Summer Guide

8 Luxe Upgrades to Your Summer Camping Kit

We tested eight pieces of gear that will take your camping experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

By Kassondra Cloos

Coloradans Vacation More Than Other Americans, According to New Report

We can't say we're surprised, but we can offer some pretty epic ideas for making the most of your time off.

By Victoria Carodine

Hike We Like: The Ouray Perimeter Trail

This incredible six-plus-mile trail has it all—waterfalls, natural pools, old miners caves—as well as extraordinary views of the town dubbed "the Switzerland of America."

By Emma Murray

Defy Gravity on One of Colorado’s Four Via Ferratas

Test your limits while dangling from the side of a cliff on one of our state’s European-style climbing adventures.

By Terri Cook

A Guide to Colorado’s Spectacular Wildflower Season

Colorado’s landscape bursts into a kaleidoscope of color every summer, when more than 3,200 species of wildflowers spring up all over the state. The high elevations hit their budding peaks this month, which means now’s the time to get outside and enjoy the abundance of hues. Here, our guide to where to go, the best ways to get there, and how to identify all those beautiful blooms once you find them.

By Daliah Singer

Take a Cultural Road Trip Through 5 Colorado Mountain Towns

The Colorado Creative Corridor invites you to experience the creativity brewing in five different mountainous communities.

By Rebecca L. Olgeirson

Denver’s Best Outdoor Swimming Pools

When the Mile High City heats up, head to one of these four outdoor pools to cool down.

By Georgia Perry

4 Things to Know Before You Segment-Hike the Colorado Trail

One man offers his sage advice on how to tackle the 486-mile Colorado Trail, piece by piece.

By J.B. Bissell

Hike We Like: Herman Gulch Trail

This out-and-back near Idaho Springs leads to an alpine lake that is perfect for cooling off in the dog days of summer—plus you’ll get a great workout with stunning views.

By Haley Gray

Get Your Adrenaline Rush at These High-Elevation Roller Coasters

Celebrate summer in the Rockies with a heart-pounding descent down one of the state's six alpine coasters (plus, a new addition we're looking forward to).

By Terri Cook

First Timer’s Guide: South Lake Tahoe, California

It's always a good time to visit this snow- and sun-kissed city in the Sierra Nevadas.

By Tyra Sutak

Denver’s Best Patio Happy Hours

Five places to imbibe outside and on the cheap in the Mile High City this summer.

By Jay Bouchard, Shane Monaghan

Colorado Bookshelf: Remind Me Again What Happened

Denver author Joanna Luloff crafts a compelling debut novel about memory told from alternating points of view with several twists.

By Julia Talen

Hike We Like: Crater Lakes

This forested trail through the James Peak Wilderness leads to a pair of sparkling, trout-filled lakes nestled beneath the Continental Divide.

By Terri Cook

The Fjällräven Classic Returns to the Colorado Rockies for a Third Year

The Swedish outdoor brand’s annual multi-day trekking event will take place June 27-29 in Summit County.

By Tyra Sutak

7 Wheelchair-Accessible Outdoor Activities in Colorado

Your guide to some of the most inclusive and accessible state parks and trails in Colorado.

By Julia Talen

Don’t Miss the Timberline Cruiser Regatta

Frisco’s wacky celebration of sailing and all things summer will take place on June 23.

By Terri Cook

Women’s Wilderness Empowers Girls to Love the Outdoors

For 20 years, the Boulder-based nonprofit has helped girls learn outdoor skills through backpacking excursions, rock climbing camps, and day hiking trips. Now, they're expanding their focus to reach even more communities.

By Victoria Carodine

Heading Outside This Summer? Great! Please Adventure Responsibly

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and the Colorado Tourism Office have released Care for Colorado, a new set of principles designed to encourage both tourists and locals to be better stewards of the outdoors.

By Daliah Singer