9 Coolest Colorado Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
Thanks to its ethereal mountains and extravagant ski towns, Colorado is a popular state for winter vacations. Yet once all the snow melts, the Centennial State shines in a whole new light. In the ski towns, ski runs give way to hiking trails, and snowboards are put away as the mountain bikes come out to play. And beyond the ski resorts, there’s plenty more to explore across Colorado, from historic frontier towns to prehistoric dinosaur fossils, and from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to refreshing white and rosé wines at the vineyards. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s see more of these nine coolest Colorado towns for a summer vacation in 2025.
Telluride
Nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Telluride is the ideal town to keep cool for the summer. Though Telluride Ski Resort closes for skiing and snowboarding during the summer season, it opens up for exhilarating zipline adventures, mountain biking, and even tee time at the 18-hole Telluride Golf Club. In addition to the ski resort, you can also hike incredible distances to Telluride’s incredible natural landmarks, including Bear Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Ajax Peak.
For something really special, Telluride even makes it possible to do Via Ferrata climbing at the “Krogerata” canyon wall near Ajax Peak. Or, for some thrilling aquatic activities, try some whitewater rafting in the San Miguel River or stand-up paddleboarding at Trout Lake. Whatever you decide to see and do in the mountains, return to town for a cozy yet luxurious “base camp” at the Element 52 boutique resort.
Montrose
Sitting around 5,800 feet above sea level and by one of the United States’ most gorgeous national parks, Montrose lets you venture deep into Colorado’s rugged wilderness. Just to the east of town is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where its namesake gorge plunges over 1,700 feet (and as deep as 2,722 feet at Warner Point) to the Gunnison River floor. Hike the Rim Rock Nature Trail for a generally easy and flat path along the canyon rim, or try a hike on the Oak Flat Loop Trail for a more challenging journey into the canyon. Should you opt to explore some more in the canyon, you can also kayak in the river and try rock climbing on designated canyon walls.
If you prefer doing some urban exploring, Montrose also has some cool things to do in town. In particular, the Museum of the Mountain West has an extensive “collection” of historic buildings that make for a fully immersive journey into a 19th-century western frontier town, and the Ute Indian Museum guides you through the history and present-day culture of the Ute indigenous people. (This museum also has a great gift shop that carries authentic indigenous-made jewelry and pottery.) Once you’re ready to call it a day, check in for the night at the historically funky and fun Rathbone Hotel & Parlor Bar.
Palisade
Usually, when we think of Colorado, we don’t think “wine country.” Yet in the town of Palisade, about 15 miles east of Grand Junction, good taste comes naturally. Thanks to its fairly mild, semi-dry, and remarkably sunny climate, this corner of Colorado’s Western Slope is ideal for farming and winemaking. To taste the best of Palisade’s bounty, go with a designated driver to Talon Winery for a fantastic selection of homegrown wines and creative meads (or honey wines). In addition, you can stop at Restoration Vineyards for their takes on varietals like Sémillon, Gewürztraminer, and Pinotage, as well as Carlson Vineyards for some very satisfying rosés.
Even if you’re not a dedicated wine connoisseur, Palisade has plenty more to taste and savor. If beer is more your jam, make sure to visit Palisade Brewing Company for inventive home brews (including housemade non-alcoholic root beer) and tasty barbeque food. Also consider stops at Clark Family Orchards and Green Barn Fruit to find farm-fresh fruit, especially Palisades’ signature peaches. And for the ultimate wine country experience, book a stay at Wine Country Inn, where you can stay on a real vineyard and enjoy complimentary afternoon tastings of their own Grande River wines.
Dinosaur
Located just east of the Utah state line, the Colorado town of Dinosaur is great for anyone who really wants to dig deep into the past and discover prehistoric treasures. To the north of town lies Dinosaur National Monument, a true treasure trove with over 1,500 fossilized bones of dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic Period on display at Quarry Exhibit Hall, along with the chance to spot more dinosaur fossils in their natural state at the Fossil Discovery Trail. Beyond the museum and the fossil beds, Dinosaur National Monument also offers prime conditions for river rafting on the Green and Yampa Rivers, as well as hiking the trails at Harpers Corner and Gates of Lodore.
Closer to town, you can even do an easier walk and enjoy a leisurely picnic at Plug Hat Butte while taking in the lovely views of Bull Canyon. Whenever it’s time to get some rest, you can take your pick of campgrounds at the national monument, or you can get a room at the Terrace Motel in town.
Steamboat Springs
Anchoring the Yampa Valley of northwestern Colorado, Steamboat Springs stays quite booked and busy during winter ski season, yet this town also lets you “set sail” on all kinds of exciting Rocky Mountain excursions. Typically in June, Steamboat Ski Resort opens for summertime mountain biking and guided hikes on the trails, scenic lift rides up Mt. Werner, and even a pop-up beach at Burgess Creek. Outside the ski resort, you can also go horseback riding at Saddleback Ranch, ride the Howler alpine slide at Howelsen Hill, and fly high with Steamboat Zipline Adventures.
If you’re hoping to do some adventures on open water, Steamboat Springs also has you covered. Head south to Stagecoach State Park for trophy fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and wakeboarding at the reservoir, or go north to Steamboat Lake and enjoy a full array of watersports, including boating and waterskiing. Back in town, check into The Steamboat Grand for a full-service resort right at the foot of the ski area.
Estes Park
As cliche as it might sound, Estes Park really does open you up to breathtaking Rocky Mountain heights. Since Estes Park sits right by Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s the ideal launchpad for all kinds of mountain excursions. Since the park straddles both sides of the Continental Divide, you can hike the wilderness where the Colorado River begins to flow west towards the Pacific Ocean, and you can do a scenic drive to spot waterfalls along the path of Fall River (which is part of the larger Mississippi River basin).
If it’s not enough to merely walk or drive by the river, Estes Park and the national park also let you jump in for whitewater rafting at the Poudre and Colorado Rivers, along with fishing in multiple lakes and streams. Or, of course, you can go hiking and reach the heights of Flattop Mountain and spot wildlife like moose, elk, and deer. If you want more quality time at the park, you can reserve space at a campsite. Otherwise, you can enjoy more creature comforts and the famously haunted vibes at the one and only Stanley Hotel in town.
Manitou Springs
Only about 10 miles from Downtown Colorado Springs, the town of Manitou Springs stands tall at the foot of Pikes Peak. If you’re hoping to reach the famed 14,115-foot summit of this mountain, Manitou Springs offers multiple options: You can drive your own car up Pikes Peak Highway, ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, ride a bike up the mountain, or hike the Barrs Trail or Crags Trail all the way to the peak. However you decide to reach the summit, take some time to enjoy the views at the top. Heading back down, there’s more to see and do at North Slope Recreation Area, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing at the reservoir.
Back in town, Manitou Springs has more to experience. Go to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum to walk around a recovered Ancestral Puebloan village of cliff dwellings dating back to around 1200, and stop at the Miramont Castle Museum to tour a grand Victorian chateau (built in 1895) and indulge in high tea at the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room. For even more mountainside elegance and luxury, book a stay at the gorgeous Cliff House at Pikes Peak hotel.
Buena Vista
Around 123 miles southwest of Denver, the town of Buena Vista not only looks good, but it’s also a great place to experience one of Colorado’s most unique ecosystems. In short, Buena Vista has a desert-like semi-arid climate, yet it sits around 8,000 feet above sea level near the Collegiate Peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the Arkansas River flows right through it. Named after several of the United States’ Ivy League universities, the Collegiate Peaks have the nation’s highest concentration of 14,000-foot-plus summits, and Gunnison National Forest has several hiking trails leading into the mountains and offering incredible views of these “14ers.” Or, for a different perspective on the mountains, go to Taylor Park Marina for a boating excursion at the reservoir, do some fishing, and maybe even try some stand-up paddleboarding.
For even more outdoor fun, head south to Browns Canyon National Monument. Here is where you will find some of Colorado’s best water for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing (especially for brown and rainbow trout), and it has some exceptionally beautiful hiking trails as well. Back in town, the Surf Hotel makes for a fun yet posh “base camp” with retro-chic rooms and suites, the cool Wesley & Rose bar-restaurant, and on-site live music entertainment.
Aspen
The world-famous ski town of Aspen might be one of the United States’ most iconic winter sports hotspots, but Aspen also offers a whole lot to see and do during the warmer summer months. For starters, try a scenic drive out to the Maroon Bells to witness the nation’s most photographed mountains, and hike the trails to see more of this glorious patch of mountain wilderness. If you seek to understand what life was like before ski resorts began to open in Aspen, head out to Independence Ghost Town to tour the spot that suddenly became a valuable gold mine in 1879.
When you can use a more easygoing journey up the mountains, ride Aspen’s legendary Silver Queen Gondola up to the Sundeck at 11,200 feet above sea level, where you will find a pleasant cafe and wildflower-adorned trails. Once you’re back down in the village, find your zen at the tranquil wetlands of John Denver Sanctuary. And just a few steps away, check into the historic Hotel Jerome to experience a hotel first built in 1889, an institution that’s welcomed celebrities like Hunter S. Thompson and the Eagles, and a hotel that continues to impress with its grand rooms and suites, hip and happening restaurants, and Yarrow boutique spa.
Head Up Colorado’s Mountains To Cool Down And Enjoy the Exceptional Natural Beauty
While beach towns tend to draw huge crowds for summer vacations, don’t miss out on the uniquely cool thrills of Colorado’s mountain (and desert) towns. At Palisade, savor the wonderful flavors of its wineries, breweries, and fruit farms. Meanwhile, you can traverse the Continental Divide and explore the mountains and streams on both sides at Estes Park. Go to Manitou Springs to experience the wondrous sights and sounds of Pikes Peak, and make your way to Aspen for some of the Rocky Mountains’ most famously beautiful peaks and forests.
Whether you prefer a rugged journey into the remote wilderness, or a refined and relaxing mountain-high spa retreat, Colorado has plenty of inviting options to stay cool this summer.
