Rose from Colorado – 5 Things to Do in the Summer

Hello, my name is Rose and I am from Colorado in the United States. Colorado is located along the west coast and is in the shape of a jarring square. We have so many things to see in my state so I have compiled list of 5 things to do while in Colorado during the summer!

Number 1: Hike in the Sand Dunes

The sand goes on for miles! Spend a day, week, or month traversing the large area of sand that constantly changes. You can come to the sand dunes one day, just to have a completely different hike the next. If there is wind, of course.

As you approach the sand dunes, you may find yourself thinking, “I am going to hike to the tallest peak!” This is certainly an ambitious goal. You will find that after you climb the first peak, there is one right behind it that is bigger.

While you are at the sand dunes, make sure to rent out a sled! Like snow, sand can be amazingly fun to sled down! You can also rent out a cabin and stay overnight!

Number 2: Hike to the key hole

Sitting really close to Denver is this really famous hiking spot! Many people in Denver are fascinated with Longs Peak, a peak that sits at 14,259 feet or 4,346 meters. It is not Denver’s highest peak, but it is a tiring hike through a beautiful landscape and has a wonderful camping area where you can stay overnight, with a permit of course.

Take refuge in the lightening shelter as shown above, or stop for a picture, to take in the sights around you. Before going further, make sure that everything is secure! From here, the trial gets more worn and narrow so you do not want to be distracted until you get to the summit. This is a side effect of the trials immense popularity.

Number 3: Go to St. Mary’s Glacier and Surrounding areas

Another location located close to Denver is St. Mary’s Glacier. St. Mary’s Glacier lies in Alice Colorado. It is a easy, couple hour hike from the parking lot assuming that you take the time to enjoy the views and walk around the area. Go on top of the glacier or even grab your skis and go down the glacier. If you don’t like slippery hikes, I suggest bringing crampons. Crampons are spikes that connect to your shoes so that you are not slipping on the ice or snow.

Near St. Mary’s Glacier is James peak. You can hike to James peak from St. Mary’s Glacier by going over the snowfield and following the trail. Rock climb, boulder, and walk along stunning paths to get to the peak of this mountain that sits at 13,300 feet or 4,052 meters.

Number 4: Denver

Do not forget to visit Denver. Take a day to explore the city! Close to the Denver International Airport, most visitors can take the RTD to the city to walk around, see the state capital building (shown above), visit museums, and eat good food. The RTD is what the public transportation is called. You can pay for the RTD via the RTD app or with card at the airport. Be aware that buses will require that you have US dollars and that you pay in exact cash. You can get to Union Station via the light rail for $2 usd.

Number 5: Go Boating in one of Colorado’s Reservoirs

There are many different reservoirs around the state. Regardless of where you stay in Colorado from Boulder to Canon City, there should be a nearby reservoir, lake, or body of water that offers boat rentals. Go for a bit to enjoy the presence of others on the water, walk around, or even have a BBQ. Some good reservoirs or bodies of water around Denver are Washington park or Sloans lake park. In Aurora, a city next to Denver and also the third largest city in Colorado, there are Cherry Creek Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir.

Bonus: The blue horse with red eyes at DIA

Remember to also check out the blue horse that guards Denver International Airport! DIA is an airport that has a lot of conspiracy theories and one of them involves the blue horse with the red eyes. If you leave DIA at night, you will notice that the red eyes glow in the dark.