Cool Off in Colorado This Summer
While sweltering temperatures plague towns across the
nation, Colorado’s mild climate and refreshing activities offer relief
from late summer’s heat and humidity. From plunging into icy lakes and
cool cave tours to whitewater rafting and windy adrenaline rushes,
Colorado offers plenty of opportunities to stay cool this summer. Below
is a sampling of the many ways visitors can
chill out around the state.
- Low Temperatures in High Places.
Summertime temperatures in Leadville — the highest incorporated city in
North America — range from 70s in the afternoons to the 40s at night.
Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes invite visitors to take a dip or spend
more time on the water by renting a canoe or kayak.
- H20 @ 8,150 ft.
Vail Cascade Resort offers plenty of ways guests can stay cool,
starting at just $139 per night. Guests are invited to stay wet by
watching movies in the pool on Friday or Saturday nights, participate in
boat races, practice stand-up paddle boarding and a variety of other
cool activities.
- River-Runner.
The Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins is whitewater paradise for
those wanting to cruise and lurch down stretches of the river in a
canoe, raft or kayak. Class I to Class V rapids are accessible.
- Beneath the Surface.
Escape to year-round cool underground temperatures at Cave of the Winds
in Colorado Springs. Visitors can choose from two exciting cave tours:
the Discovery Tour, which winds through nearly a mile of caverns; and
the Lantern Tour, which explores historical formations by lantern light.
- Nighttime Photo Tour.
A photography-focused evening walking tour through downtown Denver is a
great way to beat daytime heat and cool off in the Mile High City.
Guides start with an ideal dusk shot and continue on to some of Denver’s
best locations for nighttime photography.
- Sunset Sails. Sail Western Colorado offers the chance to cruise Blue Mesa Reservoir while soaking in refreshing breezes, stopping for a swim in a quiet cove and assisting with sailing.
- Zippy Adventure.
Float through crisp mountain air on an all-day zipline course in
Durango. Soar above treetops and rushing rivers to feel refreshing
excitement on the longest zipline course in the world.
- Chill Out at the Boulder Reservoir. Visitors
can cool down through a variety of summertime activities including
windsurfing, sailing, swimming, relaxing on the beach, playing in the
sand, kayaking or kite-surfing.
- Feel the Rush.
North America’s highest roller coaster, the Cliffhanger, recently
opened at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs and is
giving brave riders a breezy adrenaline rush.
- Whitewater Suds.
Amble down the pristine Arkansas River on a whitewater rafting
excursion with Noah’s Ark. Cruise down the river for a half day at
$40.46 for adults and $29.97 for children, or paddle away all day for
$61.46 for adults and $52.46 for children.
- Above It All.
Ascend sky-high in a hot air balloon and take in dawn’s gentle wind.
After launching in Fraser, relish panoramic birds-eye views of the Rocky
Mountains while floating through cool breezes.
- Jump for Joy.
Hidden within Southeast Colorado’s canyons and plains, the Black Hole
in Two Buttes Reservoir invites visitors to enjoy a refreshing dip,
afternoon of fishing and the thrill of cliff jumping.
