Summer Activities
Planning your summer vacation in Colorado means planning what summer activities you want to do. With so many choices, doing everything in just one visit can be difficult. Often the best way to get the most out of your summer vacation is to pick a Colorado region with the summer activities you want to participate in. Nowadays, Colorado activity companies have become aware of visitors’ needs to make the most out of their vacation time, and have teamed to offer Adventure Packages. These packages streamline your ability to maximize your fun time and lesson scheduling stress. They are a really good option, especially for groups. Below is a sample of Colorado regional places with a particular focus of activities that might interest you. There are many other regional places with similar opportunities. With a little poking around, you can find areas that will combine the summer activities you seek.
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Summer Activities in the Royal Gorge Region
Planning a summer vacation in the Royal Gorge Region is an exceptional choice. Your vacation headquarters can be in Cañon City or options exist closer to the Royal Gorge. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is an attraction every American should experience. You can cross the Nations highest suspension bridge, sign up for whitewater rafting, or check out some of the other amazing park rides and features.
Take a historical, scenic train ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. This train route goes right down the Royal Gorge Canyon. Experience amazing canyon sights, see wildlife, and watch the whitewater rafts from the comfort of this train. Some cars are equipped with dome windows that enhance the visual experience. The train is known as a dinner train and offers exquisite dining packages and services.
Off-Road Tours
Exploring this region via off-road vehicles is a view and experience not to be missed. The terrain is varied and full of old mining roads. A fun group activity for all to enjoy.
Royal Gorge Trails
If hiking or mountain biking is your style, you will find an assortment of easy to more challenging, well-developed trails just around the corner.
Summer Activities in Vail
When it comes to summer fun, Vail just can’t be beat. There’s a wide range of activities both indoors and out for tykes, to arts lovers, to adrenaline-rush junkies! Set in a beautiful European-style alpine village, nestled beneath majestic craggy peaks and incredible blue skies, Vail is an ideal place for a summer getaway.
Summer on Vail Mountain
A great way to get a bird’s-eye view of Vail is catching a ride on the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Remember to bring a camera! The peaks of the Gore Range and Mount of the Holy Cross, once considered a shrine, form a spectacular panorama in the White River National Forest. Everyone can enjoy the hiking and mountain bike trails, ranging from a colorful wildflower stroll to a thrilling descent down the ski area. Adventure RidgeTM at the top of the gondola offers guided nature hikes, fun activities for young children, and competitive games, including horseshoes, disc golf, and laser tag.
Hikes and Paths
The Vail recreation path along Gore Creek offers easy strolling or bike riding in a peaceful, scenic, alpine setting. To the north, miles of trails (hikers and equestrians only) lead to lakes and waterfalls nestled below 12,000 and 13,000-foot peaks in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. To the south, hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and off-highway vehicles can explore the intricacies of the national forest on non-wilderness trails and backcountry roads.
Water at Vail
For water lovers nearby rivers present boating opportunities from a lazy float to thrilling rides through Class III to V rapids. Daring anglers can try to catch the wily trout that live in crystal clear streams and high mountain lakes. Fly fishing guides also offer great lessons in the art of casting and tips for fishing fun.
More, and Thrilling
Jeep or horseback to learn about the Vail history while enjoying the woods and majestic vistas. Horseback adventures range from easy two-hour rides to overnight camping or rounding up cattle. Try an evening Hummer tour with night-vision binoculars!
Want more excitement? Experience rock climbing with local guides that will challenge your balance and route-finding skills. Hot air balloons fly passengers above the valley where eagles soar in awesome and spectacular views.
After a hard day of adventure and play, one can relax for the evening. Stroll through the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest public botanical gardens in the world. Then unwind during an evening concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Bravo! Presents classical delights by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff under starry skies. Dancers from around the globe captivate viewers with programs ranging from classical ballet to energetic movement choreography. The Budweiser Hot Summer Nights concert series features the hottest names in rock, bluegrass, country, and funk. Music aficionados can enjoy a variety of entertainment at the Vail Farmers’ Market on Sunday afternoons. The Colorado Ski Museum – Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame document the history of skiing in Colorado and the famous 10th Mountain Division troops of World War II.
Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon Summer Activities
The Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon region is just before you get to Vail. This is an amazing region and easy to get as it’s right off of I-70 and only 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport. For those who want to enjoy Colorado’s outdoors but still have access to mountain town everyday life, this is the place. Similar to Vail this region has an ongoing list of cultural events, music, and community activities happening all the time. The Georgetown scenic train is just east of Silverthorne off of I-70 as well.
Dillon Reservoir
A main feature is Lake Dillon. With 3,233 surface acres of water and a shore length of 27 miles. It’s one of Colorado’s largest lakes and welcomes mostly non-motorized vessels (pontoon and fishing boats, ok). There are two marinas, one in Frisco and the other in Dillon. The marinas rent a variety of vessels, including SUPs; please reach out for more details. The Frisco Marina is located right next to the Frisco Adventure Park (super fun place for kids), the bike park, access to hiking trails and nearby Peak One Campground.
Hiking and Biking
This region is surrounded by hiking and mountain biking trails. Many are accessible right from town locations. Plus, several popular winter ski resorts are just minutes away and offer chairlift access mountain biking.
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Summer Activities
RMNP is one of Colorado’s most popular summer vacation destinations and for good reason. If you enjoy hiking or backpacking, RMNP has some of the best trails in Colorado, over 300 miles within 265,807 acres. The park has many campsites that facilitate RVs, car campers, or just simple tent camping. However, if you are thinking about camping at the park we recommend that you sign up way in advance as campsites fill up fast.
RMNP has various educational opportunities in addition to guided tours: kids programs, teacher programs, professional development programs, and more.