If you've been a winter-sports enthusiast for more than a few years, you probably remember a time when ski towns rolled up their sidewalks in May and went into a sort of reverse hibernation until the first snowfall.
There may still be a few such towns left out there, but you won't find them in Colorado. Though the state is best known as a winter-sports paradise, the fun never stops in the Colorado Rockies. When the ski season is winding down high in the mountains, snowmelt is feeding the state's numerous lakes and rivers, making for prime rafting, canoeing, and fishing. As the snow recedes, hikers, bikers, and campers make their move, taking advantage of Colorado's natural beauty and balmy summer weather.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Back in the day, lifts used to grind to a halt with the ski season. But no longer. Major ski areas such as Vail, Aspen, and many others now keep at least one lift (usually a scenic gondola) open all summer. This makes ski resorts a great place for summer adventures in hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Just jump on the lift, with or without your bike, and in minutes you've gained thousands of feet of elevation. If this seems like cheating, don't worry; you can always head further uphill on your own. But you can also hike or bike down miles of snow-less ski and snowboard trails, or strike out across the mountain. Make your trek as challenging or as leisurely as you like--and when you've had enough, you're never far from a great meal at a trailside restaurant.
Colorado Backcountry
When you're ready to really get away from it all, Colorado is also the place for some of the most stunningly beautiful wilderness getaways in the United States. The wild Rocky Mountains provide every imaginable type of hike, from pleasant day strolls to full-bore trekking through national parks such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, the San Juan National Forest, and others.
While there are plenty of opportunities for day hikes in the mountains, the state's vastness and high altitude (Denver, at the base of the Rockies, isn't called the Mile-High City for nothing), you'll get the most out of your Colorado mountain experience on a multi-day trip. The mountains are full of camping facilities catering to everyone from Grizzly Adams to the most squeamish. Feeling brave? Unspoiled areas such as the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area provide the perfect place to get away from it all. Permits are generally required during summer months, but the fee is usually nominal.
Not quite so adventurous? Call up the 10th Mountain Division--the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, that is. Scattered throughout the mountains between Vail and Aspen are dozens of cozy huts designed to provide respite to backcountry trekkers. Although amenities vary by property, all have heat, electricity, a kitchen, and mattress pads--most huts sleep 16. Keep in mind that you'll still need your own bedding and food. Reservations are essential, as well.
Prime White-Water Rafting
As the season's last skiers and snowboarders are heading home, the white-water rafting season is just getting going. Spring and summer snow run-off from the Rockies feeds some of the best paddling rivers in the United States. The early season produces truly wild conditions, with many class-5, expert-only runs. But there's plenty of tamer water, too, especially during the mid- to late summer.
The Colorado River (this is the stream that, further south, brings you the Grand Canyon) is one of the most popular rivers in Colorado for rafting. Most stretches range from class 1 to class 3 (which the whole family can probably handle). But for a few weeks in late August and early September, the Gore Canyon stretch has class 5+ rapids that attract experts from all over the country. You'll need to be experienced to even think about tackling this white water. Most outfitters also require that paddlers be at least 16 years old, and in good physical shape.
Other popular white-water spots include the Arkansas River, which has water ranging from class 2 through 5, depending on location and the time of year, and the Eagle River, which has water ranging from class 2 to 4. This river is famous for its long stretches of completely calm water, where you can take a break from the roller-coaster rapids and take in the stunning beauty of the surrounding 14,000-foot peaks.•
