized gravel bike race.
Vail: Luxury Meets Outdoor Thrills
In the warmer months, Vail transforms into an alpine adventure park. Visitors can hike or bike from the tops of Gondola One and Eagle Bahn, or enjoy paved cycling along the Gore Valley Trail. The Vail Bike Park features trails for all levels, while ziplining, an alpine coaster, and mountaintop yoga diversify the offerings.
Water activities include rafting on the Eagle, Arkansas, or Colorado Rivers, and fly fishing on Gore Creek or the Eagle River. Cultural events abound at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, known locally as “The Amp,” which hosts the Hot Summer Nights concert series and the GoPro Mountain Games.
Winter Park: A Downhill Biker’s Paradise with Family-Friendly Perks
True to its name only part of the year, Winter Park thrives in the summer, primarily as home to Trestle Bike Park, considered one of the premier downhill mountain biking facilities in the United States. For those seeking less adrenaline, a scenic gondola ride or hikes through the resort’s trails offer a more relaxed pace.
Family-friendly attractions include an 18-hole mini-golf course featuring miniature versions of regional landmarks. Nearby Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park present additional opportunities for hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing.
