Colorado may be known for its incredible ski resorts and amazing winter seasons. However, many Colorado locals will tell you that the summers here are actually even more amazing than the winters. Here are a few reasons why:
FibARK Festival – Salida
FibARK, or First in Boating on the Arkansas, is a whitewater rite of passage and an all-around good time. This annual festival approaching its 68th year is America’s oldest whitewater festival. Spend Father’s Day weekend in the small rafting town of Salida with some great music, tasty brews and amazing whitewater events, either as a spectator or competitor. The events start on Thursday, June 16 and last through Sunday, June 19th. Heighten your experience by camping at one of Salida’s riverside locations. Just remember –it’s hot during the day, but once the sun goes down you’ll be reminded that you are in Colorado!
GoPro Mountain Games – Vail
Celebrate summer and the great outdoor with the country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and music. Head to Vail June 9 – 12 to witness the magic of professional and amateur athletes from around the world coming together in the mountains and rivers of Vail to compete in various displays of athleticism. Events include everything from kayaking and rafting to slack-line and mud running. Don’t forget about the free concerts!
Great Sand Dunes National Park – San Luis Valley
Some of Colorado’s most unique and amazing mountains are actually not mountains at all. Check out the Great Sand Dunes National Park, featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America. Formed by the sand and soil deposits of the Rio Grande and its tributaries, the Great Sand Dunes is now an amazing day trip hot-spot. Rent one of the boards to surf the dunes, or hang out with friends and family taking in the scenery. Want some advice? Swing by one of Colorado’s many microbreweries nearby and grab a growler; nothing will be quite so refreshing after hiking up sand dunes! We suggest Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs or San Luis Valley Brewery in Alamosa. You won’t regret it!
Red Rocks Amphitheater – Morrison
Host to various events and concerts throughout the summer, Red Rocks Amphitheater is a must-do on any Colorado trip. Tickets are [usually] very reasonably priced, but watching the sunset to the soundtrack of live music will make every dollar worth it ten-fold. This summer, check out The Lumineers, Widespread Panic, Portugal The Man, LCD Soundsystem, Trampled by Turtles, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and more!
This is just a taste of what Colorado has to offer in the summertime. Be sure to also check out Frisco’s BBQ Competition, Breckenridge’s Kingdom days, and more!
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