Exploring Colorado This Summer

Before the summer ends and school rings its bells with our kids, hopefully, attending full-time, it’s important to get out and do everything you can to soak in the sun, the freedom, and the beauty that Colorado has to offer. Here are some amazing destinations and activities enjoy this summer:

Day Trips:

If you don’t mind the tourist mindset, a day trip to the mountains is a great way to see the Rocky Mountains. Here are a few day trip ideas for you to visit:

Estes Park – A short drive out of Boulder through Lyons is the famed access to Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park. A cute mountain town with great cuisine and plenty of sights to see, as well as the drive through Rocky Mountain National Park.
The I-70 Corridor – A long trek through the mountains along I-70 will give you an amazing experience of the many different mountain towns and Colorado vistas. Stop in Georgetown, Dillon, Frisco, or head all the way to Glenwood Springs (Beware – the burn scar outside Glenwood is causing some highway closures during heavy rainstorms).
South Park – Just up the mountains a short distance on Highway 285 you’ll find the town of Fairplay in a large highmountain plain. Just off the main drive you’ll find the historic town of South Park, a fun tourist destination for fans of the show.
Bishop Castle – Just southwest of Colorado Springs is a unique site to see: a handmade stone castle. The multi-structure estate is quite special – something you should definitely check out if you have the day for a drive. Take the mountain route for a more interesting day trip.
Garden of the Gods – Outside of Colorado Springs is a beautiful stone formation known as the Garden of the Gods. It’s especially beautiful first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting, when the sun’s rays cast shadows in unique ways and bright colorful light that isn’t there during the brightest parts of the day.
Pikes Peak – The only 14,000 foot peak you can drive to in Colorado is Pikes Peak. It’s an amazing view of the Rockies and the front range from that height, and you don’t have to do the work-out to get there. Just make sure your brakes are healthy for the drive down.

Camping:

Give yourself some time out in nature. A night out, or a whole week, can really do a lot for your spirit – especially with the stresses of the world at large. Here are some beautiful areas to set out camping:

Rocky Mountain National Park – if you don’t mind a short hike to a beautiful destination camping area then set your boots on the soil in Rocky Mountain National Park. You won’t regret it.
Red Feather Lakes – Just a little west of Fort Collins is an amazing little community called Red Feather Lakes which hosts an amazing campground around a few small mountain lakes.
Buena Vista/Collegiate Peaks – A few hours southwest of Denver is Buena Vista. The surrounding areas are full of amazing campgrounds and national forests (wherein you can camp nearly anywhere). The views are spectacular with the backdrop of many 14ers.
Dominguez Canyon – South of Grand Junction is a great BLM area named Dominguez Canyon. With open camping anywhere on BLM land, you can pick the perfect site for you, your friends, and family, and have a great time exploring.
Anywhere In National Forests – Open your map and search for National Forests in Colorado. Anywhere in the forest areas is nearly open camping (unless specified). Plan an adventure and set out to explore this beautiful state!

Sightseeing

Traveling to a number of other towns or cities can offer innumerable activities. Even driving through the different places can be a treat in itself. Colorado towns have their own charm that just can’t be shared accurately. Take a trip and spend some time looking around the following towns: