There’s nothing like being among the beautiful Rocky Mountains during the summer. Spend those long, sunny days in the mountains by planning a trip to the best summer resorts in Colorado: Vail, Keystone, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Crested Butte. With activities ranging from scenic hikes, mountain biking, golf, fly fishing, and more, there are so many reasons to take the whole family on a summer adventure vacation to the mountains.
Vail
Vail stands out as one of Colorado’s most iconic summer mountain destinations, blending outdoor adventure with a walkable alpine village atmosphere that feels lively from morning through evening. Families, couples, and groups can spend the day hiking, biking, or exploring the mountain before winding down with patio dining, summer events, and scenic mountain views throughout Vail Village and Lionshead. With easy access to adventure and plenty to do off the mountain as well, Vail makes planning a Colorado summer vacation feel effortless.
Scenic Hikes
- Vail Mountain is a great place to enjoy a hike, with trails starting from the base areas as well as the top of Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola. Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an educational hike through the forest atop Vail Mountain beginning at the Nature Discovery Center. For those looking for a more adventurous time, check out a more strenuous, 2-mile guided hike beginning at the Nature Discovery Center to explore our mountain ecosystems.
Bike Haul
- Vail mountain biking offers up adventure, challenge, and enjoyment for families, first timers, experts, and everyone in between.
Epic Discovery
- There are so many fun activities for the whole family in the Epic Discovery Park: the Forest Flying Mountain Coaster, the Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, Eagle’s Nest Tubing, the Little Eagle Kid’s Zipline and more!
Summer Events
- Don’t miss out on events all summer long like the Bluegrass Festival, concerts in the park, on-mountain running race series, beer festivals and more!
Keystone
Keystone is one of the best family-friendly summer resorts in Colorado, offering a laid-back mountain atmosphere packed with outdoor activities for all ages. From downhill biking and horseback riding to lakeside recreation and summer festivals, Keystone combines adventure access with easy planning and plenty of room to spread out. Families especially love the relaxed pace, scenic beauty, and variety of activities that make it easy to fill an entire mountain getaway without ever feeling rushed.
Keystone Bike Park
- The Keystone Bike Park is truly a downhiller’s dream. Professionally-maintained, progression-focused terrain welcomes riders of all abilities, with technical rock gardens, drops, and high-speed features.
Hit the Golf Course
- Take your golf game to new heights on Keystone's two breathtaking courses, The River Course and Keystone Ranch. Enjoy two distinct styles of play across 36 breathtaking holes. Also available, lessons, clinics and best of all, lodging package where you can Stay, Play & Save!
Horseback Riding
- Explore the picturesque Soda Creek Valley aboard our horse drawn wagons, or enjoy guided horseback rides up on the Soda Ridge. Our knowledgeable guides share the rich history of this valley and deliver dinner wagon rides and trail rides that will create memories of a lifetime for you and your families.
Summer Festivals
- Don’t miss out on the Bluegrass and Beer Festival, The Bacon and Bourbon Festival, Wine & Jazz Festival, Mountain Town Music Festival and more all summer long!
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek delivers a more refined and luxurious mountain experience while still offering plenty of outdoor adventure during the summer months. Known for its upscale atmosphere, scenic beauty, and exceptional service, Beaver Creek blends alpine relaxation with activities like hiking, mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and guided excursions. The walkable village, peaceful setting, and mountain-view dining make it especially appealing for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of the Rockies.
4X4 Tours
- 4x4 tours make exploring Beaver Creek's mountainous terrain easy and exciting for all ages. Tours start at the Summer Adventure Center and highlight the natural beauty of the area with an emphasis on fauna, flora and history of the area. 1½ - hour tours are available daily starting at 9:00 a.m. with advanced reservations. All 4x4 tours accommodate from 1 to 7 participants per 4x4 vehicle.
Wine Excursions
- Discover a luxurious alpine experience through Beaver Creek's Wine Excursions. Relish the stunning mountain views by way of a 4x4 Mountain Adventure Tour or a guided hike of 1½ miles to the iconic Beaver Lake before heading to Beano's. Tours end among the tranquil, wildflower-laden meadows of Beano's Cabin, on the spacious sundeck overlooking Grouse Mountain. The Beano's Cabin expert team will serve a refreshing glass of sparkling wine followed by wine pairings with a delectable charcuterie board.
Scenic Chairlift Rides
- Take a relaxing scenic chairlift gondola ride up Centennial Express Lift on Beaver Creek Mountain. Enjoy lunch and games at Spruce Saddle, and explore the mountain by foot or bike on our many trails.
Mountain Biking
- Reserve high-performance trail bikes or comfortable cruisers to explore Beaver Creek. With mountainside pickup at Centennial Express Lift, our expert team will equip you with the right wheels so you can spend the day discovering incredible views of aspen glades, wildflowers and the Gore Range. Take your bike up Centennial Express Lift with bike haul so you can begin your adventure at 10,200 feet of elevation. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy miles of rolling single tracks and breathtaking views.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge combines one of Colorado’s most beloved mountain towns with easy access to outdoor adventure, making it a favorite summer destination for families, couples, and groups alike. Known for its historic downtown, scenic mountain setting, and lively summer atmosphere, Breckenridge offers a balance of adventure and walkable convenience that makes it easy to experience a full mountain vacation without needing to plan every minute of the trip.
Scenic Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
- Breckenridge offers miles of scenic hiking trails ranging from family-friendly nature walks to challenging alpine routes above treeline. Wildflowers, mountain lakes, and panoramic Rocky Mountain views make hiking one of the best ways to experience Breckenridge during the summer months. Many trails are accessible directly from town or from the BreckConnect Gondola area, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the mountains.
- Breckenridge is also a favorite destination for mountain biking, with everything from scenic recreational paths to high-alpine singletrack and lift-served terrain. Riders of all experience levels can explore miles of trails surrounded by wildflowers, aspen groves, and sweeping mountain views throughout the summer season.
Historic Downtown & Shopping
- One of Breckenridge’s biggest summer draws is its walkable historic downtown filled with restaurants, breweries, boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor patios. Main Street blends authentic Colorado mining-town charm with a lively mountain-town atmosphere that stays active well into the evening. Visitors can easily spend hours exploring local shops, grabbing lunch on a patio, or enjoying live music and community events throughout the summer.
Epic Discovery & Family Activities
- Families looking for easy-access mountain fun will find plenty to do at Breckenridge’s Epic Discovery summer adventure area. Activities include scenic chairlift rides, an alpine slide, the Gold Runner Coaster, mini golf, climbing features, and family-friendly mountain experiences designed for a wide range of ages. The combination of outdoor adventure and approachable activities makes Breckenridge especially appealing for multigenerational trips and family vacations.
Festivals & Summer Events
- Breckenridge’s event calendar keeps the mountain town atmosphere lively throughout the summer season. Food festivals, art celebrations, live concerts, trail races, and seasonal events regularly bring visitors and locals together in the heart of town. Combined with cooler mountain temperatures and scenic surroundings, these festivals help give Breckenridge one of the most energetic and social summer atmospheres in the Rockies.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte feels like one of Colorado’s most authentic mountain towns, where rugged outdoor adventure meets a creative, laid-back atmosphere. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, wildflower-covered hillsides, and extensive trail networks, Crested Butte attracts travelers looking for scenic hiking, mountain biking, festivals, and a true Colorado summer experience away from larger resort crowds. Its combination of natural beauty, local character, and family-friendly activities makes it a memorable destination throughout the season.
Kids Summer Programs
- Get your child ready for the summer with Mountain Adventures! Your child will be immersed in incredible summer mountain adventures including water sports, climbing, archery, mountain biking, and everything in between.
Bike Park
- Since the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park was established in 2009, it has been designed to meet the needs of all riders; from beginners on two wheels to gravity experts. The lift-served bike haul, provided via the Red Lady Express, has a diverse network of trails that contains both downhill specific and cross-country rides that connect to some of the legendary trails located in and around Crested Butte.
Wildflower Hikes & the Wildflower Festival
- The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is an annual 10-day festival offering over 200 workshops in wildflower expertise each July, be it painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts, or leading hikes into the wild beyond in the heart of the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Summer is the perfect time to take a wildflower hike with the family to experience the beauty of the area.
Disc Golf
- Bring your own discs and try Colorado's most scenic 18-hole disc golf course! Crested Butte’s disc golf course 10-3 @ CB, named after the course’s elevation, is eighteen holes of pure fun for beginners and seasoned players alike. The course begins at the top of the Red Lady Express Lift and meanders downhill to the base area.
