5 Best Family Vacation Spots in Colorado for Summer
Summer in Colorado is simply magical. As the old adage goes, people in Colorado come for the winters and stay for the summers. From green peaks surrounded by wildflowers to mountain lakes and streams to an abundance of recreational activities for all ages, Colorado is one of our favorite places to spend a summer vacation. These are our five options for a fail-proof summer vacation.
Paddleboarding Northstar Nature Preserve in Aspen
5. Go Glamping
Think camping with much less work and far more amenities, glamping is a great way to make the great outdoors accessible to those who would normally not venture out of the fine hotels to which they’ve become accustomed. Perhaps the most luxurious of all the glamping options in Colorado is Dunton River Camp, set in one of the most stunning locations in Colorado, and inclusive of all meals and most activities. Each tent comes equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel, in addition to two mountain bikes. The Collective Retreats Vail is a much more accessible option (both in distance from airports and price), but still provides beautiful tents in an incredible setting.
Kids cooling off in Boulder Creek
4. Boulder
Stay: St. Julien Hotel and Spa is centrally located withing walking distance to all Boulder has to offer with wonderful amenities and luxurious accommodations.
Eat: Pizzeria Locale serves authentic Neopolitan pizza in a charming setting perfect for families. If you want to leave the kids at home, we love its sister restaurant, Frasca Food and Wine, whose prix fixe menu is consistently ranked one of the best in Colorado.
Do: Walk and shop Pearl Street, check out the Saturday Market, grab a tube to float the river, and hike Mt. Sanitas to enjoy Boulder like a local.
3. Dude Ranch
The best way to live out your Western Cowboy/Cowgirl fantasy is by signing up for a week at a Colorado dude ranch. The options range from authentically rustic to luxury experiences that have all the amenities of a five-star hotel. C Lazy U has a devoted following with families coming back year after year to enjoy the multitude to ranch activities. The Ranch at Emerald Valley, operated by the iconic Broadmoor Hotel, is arguably the swankiest glamping in Colorado, yet still offers plenty of opportunities to get in touch with nature with the typical dude ranch activities.
Wildflowers near Aspen
2. Aspen
We may be biased, but when it comes to the best Colorado has to offer (winter or summer) Aspen is always at the top of our list. From perusing the Saturday Farmers market to paddle boarding the headwaters of the Colorado river to live music and rodeos all summer long, Aspen in summer is tough to beat. Read our full travel guide for a magical summer in Aspen here.
1. Telluride
The lengths it takes to get to Telluride (a six-hour drive from Denver or an hour and a half drive from Montrose Regional airport) are part of what has helped keep the crowds at bay and Telluride’s immense mountain charm intact. Set in a stunning box canyon with a waterfall appearing to crash right into town, this historic mining town turned celebrity favorite ski town has incredible offerings in the summer as well.
Stay: The Madeline Hotel located in Mountain Village (a free gondola ride to the historic town of Telluride) is great for kids with a beautiful pool and incredible views. z
Eat: Coffee at the Coffee Cowboy, Breakfast and Picnic Sandwiches at the Butcher and Baker, and dinner at Brown Dog Pizza (super casual and great for kids) or Allred’s (at the top of the gondola for fine dining with incredible views).
Do: Hiking Bridal Veil Falls (Colorado’s largest waterfall)is a must for all visitors. We also took an incredible horse back ride though the San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride, where our guide took us fly-fishing on a high-alpine stream.