As the summer months come to a close, Colorado is still basking in the warm sunshine and vibrant atmosphere of August. With its stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque towns, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, the Centennial State is a paradise for travelers and adventure-seekers alike. But with so many amazing destinations to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide where to visit in Colorado in August. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the state’s most popular attractions, hidden gems, and must-see spots to help you plan your ultimate Colorado adventure.
Get ultimate traveler plannerMountain Towns
Colorado’s mountain towns are a highlight of any visit to the state, offering a unique blend of small-town charm, stunning natural beauty, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. In August, these towns are bustling with activity, from hiking and biking to festivals and events. Here are a few of the top mountain towns to visit in Colorado in August:
Aspen
Aspen is a world-renowned ski resort town that transforms into a vibrant summer destination in August. With its stunning mountain vistas, picturesque streets, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Aspen is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Be sure to check out the Aspen Saturday Market, which features local produce, crafts, and live music.
Things to Do in Aspen:
- Hike to the top of Aspen Mountain for breathtaking views of the valley
- Take a scenic drive through the Maroon Bells Scenic Byway
- Explore the Aspen Saturday Market for local goods and live music
- Go whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Roaring Fork River
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is another iconic ski resort town that comes alive in the summer. With its vibrant Main Street, stunning mountain vistas, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Breckenridge is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Be sure to check out the Breckenridge Summer Festival, which features live music, food vendors, and a beer garden.
Things to Do in Breckenridge:
- Hike to the top of Quandary Peak for breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range
- Take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Breckenridge Mountain
- Explore the Breckenridge Summer Festival for live music and food
- Go mountain biking or horseback riding through the surrounding forests
National Parks and Monuments
Colorado is home to several stunning national parks and monuments, each offering a unique glimpse into the state’s natural and cultural heritage. In August, these parks are bustling with activity, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and scenic drives. Here are a few of the top national parks and monuments to visit in Colorado in August:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and for good reason. With its stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Be sure to check out the park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. (See Also: Where to Visit in Wyoming in Winter? Winter Wonders)
Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Hike to the top of Longs Peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
- Take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning mountain vistas
- Go wildlife viewing for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep
- Camp at one of the park’s many campsites
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the state’s natural history. With its towering sand dunes, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Be sure to check out the park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and sandboarding opportunities.
Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park:
- Hike to the top of the dunes for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
- Go sandboarding or sand-sledding down the dunes
- Take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning mountain vistas
- Go wildlife viewing for bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope
Other Destinations
Colorado has so much more to offer beyond its mountain towns and national parks. From historic towns to scenic byways, there are endless opportunities to explore and discover the state’s unique culture and natural beauty. Here are a few of the top destinations to visit in Colorado in August:
Estes Park
Estes Park is a charming mountain town located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. With its stunning mountain vistas, picturesque streets, and abundant wildlife, Estes Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Be sure to check out the town’s many shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Things to Do in Estes Park:
- Hike to the top of Prospect Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
- Take a scenic drive through the park’s stunning mountain vistas
- Go wildlife viewing for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep
- Explore the town’s many shops and restaurants
San Luis Valley
The San Luis Valley is a scenic and historic region located in southern Colorado. With its stunning mountain vistas, picturesque towns, and abundant wildlife, the San Luis Valley is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Be sure to check out the valley’s many scenic drives, hiking trails, and cultural attractions.
Things to Do in the San Luis Valley:
- Hike to the top of Blanca Peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
- Take a scenic drive through the valley’s stunning mountain vistas
- Go wildlife viewing for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep
- Explore the valley’s many historic towns and cultural attractions
Recap
Colorado is a paradise for travelers and adventure-seekers alike, offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant towns, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. From mountain towns to national parks, there are endless opportunities to explore and discover the state’s unique culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Colorado has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the top destinations and activities listed above to plan your ultimate Colorado adventure. (See Also: Where to Visit in June Europe? Top Summer Destinations)
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Colorado?
The best way to get around Colorado depends on your specific destination and mode of transportation. The state has a well-developed highway system, and many of its towns and cities are accessible by car. However, if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, consider using public transportation or renting a bike. Many of Colorado’s towns and cities also have shuttle services or bike-share programs.
What is the best time to visit Colorado?
The best time to visit Colorado depends on your specific interests and preferences. Summer is a popular time to visit, with warm weather and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and lower prices, consider visiting in the spring or fall. Winter is also a great time to visit, with many of Colorado’s ski resorts offering world-class skiing and snowboarding.
What are some of the top things to do in Colorado?
Colorado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Some of the top things to do in Colorado include:
- Hiking to the top of a 14er
- Going skiing or snowboarding at one of Colorado’s many ski resorts
- Exploring the state’s many national parks and monuments
- Going rafting or kayaking down one of Colorado’s many rivers
- Visiting one of the state’s many charming mountain towns
What are some of the top festivals and events in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its vibrant festival and event scene, with many unique and exciting events taking place throughout the year. Some of the top festivals and events in Colorado include: (See Also: Where to Visit in Saint Kitts and Nevis? Hidden Gems Revealed)
- The Telluride Bluegrass Festival
- The Aspen Music Festival
- The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
- The Durango Film Festival
- The Colorado Shakespeare Festival
What are some of the top restaurants in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its vibrant food scene, with many unique and delicious restaurants throughout the state. Some of the top restaurants in Colorado include:
- The Kitchen in Boulder
- The Cherry Cricket in Denver
- The Olde House in Estes Park
- The Golden Bee in Aspen
- The Buckhorn Grill in Durango
What are some of the top breweries in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its craft beer scene, with many unique and delicious breweries throughout the state. Some of the top breweries in Colorado include:
- New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins
- Oskar Blues Brewery in Longmont
- The Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver
- The Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins
- The Ska Brewing Company in Durango
