Summer 2021 Activities in Colorado
After a harrowing year of quarantining and social distancing, the COVID-19 vaccines are finally available, and Denver boasts over 70% of its adult population fully vaccinated. Not only does it seem that the pandemic is finally winding down, but the summer of 2021 could be one of the most joyous in recent memory. Months of pent-up frustration could find release in glorious outdoor activities, long overdue social gatherings, and well-earned relaxation.
Luckily for the residents of Colorado, they reside in one of the most scenic, exciting, and event-filled locales in the nation. Colorado presents an enormous variety of fun-filled activities that range from idyllic and soul-replenishing to raucous and, even, heart-stopping. Summer in Colorful Colorado promises to wash away the worst memories of the past year and replace them with the most joyful adventures.
Enjoying Nature in Colorado
After a year indoors, one of the most appealing aspects of a return to normalcy may be the freedom to enjoy nature in all its splendor again. Colorado is famous for its many attractions that will leave you in awe of nature. You can enjoy these geological formations, towering trees and flora, and engaging wildlife from a distance or up close if you desire.
Colorado is home to one of the great natural wonders of the world, Pike’s Peak. Reaching 14,115 feet above sea level, Pike’s Peak is much more than merely a magnificent vista. Newly completed renovations at the summit now permit you to view the entire landscape southwest of the mountain unobstructed. You can also enjoy the majesty of the mineral formations and wildlife by hiking or cycling the many trails that crisscross the mountain.
One of the greatest sites in the world is Rocky Mountain National Park, a 415 square mile nature preserve that includes vistas from over 12,000 feet. You can take in mountains, forests, and wildlife by hiking, driving, or camping. Although Rocky Mountain National Park is open to all, there is a timed entry system that will only allow a certain number of people in at a time.
Another popular tourist destination is near Colorado Springs and aptly named the Garden of the Gods. This awe-inspiring attraction boasts some of the largest red rock formations in the world with some natural sandstone formations reaching 300 feet in height.
If you are in the mood for a closer look at some animals but without the risk of attack, you may want to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Voted the 6th best zoo in the United States, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to many local animals like mountain goats and grizzly bears as well as animals from distant locales like elephants, giraffes, and rhinoceroses.
Explore History
Colorado is home to some of the nation’s most important historical exhibits. In the heart of downtown Denver is Union Hall, a historic landmark that has stood for more than a century. This iconic facility is still an operating railway station, but it also includes many retail operations, a train hall, and the highly rated Crawford Hotel.
If you are in the mood for more natural history, then Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument should satisfy your interests. One of the richest and most varied fossil deposits in the world, Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument has petrified redwood stumps greater than 14 feet wide as well as thousands of fossils of plants and insects.
You will also find some of the most amazing Native American heritage sites like the Mesa Verde National Park which is home to more than 4,300 Ancestral Puebloan Archeological sites. Upon visiting the unique cliff dwellings, you will be overwhelmed by the by their beauty and the engineering prowess of the ancient peoples that carved them out of solid rock.
If you want a more hands-on experience, you can visit the Ashcroft Ghost Town which provides an up-close view of a 19th century mining town. Originally founded in 1880 in the wake of rumors of a silver lode, the town eventually had almost 35,000 residents at its peak, but by 1939, all the residents had left. Today, you can relive some of the early silver boom excitement by visiting many of the town’s original buildings including homesteads and saloons which have been lovingly restored to their former glory.
Be Entertained
Colorado is proud to have some of the most iconic entertainment venues in the country. At or near the top of this list is the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Located near Morrison, CO, the Red Rocks Amphitheater has consistently won the award for best outdoor venue in several entertainment publications, and it is easy to see why. Carved from the existing rock structure, Red Rocks Amphitheater has some of the most impressive acoustics of any concert venue, in large part due to the surrounding rock formations. This is why this venue has attracted some of music’s leading figures like the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, and U2.
Every June, bluegrass music lovers gather for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Held over two weekends, this festival has showcased some of the biggest names in bluegrass including Elvis Costello, John Butler Trio and Mumford & Sons.
Colorado is famous for its beer, which is why the Colorado Brewers’ Festival is such a draw. Featuring handcrafted beers from over 50 local breweries, the Colorado Brewers’ Festival is a must for any beer lover.
In mid-July you can catch the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, one of the most unique events of the summer. If you are courageous enough, you can take a ride in a hot air balloon as it dips into Bald Eagle Lake or as it transits through the glorious Colorado night sky. This event is also the venue for the annual Art in the Park festival.
Later in the summer is the Colorado State Fair which takes place in Pueblo. For over 150 years, the Colorado State Fair has combined excellent food and drink with exciting events like the rodeo and rock concerts. The annual fair is also the venue for carnival rides, livestock shows, and art shows.
Enjoying Nature in Colorado
After a year indoors, one of the most appealing aspects of a return to normalcy may be the freedom to enjoy nature in all its splendor again. Colorado is famous for its many attractions that will leave you in awe of nature. You can enjoy these geological formations, towering trees and flora, and engaging wildlife from a distance or up close if you desire.
Colorado is home to one of the great natural wonders of the world, Pike’s Peak. Reaching 14,115 feet above sea level, Pike’s Peak is much more than merely a magnificent vista. Newly completed renovations at the summit now permit you to view the entire landscape southwest of the mountain unobstructed. You can also enjoy the majesty of the mineral formations and wildlife by hiking or cycling the many trails that crisscross the mountain.
One of the greatest sites in the world is Rocky Mountain National Park, a 415 square mile nature preserve that includes vistas from over 12,000 feet. You can take in mountains, forests, and wildlife by hiking, driving, or camping. Although Rocky Mountain National Park is open to all, there is a timed entry system that will only allow a certain number of people in at a time.
Another popular tourist destination is near Colorado Springs and aptly named the Garden of the Gods. This awe-inspiring attraction boasts some of the largest red rock formations in the world with some natural sandstone formations reaching 300 feet in height.
If you are in the mood for a closer look at some animals but without the risk of attack, you may want to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Voted the 6th best zoo in the United States, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to many local animals like mountain goats and grizzly bears as well as animals from distant locales like elephants, giraffes, and rhinoceroses.
Explore History
Colorado is home to some of the nation’s most important historical exhibits. In the heart of downtown Denver is Union Hall, a historic landmark that has stood for more than a century. This iconic facility is still an operating railway station, but it also includes many retail operations, a train hall, and the highly rated Crawford Hotel.
If you are in the mood for more natural history, then Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument should satisfy your interests. One of the richest and most varied fossil deposits in the world, Florissant Fossil Bed National Monument has petrified redwood stumps greater than 14 feet wide as well as thousands of fossils of plants and insects.
You will also find some of the most amazing Native American heritage sites like the Mesa Verde National Park which is home to more than 4,300 Ancestral Puebloan Archeological sites. Upon visiting the unique cliff dwellings, you will be overwhelmed by the by their beauty and the engineering prowess of the ancient peoples that carved them out of solid rock.
If you want a more hands-on experience, you can visit the Ashcroft Ghost Town which provides an up-close view of a 19th century mining town. Originally founded in 1880 in the wake of rumors of a silver lode, the town eventually had almost 35,000 residents at its peak, but by 1939, all the residents had left. Today, you can relive some of the early silver boom excitement by visiting many of the town’s original buildings including homesteads and saloons which have been lovingly restored to their former glory.
Be Entertained
Colorado is proud to have some of the most iconic entertainment venues in the country. At or near the top of this list is the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Located near Morrison, CO, the Red Rocks Amphitheater has consistently won the award for best outdoor venue in several entertainment publications, and it is easy to see why. Carved from the existing rock structure, Red Rocks Amphitheater has some of the most impressive acoustics of any concert venue, in large part due to the surrounding rock formations. This is why this venue has attracted some of music’s leading figures like the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, and U2.
Every June, bluegrass music lovers gather for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Held over two weekends, this festival has showcased some of the biggest names in bluegrass including Elvis Costello, John Butler Trio and Mumford & Sons.
Colorado is famous for its beer, which is why the Colorado Brewers’ Festival is such a draw. Featuring handcrafted beers from over 50 local breweries, the Colorado Brewers’ Festival is a must for any beer lover.
In mid-July you can catch the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, one of the most unique events of the summer. If you are courageous enough, you can take a ride in a hot air balloon as it dips into Bald Eagle Lake or as it transits through the glorious Colorado night sky. This event is also the venue for the annual Art in the Park festival.
Later in the summer is the Colorado State Fair which takes place in Pueblo. For over 150 years, the Colorado State Fair has combined excellent food and drink with exciting events like the rodeo and rock concerts. The annual fair is also the venue for carnival rides, livestock shows, and art shows.
Article written by: Dr. Robert Moghim – CEO/Founder Colorado Pain Care
M.D. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal views of Robert Moghim, M.D. and do not necessarily represent and are not intended to represent the views of the company or its employees. The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship. Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. The comment feature is not governed by HIPAA, and you should not post any of your private health information.