Once again it’s summertime in Colorado! If it has been a little too hot in the city, you just may want to plan a weekend or day trip to the foothills or mountains to cool off and get some fresh air!
Generally the traffic is not as bad heading up to the mountains in the summer time as it is in the winter with skier traffic. Even if you prefer not to wander too far away with your all too short weekend, there are lots of places nearby that are entertaining and relaxing for the whole family.
Two of my favorite nearby summer destinations are Estes Park and Winter Park.
Estes Park is the gateway community to Rocky Mountain National Park, and boy is it beautiful in the summer time! When heading into Estes Park it is hard to miss Lake Estes and downtown. Summertime at Lake Estes has lots of outdoor activities. At the marina you can rent a kayak or boat to explore. Or if you would rather stick on land, bring your bike or rent one to go along the Lake Estes Trail. It is also a nice spot to sit on their small sand beach to soak in the mountain sun or for a picnic.
For those looking for dining and shopping Estes Park has the cutest little downtown which is easy to walk through. There are galleries, souvenir shops, and food and snacks aplenty.
Summertime is also the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park while you stay in Estes Park. There are numerous easy hiking trails that you can walk to see scenic lakes and streams. Trail Ridge Road is only open in the summer and is a site to see for those who haven’t driven on the highest paved highway! There is a visitors center that you can stop at and look out at the scenery, high above treeline.
Estes Park, being located near the North Central part of the state is very accessible to front range residents, particularly from Boulder or Fort Collins. If you are travelling on a busy weekend, you can avoid I-70 altogether—just another perk of Estes Park for a day or weekend destination.
Winter Park is another great destination not to miss. During the winter, it is a popular ski town to Denver residents, but in the summer time it is just as fun with activities to do on the mountain. Once the snow melts you can take a ride on their alpine slide—it’s the longest in the world. Or if you find adventure in mountain biking, the mountain’s ski trails open up for the fearless mountain biker. There are also Frisbee golf and miniature golf courses for those who prefer not to participate in gravity accelerating sports.
One advantage of weekending in a ski town during summer is that there are usually great last minute rates to book a room or condo for a Denver getaway. The drive from Denver to Winter Park has only a short distance on I-70, with a scenic drive over Berthoud pass.
These are a few popular destinations. If you’re feeling stir crazy and need to hit the open road, there are lots of great Colorado destinations within a short distance to your home in Colorado!
