What Outdoor Activities Can I Do in Colorado Summer 2025?

• Mountain biking in Crested Butte
• Hike to the Maroon Bells or Rainbow Lake
• Whitewater raft the Roaring Fork or Clear Creek
• Camp at Turquoise Lake
• Fly fish the Fryingpan River
• Go horseback riding near Breckenridge
• Visit Ashcroft Ghost Town near Aspen
• Soar in a hot air balloon
• See a concert at Red Rocks
• Ride a gondola to see the wildflowers and hike down the mountain

🚵 Mountain Biking

Colorado is a mountain biking paradise. Whether you’re charging the downhill tracks at Trestle Bike Park or cruising high-alpine singletrack in Crested Butte, you’ll find trails for every rider and every mood. E-bikes have also become a favorite for exploring longer routes without the burn, making mountain access easier for all skill levels. If you need a mountain bike rental, check out what to know before you ride. All our rentals are tuned for the terrain by experienced techs, so you’re ready to roll. Book online in advance and get 10% off your reservation.

🥾Hiking

Colorado’s beginner-friendly trails are calling, and there’s no better time to lace up, grab your gear, and hit the dirt. Whether you’re heading to the peaceful shores of Rainbow Lake or looking out over the famous peaks of Maroon Bells, your first hike could be the start of something great. Check out 14 Super-Fun, Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Colorado. Summer storms can roll in quickly, so check weather and trail conditions before you go and pack the right layers.

Christy Sports has you covered with hiking gear from head to toe with supportive hiking footwear, lightweight, breathable layers, plus daypacks, hydration systems, and trekking poles. 

Hiking and biking might be your go-to, but Colorado’s summer adventure list doesn’t stop there. Think whitewater thrills, peaceful fly-fishing, quiet campsites, and scenic horseback rides. Whether you’re chasing thrills or slowing down, these are the moments that make Colorado summers unforgettable.

🛶 Whitewater Rafting

If you’ve never paddled through Colorado’s iconic rapids, this is your year. Depending on your group’s ages and level of adventure, here are a few of our favorites river experiences:

• Roaring Fork River (Aspen to Glenwood Springs): Gentle, scenic floats with mountain views.
• Clear Creek (Idaho Springs): Just outside Denver, great for quick half-day adventures.
• Eagle, Colorado and Arkansas Rivers (Vail): Fun float trips to more adventurous runs through small rapids.

⛺Camping

Camping in Colorado means alpine lakes, quiet forests, and stargazing that never gets old.

• Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Just west of Denver, easy to reach and full of trails.
• Sylvan Lake State Park: Serene lakeside campsites with paddle access and fishing.
• Turquoise Lake (Leadville): High elevation and cool temps for midsummer trips.
• Maroon Bells Area (Aspen): Permit required, but the views are worth the effort.

🎣 Fly Fishing Colorado’s Gold Medal Waters

Crystal-clear rivers, rainbow trout, and scenic solitude. Top spots include:

• Fryingpan River (Basalt): Easy access and excellent trout fishing
• Blue River (Silverthorne): A great intro for beginners
• Gunnison River: Ideal for float trips and strong hatches

🐴 Horseback Riding

Trade your hiking boots for stirrups and see Colorado on horseback.

• Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs): Towering red rock formations with unforgettable views.
• Breckenridge Stables: Wide open meadows and Tenmile Range vistas.
• Snowmass Creek Outfitters: Sunset rides through the White River National Forest. 

🤠 Explore a Historic Tour

If you’re looking to blend history with your mountain adventure, Colorado has you covered. The state’s mining past is alive in ghost towns, silver tunnels, and restored districts that are easy to explore on foot or by bike. Many of these historic sites are located just minutes from Christy Sports shops, so you can grab your gear and make a full day of it.

• Ashcroft Ghost Town (Near Aspen): Once a booming silver town in the 1880s, Ashcroft now offers a quiet walk through well-preserved buildings surrounded by alpine beauty. Take a free self-guided tour through cabins, a saloon, and the old hotel.
• Breckenridge Historic District: This is the largest preserved historic district in Colorado, with over 200 buildings dating back to the 1850s. Take a guided walking tour with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, visit the Barney Ford House Museum and Edwin Carter Discovery Center, or bike and stroll along Main Street and the Blue River Bikeway.
• Country Boy Mine (Breckenridge): Go underground for a real look at life as a gold miner, complete with gold panning and a 55-foot ore chute slide. Open daily June through September.
• Argo Mill and Tunnel (Idaho Springs): Walk through a 4-mile mine tunnel and learn how this mill helped shape Colorado’s gold boom. 
• Lebanon Silver Mine (Georgetown): Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad, then take a walking tour 500 to 1,200 feet into the mountain.
• Phoenix Gold Mine (Idaho Springs): Family-owned and still active, this mine offers hands-on tours and the chance to pan for gold in a creek.
• Telluride Historical Museum (Telluride): Dive into mining history and Butch Cassidy’s 1889 bank robbery.
• Alta Lakes & Ghost Town (Telluride): 10 miles south of Telluride, visit this alpine lake and abandoned 1940s mining camp. Bike or drive for a scenic outing.

What Unique Summer Activities Are in Colorado 2025?

Looking to switch things up? Check out the Top Summer Festivals and Events in Colorado. From floating above the treetops to teeing off in the shadow of mountain peaks, these summer activities offer a fresh perspective on the Rockies.

🎈Hot Air Ballooning

Rise with the sun and take in panoramic views you won’t soon forget. Don’t forget a warm layer—it’s chilly up there even in summer. Stop by Christy Sports for jackets, hats, and trail-friendly apparel.

🐎 Enjoy the rodeo

Add a little Western flair to your summer with a night at the rodeo. From the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo to the Snowmass Rodeo and High Country Stampede in Winter Park, these events deliver classic Colorado fun—think barrel racing, bull riding, and lively, family-friendly energy. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to experience local culture, surrounded by mountain views and hometown pride.

⛳ Mountain Golf with a View

Play a round where every swing comes with a scenic backdrop. Afternoon tee times often mean warmer weather and fewer crowds. Check out these top mountain courses:

• Breckenridge Golf Club: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, with 27 holes and mountain views in every direction.
• Pole Creek Golf Club (Winter Park area): Forested fairways, open skies, and crisp mountain air.
• EagleVail Golf Club (near Vail): A local favorite with water features and valley views.

🎵 Check out a Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

There’s no venue like Red Rocks. Set into glowing sandstone cliffs west of Denver, it’s a bucket-list spot for music lovers. Before you go: Pack a jacket, a refillable water bottle, and a headlamp for the hike back to your car. Christy Sports has what you need if you’re heading to a last-minute show. View the full lineup at redrocksonline.com.

🚠 Go on a Gondola Ride

Ride the Silver Queen lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort for panoramic views or hike to the summit (2 miles, 1,200 ft gain).