The Getaway
Take a Summer Vacation in Colorado

Colorado is a state blessed with a lot of natural beauty. For many, summer is the perfect time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to spend some time in the great outdoors. Colorado is a fantastically varied place of natural and created beauties, where many a person can find many a thing to do and many a place to see.

Advertisement

01 Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park during a red sunrise. Matt Dirksen / Getty Images

Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for a summer vacation, with amenities for all types of travelers. With over 150 lakes, 350 miles of trails, and 3,000 acres of meadows, the park is a naturalist's paradise. There are also plenty of high-altitude peaks to climb, and the park is home to the Continental Divide, which is a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Advertisement

02 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Sunset at Painted Wall Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Colorado USA

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great place to visit for those looking for an adventure. Located in western Colorado, this place is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore and the opportunity to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, raptors, and deer.

Advertisement

03 Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Buffalo in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, near Denver, Colorado, USA. Colophotos / Getty Images

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a small but scenic oasis in the plains of northeastern Colorado. This urban refuge is a great place to spend a summer vacation because it has a lot to offer. Visitors can explore the wetlands, take a boat tour of the lakes, and even go on a guided tour through the property. With over 15,000 acres and it being only 8 miles from downtown Denver, there’s much reason to visit this haven.

Advertisement

04 Mesa Verde National Park

The amazing Anasazi cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde. Joel W. Rogers / Getty Images

Mesa Verde National Park offers exceptional opportunities for the discovery of the dazzling natural beauty of the southwest. This park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to more than 4,500 archaeological sites. Mesa Verde is a great place to explore, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as taking in the magnificent views.

Advertisement

05 Royal Gorge Bridge

That thin line is the support of many a heavy vehicle over the Royal Gorge. narawon / Getty Images

Royal Gorge Bridge is a great place to visit if you're looking for a thrill. This bridge is the world's highest of the suspension type, standing at 956-feet-high and spanning 1,200 feet of skies over the Arkansas River; it provides spectacular views of the cascading canyon below.

Advertisement

06 Breckenridge Ski Resort

If you're looking for a winter experience, Breckenridge Ski Resort is well worth your consideration. The resort is open year-round and is one of the most popular ski destinations in the country, but that is not all - in the summer, the snowless hills throw forth beautiful flowers and lovely grasses, perfect for exploring on foot or by mountain bike. Visitors can explore this sprawling resort's 10 peaks in any weather.

Advertisement

07 Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge exudes an opportunity for learning about the history of Colorado. This refuge was once a nuclear weapons plant, and there are plenty of tours and educational programs to explore. Visitors can also walk through the wildlife refuge, which is home to a variety of wildlife and is a great place for bird-watching enthusiasts.

Advertisement

08 Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods. It's rather self-explanatory. Richard Bittles / Getty Images

Garden of the Gods is away from it all, and yet its aspects can encourage strong feelings of natural connection. This park has fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains and was nominated as one of the Eight Wonders of the World. The park has several trails for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and opportunities for picnicking and enjoying the scenery.

Advertisement

09 Denver

Downtown Denver, Colorado. John Coletti / Getty Images

Denver is an attractive, well-developed city for people who are looking for a more urban experience. Visitors can explore the city on foot, by bike, or by taking a tour. Denver has plenty of museums and landmarks and is home to some of the best restaurants in the country.

Advertisement

10 Aspen

The main street in Telluride village, Aspen. Blaine Harrington III / Getty Images

Aspen is a great place for those who are looking for an upscale ski destination with plenty of amenities and activities. The city is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, and it's a popular place for winter and summer vacations. Visitors can explore the city on foot, bike, or by taking a tour, and can enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains from almost anywhere. Here, too, there be many a hot tub and spa.

Share

Scroll Down

for the Next Article

The Getaway Badge
Sign up to receive insider info and deals that will help you travel smarter.
Advertisement
Advertisement