Colorado Family Summer Vacation in Summit County

Driving in out of Denver to Summit County, Colorado is an amazing experience. From the flats of Denver, you reach foothills, which lead to the pass at the tunnel, and then all of the sudden you've transitioned from Kansas to the Rocky Mountains in all of their power and splendor. There's something timeless about these mountains, and unforgettable.

I lived in Breckenridge and Frisco, between Copper Mountain and Keystone, for a few seasons. That was over 25 years ago, and still remember every detail of the places I explored and discovered as though it were only yesterday. The monumental rock faces, the mountains themselves, immovable, unperturbed, entirely unconcerned as to whether we exist or not... The wildlife, dense everywhere! Mountain lions, bears, deer, elk, porcupines, eagles and hawks... The rivers, creeks, streams and mountain lakes, dynamic, flowing, ever-changing and yet somehow themselves a constant within that motion.

It has been a long time since i lived in the Rockies, but I visit often. Each time, it's like returning to an old friend. We know each other well, but there's much to do and see together, new secrets to discover, old ones to relive. There are always more things I want to do than hours in a day to do them in. Start planning your Summit County Activities here.

I enjoy riding on horseback, going off into the “real” mountains, away from the highways and blacktops, until there's nothing artificial anywhere in sight. (Copper Mountain Stables offers up worthy mounts.) Sometimes I'll take a pole with me and try my hand at fishing in the streams found along the way. Other times, I'll make fishing the reason itself. Then it's fly fishing for me. (Blue River Anglers and Mountain Angler\ are some good folk who know where to take you to, and teach ya a thing or two about it along the way, if you've a mind to learn something new!)

Another good time I've added over the years was with taking a Duckie (an inflatable kayak) down the Colorado River. The equipment and tours provided by Colorado River Guides was top-notch; I can't recommend them highly enough! Find Summit County Whitewater Rafting trips.

The music scene in the mountains is always top notch, too. It seems quality musicians love living in the Rockies, and so you'll find outstanding pickers and players make their homes there and often play out in some of the most unlikely little pubs and hotel lounges.

Another thing I really enjoy is just taking in the scenery. All summer long, the trees are green and the skies are clear. Come fall, the leaves are changing and the tapestry they weave and lay across the steep mountain slopes is exquisite! Greens, yellows, oranges, reds and browns, all afire in the sunlight, set against a backdrop of deep mountain-blue skies – there's nothing else quite like it anywhere on earth!

Last time, I thought I'd try something different, so I got ahold of Continental Divide ATV Tours, took a quad up into the mountains around Vail. I've gotta admit, it was a lot of fun, and really made the getting there go quickly! Turquoise Lake was breathtaking, and I can't imagine a nicer group of people who make sure you're having a good time while staying mindful of safety.

The last night of last year's vacation, I got talked into something touristy. To be honest, I didn't expect much at all when I was informed that we were going to Happy Trails Chuckwagon, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. The food was really good, were the show and music! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the place, and am kinda looking forward to going there again.

Driving back east on I-70, you're eased back into the “real” world. There were many times, back when I lived there when I'd need to buy expensive gear. I knew it would be cheaper in Denver, so I'd start out to drive into the City to save some money. When I'd get to the plateau spot on the interstate where you can see you're leaving the mountains and the whole flatlands is spread out before you, I'd almost end up turning the car back around and driving back home. I'd stop at a local shop along the way instead and gladly pay (what really didn't amount to all that much) more to not have to leave.

Even now, Summit County's hard to put in the rear-view mirror. The only way I do it is knowing that I'll be back again soon. I guess Summit County really is just like a good old friend. The visits are never long enough, I find I miss it often, and can't wait to return. Every time I come, I find something new to appreciate and enjoy, even twenty-five years later.

Start planning a vacation to Aspen or Snowmass, Colorado - Aspen Lodging

Arts and Culture Events of Aspen Colorado

Aspen Colorado Summer Arts and Culture events

The resort town of Aspen, Colorado is best known for its winter activities and for the huge rush of tourists heading for the town during the months when snow falls and the skiing and snowboarding slopes are at their best. However, Aspen Colorado is also a great place to go during the warmer months, and many people who decide that they are going to take a trip to Aspen Colorado just for the summer end up staying there as permanent residents.

Clearly, there must be something more than skiing and snowboarding going on in this town to make it such a magnetic destination. Here are some of the great summer arts and culture events that you can enjoy on a trip to Aspen Colorado when the sun is shining brightly and the entire world is green.

Condo and Private Home rentals - Aspen Lodging

The Aspen Music Festival is one of the best summer events if you are interested in classical music – every year classical artists are invited to the festival, which runs from the end of June to the middle of August. The length of the Aspen Music Festival gives you plenty of time to check out some of the best classical performances that you are likely to hear in your life, and the backdrop of the mountains of Aspen Colorado give you the perfect place to go for nature hiking, animal watching and all kinds of summer sports before settling down to an afternoon of some of the best music ever composed.

Activities in Aspen and Snowmass from Aspen Tours

The Aspen Dance Festival also takes place during the summer and is performed by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. If you are interested in dance this is a great way to spend time during the summer gaining a greater appreciation of the arts. Aspen Colorado also offers a host of museums such as the Aspen Art Museum which has an excellent selection of contemporary art for you to spend time studying. If you are scientifically minded, you may also enjoy the lectures which you can hear at the Aspen Center for Physics.

View all events in the Roaring Fork Valley - Aspen Calendar of Events

All of these events give you a great way to relax and enjoy your stay in Aspen Colorado with diversions which will stimulate your mind once you get back from a day of outdoors activities that stimulate your body. Aspen, Colorado offers you a great well-rounded vacation experience during the summer with excellent arts and culture events that everyone can enjoy!