Although Colorado is famous for its snow-capped mountains and winter sports, there is even more to do when the weather heats up. Whether you prefer something physically active, such as mountain biking or whitewater rafting, or if you’d prefer relaxing, in a hot spring or taking a peaceful ride on a historic railroad, Colorado has you covered.

Summer is prime hiking season on the state’s millions of acres of wilderness, and it’s when the music season heats up at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – one of the most gorgeous music venues on the planet.  Summer is the perfect time to take in the state’s four national parks, which include amazing features like the mirror lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the towering dunes in Great Sand Dune National Park, the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, and the dramatic scenery at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  Colorado family vacations are nothing else!

Unlike other summer vacation destinations, you won’t have to deal with sweltering heat in Colorado. Throughout most of the state, the temperatures are generally mild, with low humidity and pleasantly warm days that cool off at night.

Colorado boasts some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain ranges that lure in nature-seekers and photographers who are eager to view the remarkable scenery and wildlife. Hikers and adventurers find these peaks equally alluring, as there are over 15 separate mountain ranges that are filled with places to explore or to get your adrenaline pumping through climbing, rafting, or even zip lining. In fact, one of Colorado’s claims to fame is that it has over 50 “fourteeners,” or peaks that are more than 14,000 feet above sea level – more than any other state in the US.

Each of Colorado’s mountain ranges has distinctive characteristics and points of interest – from the jagged peaks and crystal clear lakes in the San Juan Mountains at the southern end of the state to the mesmerizing red rocks and sudden rises of the Front Range in the north. The Rocky Mountain National Park itself has over 300 miles of trails and is open 365 days a year for outdoor activities or catching a glimpse of mule deer, elk, or other wildlife.

With such an expanse of ranges and things to see and do, it’s no wonder that so many mountain lovers put Colorado on their list of must-visit locations. A really great colorado vacations for couples idea!

Colorado is home to hundreds of rivers and streams that are ideal for rafting, tubing, and fishing. You can have endless adventures on these waters, and there are so many great rivers to explore that choosing one is often the hardest part of the trip.

For those who want to raft, kayak, or tube, Colorado has river trips for all skill levels – from the beginner looking for a scenic float through the mountains to the adrenaline junkie wanting Class V whitewater. In addition, there are trips that last less than an hour as well as those that take several days and hiking to complete. For instance, the casual rafter or tuber may find it most convenient to float down one of the many mountain town river parks, whereas those looking for the most wild and scenic adventure might choose something like rafting Gunnison Gorge, which involves a multi-day journey through the canyon.

In terms of fishing, you can set out to catch Colorado’s famed rainbow trout or one of the other 35 species of fish swimming in the area’s over 6,000 miles of streams and 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. Whether you’re fishing or enjoying water sports, a guide or outfitter can help you decide on the best location and gear. Colorado summer vacations are incredible!

Picking Colorado as your vacation destination is a no-brainer. The hard part is planning what you want to do and see in a state that has so many natural wonders and attractions that range from 14,000-foot-high mountains, desert landscapes, and crisp rivers.

One of the most popular Colorado vacation ideas is taking a hike or drive to the summit of Pikes Peak, which is one of the most accessible 14ers in the state. Other favorite ideas are visiting the picturesque city of Aspen, exploring the trails and museums of the former mining town of Leadville, or hunting prehistoric tracks at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison. You can never go wrong visiting one or more of the state’s national parks, as they are each special for different reasons and have sights and activities that appeal to history buffs, nature-lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. If you appreciate art and culture, you may want to include a stop in the Santa Fe and River North Arts District or the Denver Art Museum, which has an architecture that makes it as interesting outside as it is inside.

The ideas of what to do are virtually endless, and you could vacation in Colorado every year and still not see all that it has to offer. We offer many Colorado vacation ideas, ready and customized for you.