Winter is why we came but summer is why we stayed. Green grass, wildflowers, perfect weather, outdoor fun - let us show you our top 5 summer activities in Colorado's mountain towns of Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek.
1. Biking/Cycling
The minute the snow melts, Colorado turns into a biking mecca for road and mountain bikers alike. Take advantage of the ever-expanding network of singletrack trails and the miles of quiet paved county road in summer.
Breckenridge Biking:
Park your car and explore Breckenridge on two wheels! Bike enthusiasts of all levels love the miles of terrain Breck has to offer from cycling, mountain biking, gravel, and cruising into town - there are more than enough reasons to get out and explore.
Steamboat Springs Biking:
There’s a reason Steamboat is called Bike Town, USA ®. Families will enjoy an easy bike ride down the 7 miles of core trail through downtown Steamboat and beyond. Gravel biking has become popular with locals and visitors alike with 600 miles of dirt and hard-packed gravel roads and easy access from town.
Vail / Beaver Creek / Vail Valley Biking:
The Gore Valley Trail is part of the Eagle County Core Trail system. The 12-mile route is a combination of attached bike lanes, detached trails, and residential streets and winds through open space, parks, and recreation facilities, as well as Vail's core village areas. Gravel biking has become popular with locals and visitors alike with miles of dirt and hard-packed gravel roads to explore.
2. Hiking
Hiking may just be the most rewarding and peaceful way to enjoy the Rocky Mountains. Luckily we have trail options for every level - from stroller accessible to multi-day treks.
Breckenridge Hiking:
Breckenridge isn't shy to show off its Rocky Mountain beauty with its alpine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, and lush forests filled with wildlife friends. With a mix of mountain views and evergreen forests, there is a plentiful supply of picturesque hiking trails for all experience levels.
With lush greenery, mountain vistas, and pristine lakes, Breckenridge is an ideal location for your summer hikes.
Local favorites...
- Hoosier Pass Loop
- Burro Trail
- Lower Mohawk Lake
Steamboat Springs Hiking:
Hiking in Steamboat is a big summer pastime, with miles and miles of beauty to be found, from easy family trails, to multi-day backcountry hikes - the trails are never-ending for all abilities and never-ending views.
Local favorites...
- Fish Creek Falls
- Long Lake
- Uranium Mine
- Gilpin Lake
- Rabbits Ear Peak
- Hot Springs Trail
- Devil's Causeway
Vail and Beaver Creek Hiking:
Hiking in the Vail and Beaver Creek is beyond spectacular, with miles and miles of beauty to be found, from easy family trails to multi-day backcountry hikes - the trails are never-ending for all abilities and never-ending views.
Local favorites...
- In East Vail: Booth Falls/Lake, Gore Creek/Lake Trail, and Deluge Lake Trail
- In West Vail: Davos Trail
- Vail Pass: Shrine Ridge
- Minturn: Notch Mountain Trail, Grouse Lake Trail
- Beaver Creek: Bighorn Creek Trail, Cross Creek Trail, Fall Creek Trail, Missouri Lakes Trail
3. Fishing
Locals and visitors alike enjoy fly fishing in Colorado's beautiful lakes and rivers.
Breckenridge Fly Fishing:
Breckenridge is home to some of the best fly fishing waters in the state of Colorado. Grab a guide and experience Breckenridge fly fishing at its finest in the Blue River, Eagle River, and mountain lakes like Lower Mohawk Lake.
Steamboat Springs Fly Fishing:
Anglers enjoy several miles of public access in town to Steamboat's scenic Yampa River casting for rainbow and brown trout. The river offers a peaceful setting with stunning views and world-class trout. Lake fishing is great, too - try your luck at Stagecoach Reservoir, Steamboat Lake or Pearl Lake.
Vail and Beaver Creek Fly Fishing:
Anglers enjoy fishing the surrounding rivers or nearby lakes, casting for rainbow and brown trout. In the Vail, area, you'll fish the Gore Creek or the Eagle River. The Gore runs right through Vail and is a local favorite. Beaver Creek is one of our more popular fishing spots because it fishes so well all year round. Anglers can expect to catch trout when there is snow on the ground or when it's hot in summer.
4. Paddleboarding/Tubing/Rafting
Watercraft is where it's at come late spring and summer in the Rockies. We love our rafts, paddleboards, and tubes. Check out our favorites.
Breckenridge Rafting:
When you have winters as robust as we do, rafting is an exciting way to experience Breckenridge and the surrounding area with trips down neighboring rivers with Class IV+ white water. Rafting in our area is for all interests and abilities. Rafting adventures range from mild to wild led by guides who are state, CPR and First Aid certified. Trips are planned with safety, scenery, and surge in mind, making rafting one of Colorado’s most popular summer activities.
Breckenridge Paddleboarding:
Once the ice has melted in the Breckenridge high country, it’s hard to find a still body of water without witnessing stand-up paddleboarding in Breckenridge, also known as SUPing. With rental locations throughout Breckenridge, SUPers flock to areas like Maggie Pond or nearby Lake Dillon to feed their need for floating freely among the mountains.
Steamboat Springs Paddleboarding and Tubing:
In spring, when the water is high, the advanced paddleboarders come out of winter hiding and float the river from the east side of town, through downtown and beyond. Watch from a restaurant deck downtown, or head out yourself, staying at the upper end of the river where it's calmer if you are still learning. Fetcher Pond is a great place to learn, accessible by car or the core trail. If vast, scenic lakes are your paddling style, paddleboard on Stagecoach Reservoir or Steamboat Lake and take in the views while basking in the warm sun and refreshing breezes. Tubers come out in droves in summer after the spring runoff slows down some, filling the river with floating fun-seekers - a true spectacle to enjoy and watch from shore.
Vail and Beaver Creek Rafting:
Thrill-seekers love rafting in the Vail Valley, with many rafting companies to choose from, suitable for all ages and abilities. Within a few miles of Vail lies some of the best whitewater river rafting in Colorado. While moving through beautiful gorges and scenic canyons, you’ll be enjoying some of the most exciting rapids of any of Colorado’s many rivers, including the Eagle River, Piney River, and the mighty Colorado River. Don’t miss out on experiencing an outstanding rafting trip on some beautiful rivers.
5. Horseback Riding
Enjoy a spectacular horseback ride through the beautiful backcountry and fancy yourself a real cowboy or cowgirl for the day. Miles of trails await with wide-open scenic views, dense aspen glades, sweet-smelling sage, and mountains as far as you can see. Saddle up your family for a fun-filled adventure.
Looking for the perfect luxury vacation home for your family and friends? Give us a call and we can match you with the right home for you in Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Vail, and Beaver Creek.
