☀️ The Ultimate Colorado Summer Bucket List (2025 Edition)

If Colorado isn’t already on your summer travel radar, get ready to change that. With sunshine-filled days, endless outdoor adventures, and charming towns to explore, Colorado is a summer playground for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, families, and remote workers alike.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or an extended stay at one of our fully stocked vacation rentals, this Colorado Summer Bucket List (2025 Edition) is your go-to guide for the best things to see, do, and experience during your stay. Let’s dive in!

🏞️ 1. Hike to a Scenic Alpine Lake

There’s nothing like reaching a crystal-clear alpine lake after a summer hike in Colorado’s high country. As the snow melts, vibrant wildflowers, jagged peaks, and cool mountain air create a postcard-worthy setting, many of which are accessible to beginners and families alike.

Two standout alpine lake hikes in Colorado are Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, an easy, scenic 3.2-mile trail past multiple lakes, and Blue Lake near Breckenridge, a more challenging trek with stunning views, wildflowers, and possible mountain goat sightings.

Pro Tip:

1. Start your hike early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and weekend crowds.
2. Bring layers—even in July, morning temps can be crisp.
3. Pack out what you pack in, and help preserve Colorado’s fragile alpine ecosystems for future generations.

🎶 2. Catch a Show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Seeing a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a Colorado summer rite of passage and one you’ll never forget. Carved into the natural red sandstone just outside Denver, this world-famous venue offers unbeatable acoustics and breathtaking views of the surrounding foothills. Whether you're grooving to your favorite band under the stars or attending a sunrise yoga session, Red Rocks turns any event into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to explore the Visitor Center and Trading Post Trail and check the event calendar; there’s something for everyone.

🚲 3. E-Bike the Golden Loop Trail

Golden is buzzing with outdoor energy, and one of the best ways to soak it all in is on two wheels. Rent an e-bike and cruise the scenic Clear Creek Trail, a paved path that loops through town alongside the rushing creek. You’ll pass charming bridges, historic landmarks, and plenty of local spots to stop for a drink or bite to eat- yes, including a few of Golden’s beloved craft breweries.

With gentle inclines and gorgeous views, it’s an easy and fun way to explore, whether you're an avid cyclist or just out for a breezy ride. You might even spot tubers floating by or fly fishers casting a line.

Stay Nearby: We have beautiful short-term rental homes at Be Our Guest Housing in Golden, just steps from the trail and downtown dining.

🍻 4. Take a Craft Brewery Tour

With over 400 breweries, Colorado is a true craft beer haven. From hop-heavy IPAs to creative seasonal brews, there’s something for every taste. Start with the Denver Beer Trail, where breweries fill walkable neighborhoods like RiNo and LoDo.

For a classic experience, tour the historic Coors Brewery in Golden. Want small-batch vibes? Check out Barrels & Bottles or Cannonball Creek Brewing.

Bonus: Many spots have dog-friendly patios, food trucks, and live music, perfect for a laid-back summer afternoon.

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💦 5. Go Tubing Down Clear Creek

Tubing down Clear Creek is a must-do summer activity and a beloved local tradition in Golden. This refreshing ride winds right through town, offering a mix of gentle floats and mini rapids, all surrounded by stunning foothill views. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a warm day and soak up Colorado’s laid-back outdoor vibe.

Pro Tip: Tube rentals and safety gear are available just steps from the creek. Staying in one of our Golden Rentals? You can walk straight from your door to the water, no car required!

🧺 6. Plan a Mountain Picnic

There’s nothing quite like dining with a view, and in Colorado, the options are endless. Pack a blanket, some local eats, and a bottle of wine, and head up to one of the many scenic overlooks for a peaceful meal surrounded by nature. Popular picnic spots like Lookout Mountain offer panoramic views of Denver and the foothills, while Chautauqua Park in Boulder puts you right at the base of the Flatirons. Mount Falcon is a hidden gem for a quieter setting with hiking trails and wide-open spaces.

Whether you're catching the sunrise with breakfast or enjoying a sunset charcuterie board, a mountain picnic is a simple yet unforgettable way to experience Colorado's summer magic.

🌻 7. Snap Photos at a Wildflower Meadow

Late June through August is peak wildflower season in Colorado, when the mountains come alive with vibrant blooms. Trails like Crested Butte’s Lupine Trail or Yankee Boy Basin near Ouray are bursting with color- think purple lupines, fiery Indian paintbrush, and bright yellow sunflowers, all set against dramatic alpine backdrops.

No Time to Travel Far? You don’t have to go deep into the mountains to enjoy the view. Gorgeous wildflower displays can be found closer to home in the parks and foothills near Denver and Golden—perfect for a spontaneous photo op or a peaceful afternoon stroll.

🧘 8. Start Your Day with Sunrise Yoga Outdoors

Take advantage of Colorado’s crisp mornings and fresh mountain air with an outdoor yoga session. From peaceful parks in Denver to serene mountaintop classes in Boulder, it's a great way to slow down, reset, and connect with nature. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, these sessions provide the perfect opportunity to stretch, breathe, and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

🌌 9. Go Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park

Colorado has several official International Dark Sky Parks, including the Black Canyon of the

Gunnison and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. These spots offer some of the clearest skies in the country, perfect for stargazing. Bring a telescope or just your sense of wonder and take in a galaxy-filled sky, where you can witness meteor showers, distant stars, and the Milky Way in all its glory.

🏕️ 10. Spend a Weekend Glamping or in a Cozy Vacation Rental

Not a fan of roughing it in a tent? We don’t blame you. Choose from cozy, well-equipped homes in Denver, Golden, and beyond—complete with modern kitchens, plush beds, spacious living areas, and even hot tubs. Whether you prefer a relaxing retreat or an active adventure, our properties offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. You can enjoy the great outdoors while still having all the amenities you need for a memorable stay.

Explore Our Listings: Whether you're here for a week, a month, or the whole summer, Be Our Guest Housing offers stays for every kind of traveler.

💬 Final Thoughts

Colorado in the summer is vibrant, active, and unforgettable. Whether you're hitting the trails, enjoying a lazy day in the backyard, or sampling the local beer scene, there’s something magical about this season in the Rockies.

Ready to start checking things off this bucket list? Book your summer stay with Be Our Guest Housing and experience Colorado like a local, with comfort, charm, and adventure waiting just outside your door.

📌 Bookmark This Guide & share it with your travel crew because Colorado summer plans start here.

Need help planning your stay? Message us anytime, we’d love to host you!