Colorado is home to some of America’s most picturesque towns. These towns are a blend of stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, charm, and Colorado’s unique mountain culture. But while many people think of Colorado for its ski towns and ski resorts in winter, it’s just as beautiful and full of adventure for a summer vacation. Whether you’re drawn to hiking and mountain biking, exploring charming historic districts, dining al fresco, or unwinding in natural hot springs, you’ll find a little bit of it all in Colorado’s mountain towns during the summer. Discover some of the best Colorado towns for a summer vacation.
The Best Colorado Towns to Visit in Summer
Aspen
Aspen, arguably Colorado’s most famous mountain town, is ideal for those seeking a blend of luxury, adventure, and culture. It transforms into a playground for summer outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best hiking and mountain biking you’ll find in Colorado. The iconic Maroon Bells is a must-visit destination for both bikers and hikers who are after fresh air, exercise, and stunning views. Snowmass Bike Park, home to 25 miles of downhill trails, is a must for those who prefer adventure on two wheels.
For adventure that’s on the lighter side, take a ride up the Silver Queen Gondola for some of the best views in Aspen. There’s often live music at the top on summer weekends, while the Sundeck is a great spot to grab lunch and take it all in. Aspen has one of the best food and drink scenes you’ll find in a mountain town, as evidenced by OnTheSnow users rating it the top North America destination for après-ski in 2024. Whatever food and drink experience you want—from mountaintop patios to fine dining restaurants to dives to plush wine bars—you’ll find it in Aspen.
Last, but not least, it’s also home to a lively arts scene, with events like the Aspen Music Festival, which attracts young musicians to hone their classical skills, and the Aspen Ideas Festival, which hosts influential thinkers. A good rainy day activity is the Aspen Art Museum, which is free to visit.
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Telluride
Telluride, a former Victorian mining town in the picturesque San Juan Mountains, is known for its off-the-beaten-path location and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore hiking and mountain biking trails that weave through lush forests and past spectacular waterfalls. There’s no waterfall that’s more spectacular than Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet. After a day of adventures, cool off by floating down the San Miguel River.
Telluride also boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a bustling downtown and Mountain Village full of locally owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Its gondola, the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the U.S., links the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Summer brings some of the town’s best events, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which draws music lovers from all over the world, and the Telluride Film Festival.
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Crested Butte
Crested Butte, often called the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” is a charming mountain town that offers a beautiful backdrop for a summer vacation. Visitors flock to the area in late spring and early summer to hike through fields bursting with color. In July, the city hosts the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, a 10-day Festival with 150 workshops and events, including painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts, and leading wildflower hikes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty more to do outside of wildflower season, with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and a few nearby rivers and lakes that are great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting. Experience what’s long been known as “Colorado’s last great ski town.”
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Boulder
Boulder, which has long been known as a bustling college town at the base of the Flatirons, offers such a rich blend of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and a great food and drink scene. The city is a playground for outdoor lovers, with countless hiking and biking trails that take you through scenic landscapes with stunning views. Other headlining outdoor adventures include rock climbing, kayaking, and exploring the historic Chautauqua Park.
Boulder is a culinary hotspot for foodies, with Bon Appétit referring to it as “America’s Foodiest Town”. Standouts include Frasca Food and Wine, Basta, Corrida, and The Kitchen. The town’s lively downtown area also hosts the popular Boulder Farmers Market, where visitors can enjoy fresh, local produce, and artisanal goods. This all combines for one of the best summer getaways in Colorado.
Buena Vista
The Colorado Rocky Mountains are home to so many fun summer towns, like Buena Vista, which not everyone may know about. Located two and a half hours southwest of Denver, along the Arkansas River, and surrounded by towering peaks, Buena Vista has a friendly, outdoorsy vibe, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, hiking the nearby Collegiate Peaks, or exploring the area’s hot springs. The Arkansas River is also considered one of the best rivers in the state for fishing. Buena Vista is home to numerous charming local eateries, such as The Lariat, which serves up delicious regional dishes, and the Buena Vista Roastery, which is a popular spot for coffee.
Durango
Durango, in the southwestern corner of Colorado, is often near the top of lists of the best small towns in America, and you’ll see why upon arriving. Among the most unique local activities is a trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which has been in operation since 1881, taking riders into the Rocky Mountains, along the Animas River, and to the historic mining town of Silverton. Afterward, visit the Railroad Museum in the center of town to get to know more of its history. Durango offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting along the Animas. Give yourself time to explore downtown Durango on foot, especially considering that it’s a National Registered Historic District. Consider planning your trip around one of the town’s great events, like the Music in the Mountains Festival.
Ouray
Ouray, often referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” is a stunning summer vacation spot nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and charming Victorian architecture, Ouray is a one-of-a-kind Colorado town. Visitors can explore the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking the scenic trails around the area, soaking in the historic hot springs, or driving the picturesque San Juan Skyway. The nearby Box Canyon Falls and the Million Dollar Highway are must-see natural attractions. Dining in Ouray includes local favorites like the Timberline Deli and the Brickhouse 737 for a cozy, contemporary vibe.
Glenwood Springs
The Roaring Fork Valley is home to Glenwood Springs, a fantastic summer vacation destination offering a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, relaxation, and small-town charm. Surrounded by towering mountains and the stunning Colorado River, the town has a laid-back vibe and is well-known for its natural hot springs, including the famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which is the largest in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking and biking trails, take a scenic raft trip down the Colorado River, or experience the thrill of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The town also hosts summer events, including the annual Strawberry Days Festival, which celebrates local culture with music, food, and art.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, home to Steamboat Resort, boasts breathtaking mountain views, a unique Western heritage, and tons of outdoor adventures. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy adventures like hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding in the surrounding Routt National Forest or take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs. Other highlights include paddling at Steamboat Lake or Stagecoach State Park, exploring Yampa River Botanic Park, fishing the Yampa River, and hot air ballooning. For a proper taste of Steamboat Springs, check out the Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series, taking place every Friday and Saturday night in July and August.
Steamboat is home to some great dining options, ranging from casual eateries like Salt and Lime and the Back Door Grill to upscale dining at the Old Town Pub. With its mix of outdoor adventure, local events, and great food and lodging, Steamboat Springs is the perfect summer destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
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May 11, 2025
