Author: Neil Walton, Colorado Realtor

When people think about Colorado the first images conjured up are usually of enormous snow capped mountains and folks swooshing through fields of powder via ski and snowboard. Yes, we do have the best winter activities on the planet. Vail, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Aspen, Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs must all close down for mud season. So what do us locals do? It must be painfully boring.

Not so my friends. Summer is my personal favorite time of the year. The weather is warm and there are actually more things to do with your time. Here is a list of 5 cool things to do this summer.

1. See a concert at Red Rocks in Morrison:

I know, everyone always says this. It’s like a broken record. I truly have had some of the most magical times of my life at this incredible venue. During the days Red Rocks National Park is open to the public. You’ll see folks running up and down the stairs or just leisurely strolling through the vast network of hiking and walking paths. At night this remarkably beautiful outcrop of bright red rock transforms into an acoustic wonderland of sound and light. Some of the most famous musicians in the world have played here and boast that it’s their favorite venue in the world. Grab your lawn chairs and a cooler, do a little tailgating in the parking lot and then head in to see your favorite band this summer as they take the stage. Make sure to take advantage of Film on the rocks as well… for a romantic picnic date night.

2. Climb a 14′er:

Where to begin? We have 54 peaks above 14,000 feet. Some of these mountains can take days to climb depending on the route you take but most can be done in a day. Leave bright and early and bring plenty of water and supplies. Before you head out visit www.14ers.com to get a detailed explanation of your journey with photos and maps. Some of the easier hikes include Mt Elbert (the highest), Grays, Torreys, Mt Bierstadt and Culebra Peak in Colorado. If you want a little more of a challenge try out Sunshine Peak, Mt Yale, Castle Peak, Mt Evans or Long’s Peak. For you hard core adventurists my favorites include Little Bear Peak, North Maroon Peak, Crestone Needle and Sunlight Peak.

3. Boating on a Mountain Lake:

Not near the ocean? No problems. We’ve got huge lakes with pristine beaches. First step is to find a friend with a boat and bribe them to take you up to Horsetooth Reservoir which is just a 10 minute drive from downtown Ft Collins. Maybe you can make friends with someone in Gunnison to enjoy Colorado’s biggest body of water which is Blue Mesa Reservoir. Wherever you head make sure to bring your fishing pole. There are some world class fish in our lakes.

Why not try a bit of boat in camping while at Blue Mesa? Rent a canoe and head to some incredible camp sites such as Turtle Rock, Cebolla or West Elk. For More information: Click Here

4. Intertubing:

Head by any gas station, buy a truck tire intertube, overinflate it and head to a Colorado river to cool off in the afternoon heat with a little floating. I personally pick up one additional tube to carry the cooler along with you as you float. Let’s keep your priorities in check here. For the most part you’re dealing with more of a float than hardcore rapids. Some classic spots around Colorado are in the Saint Vrain River in Lyons which allows you a meandering journey through the center of town. The Animas River in Durango offers a mix of mild adrenaline and easy floating, as well as a free in-town shuttle to take you back to your car. The Saint Vrain Greenway in Longmont makes for a completely calm float that’s ideal for families with small kids, as does the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs. For more excitement you’ll need to head to Boulder Creek, where you can float through a whitewater park, rapids and ledge drops.

5. Bluegrass Festivals:

The best bluegrass in the world descends upon Telluride every summer and this year is no exception. The 37th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 17-20) will feature Lyle Lovett, Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer to name a few. Still got a thirst for more bluegrass? Grab your tent and head down to the slightly more intimate Lyons CO for a weekend of fun and dancing from July 23rd to the 25th.

We live in a glorious state and I hope everyone gets out there and makes the most of their summer. Enjoy!