Best of Colorado in the Summertime

When the fall is upon us, cold weather lovers dream of that first snowfall.  Many travelers count the days until ski season is in full swing, ready to hit the slopes for some fun.  There are a number of amazing locations all over the world where skiing is a huge revenue producer for the state or country.  However once spring hits, the slopes do not completely shut down, the action just moves toward warm weather adventure.  If Colorado is a favorite winter time destination, don't miss out on the excitement that happens when the sun is hot and the snow a distant memory.  Here are a few reasons that a summer excursion to Colorado is a great idea. 

Red Rocks Amphitheater

There is no doubt that the landscape in Colorado is impressive.  Home to a large portion of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado boasts red sandstone, gorgeous canyons, crystal clear lakes and peaks that reach toward the heavens.  Colorado also has a strong connection to music, and by combining the two you get something simply spectacular.  The Red Rocks Amphitheater is the perfect place to experience this.  Located just a short distance from Denver, this venue is smashed between two 300 foot sandstone monoliths and has great natural acoustics.  It's beauty is undeniable, so if you love concerts as well as nature, there isn't anyplace better.  Another amazing locale for top artists is The Mishawaka Amphitheater near Fort Collins.  This charming setting on Poudre Canyon in Bellvue has summertime concerts that offer fans less of a crowd but great sound.  And finally if you adore Bluegrass, head to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.  For forty years this world famous festival has welcomed music lovers to the lovely San Juan Mountains.  Music filled nights with starry skies and breathtaking scenery, not a bad way to spend your time in Colorado.

Mountain Biking in Aspen

Once the snow melts the trails and roadways are clear for bikers and hikers to explore the beauty that is Colorado's landscape.  If mountain biking is something you love to do or long to do, check out the off-road possibilities here.  In Crested Butte, not too far from iconic Aspen, there are 500 miles of trails to explore.  While you're there you can even visit the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame.  If you are an extreme adventurer, hit the 500 mile Colorado Trail that winds from Durango all the way to Denver.  Become one with nature either on foot or on bike and get your heart pumping this summer.   

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Sometimes considered a lost love, train travel is still alive in Colorado.  The tracks here are a combination of history and picturesque scenery.  There are 10 different trains that charge through wild rapids and sharp turns.  Jump on one of these antique trains and explore the Rockies from the comfort of a quaint train car.  No other way can you experience the canyons, rivers and old mining towns in such a unique way.  The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad even offers it's guests an option of an open-air car, called a gondola, so that sightseers can get a feel of the land and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Mesa Verde National Park

National parks are always a family favorite once school is done and the summer sun is out.  Colorado is lucky to have four national parks that all offer visitors a completely different feel.  Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to hike or hang lakeside while Great Sand Dunes National Park is full of some stunning rolling dunes.  Check out the cliff dwellings of the Pueblo Indians at Mesa Verde National Park or enjoy the frightening depths of the canyons at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  Each park gives guests a chance to experience Colorado and it's truly spectacular landscape.

As if the above excursions weren't enough of a reason to head to Colorado this summer, there are still other fabulous things to do and see while on vacation.  The people of this gorgeous state love the great outdoors, so it is no surprise that there are countless festivals and fairs once the sun thaws the ground.  Beer festivals, white water festivals and concerts are held all summer long and you can even check out the local cowboys at any of the stampedes and rodeos that are held around the state.  Colorado welcomes the adventurous looking for an unforgettable time and tells the lazy to just stay home.  Let WhatAHotel! help you find a spectacular hotel in a central location to ensure that you are able to fill your days and nights with a number of awe-inspiring activities.