13 of the Best Colorado Mountain Towns in Summer

Are the mountains calling your name? As the sunshine gets warmer and wildflowers bloom, there’s no better time for visiting the best mountain towns in Colorado. Most people have heard of Aspen and Vail, but what about Glenwood Springs and Ouray?

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, these charming towns offer a perfect retreat for nature-loving families. Each town has its own distinct personality, history, and natural landscapes. One of my favorite parts of living in Colorado is how much the views change from region to region.

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Get in your Subaru (if you know, you know), pack your hiking poles, and grab your water bottles because these are the top 13 mountain towns in Colorado.

Best Colorado Mountain Towns in Summer

Our family moved to Colorado in 2019 and we’ve loved every adventure and road trip since then. This list of 13 destinations is some of the best places to visit in Colorado in summer. Not only do these towns have breathtaking beauty but also offer unique experiences. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural quirks, or simply wish to stare in awe at the Rocky Mountains, you will have an unforgettable summer getaway.

Aspen

Aspen is one of the most famous Colorado skiing towns. It’s also known for its luxurious resorts and vibrant arts scene. There is plenty to do in Aspen in the summer, including outdoor activities and shopping.

Hike to the Maroon Bells, go paragliding, or get some solitude in the perennial gardens at the John Denver Sanctuary. Aspen is also home to several summer festivals and family concerts.

Breckenridge

A historic mining town turned ski resort, Breckenridge captivates visitors with its Victorian architecture, outdoor adventures, and outdoor music and theater festivals.

Breckenridge is near the Arkansas River. Choose a whitewater rafting trip to meet your skill level, group size, and time constraints. There are truly options for everyone.

Breckenridge has some of the most gorgeous wildflower displays and clear alpine lakes. Enjoy these views by hiking or riding a bike on the many trails. If you’re into the spooky side of history, sign up for a walking ghost tour.

Telluride

Like many of the best Colorado mountain towns in summer, Telluride is an old mining town that has transformed into a ski haven. Nestled in a box canyon, Telluride’s unmatched beauty, charming main street, and outdoor festivals make it a true summertime gem.

Although hiking is always a top activity for Colorado summer trips, don’t skip the moderate hike to Bridal Veil Falls. This is the highest free-falling waterfall in Colorado. The San Juan Mountain views are breathtaking!

Telluride also boasts live music concerts and festivals throughout the summer. If you’re there in August, check out the Mushroom festival. You wanted unique things to do in Colorado? This is it.

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Steamboat Springs

Known for its therapeutic hot springs, Steamboat Springs offers gorgeous hikes, tubing down the Yampa River, and pro rodeos. Steamboat feels like a slower pace to me. Go out and enjoy rafting, hiking, biking and then enjoy the serenity of the springs.

It’s a perfect place to find activities everyone in your family enjoys.

Crested Butte

As the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte attracts more than bees and butterflies! Thousands of people enjoy the beautiful blooms every year.

With over 700 miles of trails for every skill level, rent or bring your own bikes to take a mad dash down the mountains. If mountain biking isn’t your thing, try a chairlift ride to the top. Don’t forget your camera for that majestic scenery!

Crested Butte has a plethora of hiking trails and you can actually hike to one of the other best Colorado mountain towns – Aspen. There are steep sections along this trail so do your research before heading out.

Durango

Perhaps best known for its historical Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango delights history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This mountain town is nestled in the San Juan Mountains and sits beside the Animas River.

Because of its location, Durango is perfect for outdoor activities of all kinds including tubing, fishing, and hiking. It’s also home to a hatchery. Kids love feeding fish from outdoor dispensers.

The Mesa Verde National Park is just 35 minutes from Durango. I’m always mesmerized by the ingenuity and resilience of ancestral Pueblo peoples. Mesa Verde is also listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Estes Park

Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park boasts awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a charming downtown. In the summer, it becomes a nature lover’s paradise.

There is plenty of hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Watch for elk, deer, butterflies, and other wildlife.

If you have a car, take Trail Ridge Road for absolutely mind-blowing views. Grand Lake, Colorado is also a driveable distance away and not to be missed. See all the tips below for enjoying Colorado in the summer because weather conditions can change rapidly here.

Estes Park’s charming downtown offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and several dining options. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Whether it’s fishing in the Big Thompson River, having a picnic by the clear lakes, or simply enjoying the serenity of the outdoors, Estes Park does not disappoint.

Manitou Springs

Famous for its natural mineral springs and quirky atmosphere, Manitou Springs offers hiking trails, art galleries, and unique shops. It’s a direct contradiction to the nearby Colorado Springs with box stores and military life. One of my family’s favorite features is the Cog Railway which takes you to the top of Pikes Peak. Talk about views!

Manitou Springs definitely has its own unique culture with a rich history. There are cave dwellings, mining history, and a long tradition of visiting the natural hot springs.

It is also the entry point for Garden of the Gods, beautiful red rock formations that offer endless hiking and climbing opportunities.

Although Manitou Springs is a small town, it has become a top tourist destination. In the 19060s, it became a hippie haven and remains popular today.

Glenwood Springs

Known for the Glenwood hot springs, this small Colorado mountain town also features Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and picturesque scenery. Adventure Park is the “only mountain-top theme park” in America. It’s a favorite with the locals, too, so it doesn’t feel as touristy as some of the other Colorado mountain towns on this list.

If you’re just passing through, stop at the No Name rest area if it is open. It’s a beautiful stop with benches and a short trail close to the Colorado River.

Note: I-70 is the best route from Eastern Colorado to Utah. Due to recent wildfires, there are frequent mudslides and rock falls that close the interstate through Glenwood Canyon. ALWAYS check for road and weather conditions.

Ouray

Nestled amidst towering peaks, Ouray’s dramatic scenery, box canyon waterfalls, hot springs, and relaxed vibe create an idyllic mountain escape. In fact, Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America.

Downtown Ouray offers quaint little shops and local dining options. There’s a slow pace here so take your time to meander and be sure to enjoy the natural hot springs.

Jeep tours are a favorite summertime activity in Ouray. Pick your adventure and adrenaline level.

One of the most popular trails is to Box Canyon Falls. It offers up close views of the falls and is within easy walking distance of town. There are several trails of varying difficulty all around Ouray so feel free to explore.

If you’re up for a drive, take the Million Dollar Highway out of Ouray on your way to Silverton. This road takes you up through the San Juan Mountains with stunning views and belly-flipping curves. (I’m a Nebraska prairie girl and am known to clench and curse on these mountain roads.) If you’re visiting in fall, this road is one of the best places to see Colorado colors.

Silverton

A historic mining town, Silverton captivates with its rugged beauty, old-world charm, and access to the San Juan Mountains. In the winter, it is a prime skiing spot. In the summer, it is an outdoor paradise.

Rafting, horseback riding, single-track mountain biking, and 4×4-ing are all easily accessible here.

Frisco

Situated on the shores of Dillon Reservoir, Frisco is an outdoor lover’s paradise with water sports, hiking, and stunning views. Take your kayak or paddleboard for a day on the water or check out the skate park for a different kind of fun.

If you’re traveling along I-70 and need a place to get out for a picnic and short hike, I always recommend the Lily Pad Lake trail. It’s just outside of Frisco. There is a nice picnic area and the trail is gorgeous! Fresh mountain air, lakes, wildflowers, and panoramic views for miles.

Buena Vista

Situated in central Colorado, Buena Vista is nestled in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. It’s surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, making it a popular destination in summer. It is also near several 14,000-foot peaks such as Mt. Elbert.

Easy access to the Arkansas River means there are plenty of opportunities for water activities. Take a rafting trip on the rapids in the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon National Monument.

St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s many ghost towns from the late 1800s. It was a fully functioning city during the gold rush years when miners were hoping to make their fortunes.

Have your kids ever been to a drive-in movie theater? Experience one at 8,000 feet at the Comanche Drive-In. It is one of only a handful of drive-ins left in Colorado and is open all summer long.

Enjoy Colorado Summer – Be Prepared

Doesn’t summer vacation in Colorado sound amazing? I’m out here on the Western Slope in the high desert so these mountain towns offer different views and cooler temperatures for us in the summer. If you’re new to Colorado, it’s important that you prepare for fluctuating weather and road conditions. It is not unusual to get snow or hail storms high in the mountains even in July.

Layer Clothing

The mountain air is fresh and cool, especially in the early mornings and evenings. It can dip below 40 degrees even into late summer.

Water-wicking favorite fleeces, long underwear layers, ultra-light down jackets, and light wool socks are some of my favorite layering pieces. There’s a reason Colorado stereotypes include fleeces!

Layers are especially important when you are camping. It gets cold up there at night. Pack a hat, mittens, a fleece layer, a heavy pair of sweats, and wool socks. Trust me, having the right gear makes the whole experience way more enjoyable.

As the sun rises each layer you peel off each layer and by the afternoon you’re left with a shorts and t-shirt. Pack layers.

Respect the Sun

Due to the high altitude and thinner atmosphere, the sun is intense up here in the mountains. Colorado is known for its 300+ days of sunshine a year. As a result, we also have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the nation.

Protect your beautiful skin with sunblock multiple times throughout the day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and use long-sleeved shirts. The cooler weather and crisp air can fool you but a mountain sunburn is every bit as painful as one you get on the beach.

Drink Water and then Drink Some More

Dehydration at altitude is as epic as those stunning mountain views.  Because your body is working harder at higher elevations, it’s important to drink more water than normal. Colorado also has very little humidity so dehydration can be a real concern.

Even before arriving in Colorado, reduce sugary drinks and caffeine to help with hydration. While you’re exploring the great outdoors, make sure you have water with you. (Again, the Colorado stereotype of everyone has a water bottle is not wrong!)

Watch children for signs of dehydration such as feeling thirsty, lightheaded, or fast breathing.

 Protect Against Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a real thing. It happens when you ascend quickly and your body has trouble compensating for the lower air pressure and oxygen.

Symptoms may include a splitting headache, dizziness, difficulty with your coordination, and nausea.

One of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness is to keep yourself hydrated (see above). If you are visiting Colorado from a much lower elevation, give yourself a day or two to acclimate to elevation changes. All the scenic drives in Colorado have pullouts for you to enjoy the view. Take advantage of these as it slows your ascent and gives your body more time to adjust.

The summer mountain towns listed above all have high elevations. Take time to rest, drink water, and eat well.

Milder symptoms of altitude sickness will dissipate when you descend again to lower elevations. Some visitor centers actually sell small canisters of oxygen to help relieve symptoms.

Repel the Mosquitoes

In my opinion, summer in the Colorado mountains has just one drawback – mosquitoes! The hat and long sleeves you use to protect against the sun will also help ward off those blood-sucking parasites. Bring your favorite insect repellant with you to keep the mountain mosquitos at bay.

The beauty of summer mountain towns in Colorado is staggering. Be prepared for quick changes in weather and roads, dress in layers, and stay hydrated to get the most out of your experiences. Colorado is wonderful for creating family memories and increasing bonds.

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