By Jennifer Clary
Colorado Summer Vacation Ideas
Everyone knows that Colorado is an ideal vacation spot for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. However, did you know that Colorado can also be a great place to visit in the summer? If you enjoy activities like hiking, golfing and outdoor entertainment then a summer vacation in Colorado will seem like paradise. Enjoy views of the breathtaking mountains, colorful foliage and placid lakes this summer vacation while you enjoy activities in the great Colorado outdoors.
Hiking
The view from Pikes Peak is breathtaking.
Hiking is a very popular summer pastime in Colorado and vacationers seeking challenging paths will find that this state boasts plenty of trail options. Uncompahgre National Forest is a favorite spot for hikers who like high altitudes. Although inexperienced hikers should beware that the distinction between hiking and climbing is blurry in some parts of Uncompahgre National Forest, visitors in average physical condition should be able to reach this locale's alpine meadows, abandoned mines, and magnificent waterfalls without too much huffing and puffing. Equally popular Colorado hiking locations are Pikes Peak and Mount Evans. Pikes Peak and Mount Evans offer basic hiking trails, intermediate walk-ups, and advanced technical climbs. Pikes Peak and Mount Evans are near Denver, so when you get too tired to continue climbing, you can hike back into the city for some shopping and dining.
Golfing
The Ridge at Castle Pines North is rated #1 Colorado golf course by www.TravelGolf.com
There are over 240 meticulously maintained golf courses in Colorado. Golfers will fall in love with the 70-degree weather, clear blue skies, and stunning natural surroundings. According to TravelGolf.com, the top five golf courses in Colorado are The Ridge at Castle Pines North, The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, Broadmoor East, The Valley Course at Cordillera, and River Valley Ranch. All five of these courses feature green fees under $185 and boast adjoining or nearby luxury hotels and unbeatable views of Colorado wildlife.
Outdoor Entertainment
The Colorado Renaissance Festival is a popular outdoor summer event.
Vacationers seeking outdoor entertainment will be pleased by the variety of festivals that take place during the summer in Colorado. The Pueblo State Fair, which takes place in August, is the largest state fair in Colorado and has become famous for its Barn Tours. Barn Tours use entertainment and comedy to provide agriculture education and literacy. The Colorado Renaissance Festival and Artisans Marketplace that takes place on the weekends from June 13 to August 2 is also a popular event. A cast of hundreds of medieval characters live and work on the fairgrounds of the historic village to lend authenticity to the festival. Other outdoor entertainment in Colorado includes the Bust Rodeo Days Event from July 8 to 22, the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and the Basalt River Days Festival.
Resources
About the Author:
Jennifer Clary is a professional writer, award-winning filmmaker, and proud vegan. She is a graduate of Vassar College and has been published in Tail Slate Magazine and Freethought Magazine as well as online at Ehow.com, savemyair.com and gobblegreen.com/blog. Clary travels extensively with her films and especially treasures her experiences in Italy and Finland.
