Summit County, Colorado is a four season destination that truly shines in the summer. While the area is famous for its epic skiing across 4 ski areas, the summer months bring a different experience filled with outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Many locals joke that they “came for the winter, but stayed for the summers,” and that really sums up how captivating the summer months are here in Colorado! Here are the top reasons to visit Summit County for your summer vacation:
Perfect Mountain Weather
Summit County enjoys some of the best summer weather in Colorado. While the lower elevations bake in the summer heat, Summit County enjoys mild, sunny days and cool nights perfect for sleeping. Daytime highs in the mid-70s, low humidity and fresh mountain breezes make this time of the year ideal for outdoor activities or relaxing on a patio with a craft beer. It’s the perfect place to visit if you live in a part of the country that is hot and humid in the summer!
Gorgeous Scenery
From early June through August, the mountainsides of Summit County burst into color with blooming wildflowers like lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush. Waterfalls and rivers are pumping with spring melt, and the thick forests are filled with fresh-smelling greenery. Clear skies and sunny days make the mountain vistas stand out in a spectacular way, and this season is also a great time to spot wildlife like marmots, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Family-Friendly Activities
Summit County is filled with family-friendly attractions that will ensure there’s never a dull moment. Adventure parks like Epic Discovery in Breckenridge and Copper Mountain feature mountain coasters, mini-golf, ropes courses, go-kart racing, scenic chairlift rides and more. Gondola rides, horseback riding and zip lining are a few of the other exciting summer activities that families can enjoy in Summit County.
Charming Mountain Towns
Each town in Summit County has its own unique personality waiting to be explored, and the towns really come alive in the summer. Breckenridge buzzes with vibrant energy and historic charm, with a colorful Main Street lined with art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Frisco feels like a classic mountain town with a laid-back vibe and a central location. Silverthorne offers excellent shopping and riverfront dining, and Keystone shines through with festivals and family-friendly activities. No matter where you stay in Summit County, each town provides easy access to nature and plenty of small town charm.
Hiking and Biking
Summit County is a mecca for outdoors enthusiasts, and the warm summer months open up a sprawling network of trails. Hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails are found throughout Summit County, where you’ll find something for every level, from gentle lakeside walks to rugged alpine ascents, including a wide variety of 14,000 foot peaks that are hike-able. Bikers have plenty of options in Summit County, from the paved Recpath connecting the main towns to adrenaline-filled mountain biking trails that spiderweb throughout the area. Breckenridge and Keystone operate their lifts in the summer, offering even more options for hiking and mountain biking.
Fun on the Water
Summit County is home to the Dillon Reservoir, a 3,300-acre lake that is perfect for summer water recreation. Rent a boat, stand up paddleboard, or a kayak from a shop in Frisco or Dillon, and spend the day soaking up the sun and the mountain views from the water. Anglers will also appreciate the great trout fishing opportunities from Dillon Reservoir and nearby rivers. Thrill seekers can experience the area’s natural beauty with an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure down the Blue River.
Outdoor Dining
Summit County towns have fully embraced the art of outdoor dining in summer. Breckenridge’s Main Street is filled with sun-drenched patios, fire pits for evening cocktails al fresco, and rooftop decks with stellar views, while Frisco’s restaurants offer lake views and cozy garden seating. And there’s nothing better than enjoying a locally brewed beer on a sunny patio after a day of outdoor adventures – local breweries like Outer Range Brewing and HighSide Brewing serve up craft beers with incredible backdrops.
Festivals and Local Events
The summer months are packed with outdoor concerts, festivals and community events across Summit County. You can find weekly outdoor music in Frisco and Breckenridge, while the lakeside amphitheater in Dillon hosts concerts from and movies. Big festivals like the Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival and Keystone’s Bluegrass and Beer Festival are highlights of the season, while smaller events like art festivals and farmer’s markets add to thesummer fun.
Plan Your Summer Visit
With so many ways to enjoy the mountains, Summit County has everything you need for an epic summer vacation. There really is no shortage of fun things to do in Summit County in the summer. Set up your mountain homebase at one of our vacation rentals in Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne or Keystone and discover why summer in Summit County is truly unforgettable!
