If you live in Colorado like I do, you know we live in one of the best states in the country. We have beautiful mountains, which genuinely look different each day, to explore in. We have gorgeous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs to splash around in. I compiled a list of ways to enjoy summer in Northern Colorado, so get out there and enjoy the fantastic weather.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
All Coloradoans are proud of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is filled with scenic drives, gorgeous hiking trails, tons of wildlife, and camping sites. It’s arguable the best way to soak up nature and the fresh air.
2. Climb a Fourteener
This is a classic Colorado activity, if you are from here, you know. Word to the wise, this won’t be like an easy trail along the Poudre River. There are a total of fifty-four peaks to choose from. If you are a beginner, don’t forget layers, tons of water, some sunscreen, and a good pair of hiking shoes.
3. Tubing
Tubing down a river is sure way to stay cool in the summer sun, all while seeing amazing scenery. Get a group of friends together and tube down river, just be careful of hidden rocks and wear shoes.
4. Rockies Games
Peanuts, lemonade, hot dogs, classic baseball songs, warm summer sun, add them all up together and you get a fabulous summer afternoon.
5. Drive-In Movies
Dive-in movie nights are filled with nostalgia and laughs when all of your friends are trying to fit into the back of a car. It may seem silly, but packing a car with friends and watching summer blockbusters on a summer night is hard to beat.
6. White Water Rafting
There are tons of places to take trips down the river in Colorado. For beginners, there are tons of easy routes to take, but if you are an adventurer, don’t be discouraged there are plenty of rough rapids to go through.
7. Camping
This is a classic way to spend some summer time. There are thousands of options and places in Colorado to sleep under the stars, all you have to do is decide what amenities you are looking for. If camping in the middle of no where doesn’t sound appealing, there is nothing wrong with pitching your tent in your backyard, just don’t forget the marshmallows.
8. Horsetooth Reservoir
The Horsetooth Reservoir is the classic place for Northern Coloradoans to spend a summer day. The six and a half long reservoir is a great recreation spot for swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, picnicking, and water skiing. It’s a great way to soak up the sun and get adventurous.
9. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Ask any Coloradoan, we are proud of Red Rocks Amphitheater. The summer calendar is filled completely filled. Of course, there are tons of concerts of every music genre. They also hold Film on the Rocks and Yoga on the Rocks. This year, Film on the Rocks is showing, "Citizen Kane," "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off," "Scream," "The Sandlot," "Labyrinth," "Deadpool," and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Yoga on the Rocks feature morning yoga with the sunrise shining down on everyone.
10. Buell Theater
Located in Denver, the Buell Theater is great for a night of the arts. For the rest of the summer you can buy tickets for the "Sound of Music," "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," and "Phantom Of The Opera." Grab some friends, have some delicious dinner in Denver, and enjoy the show.
11. Hot Springs
I love hot springs, they are beautiful and one of the best ways to enjoy Colorado. One of the most popular places to go are the Strawberry Park Hot Springs located in Steamboat Springs. It’s a great way to relax and unwind when stressful summer jobs and classes become too much.
12. Mine Tours
Our dazzling Rocky Mountains are filled with mines. Miners struck gold and silver in the late 1850, so there are several tours to choose from. Many tours include exploring old mines and even panning for gold yourself. It may seem cheesy but exploring caves will make you feel like a kid again.
