Get a taste of some local craft brews this summer at Avery Brewery, located at 5763 Arapahoe Ave. in Boulder, Colo. Tours are offered weekdays at 4 p.m. and weekends at 2 p.m. (Kai Casey/CU Independent)
Staying in Colorado for the summer? Check out our list of things to see and do.
Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs:
It’s a bit far from Boulder, but is well worth the drive. Parts of the mile-long trail to the spot are rocky and steep but once you reach the lake, prepare to let your jaw drop. The water is clear and turquoise, with a beautiful waterfall — you’ll feel like you just stepped out of Colorado and into a rainforest. For more information visit http://www.visitglenwood.com/hanging-lake.
Red Rocks
Though first and foremost a concert venue, Red Rocks offers much more than that. You can also attend events like “Yoga on the Rocks,” which starts early in the morning, and “Film on the Rocks,” where movies like “The Breakfast Club” and “Lethal Weapon” have been screened. Some concerts set for this summer’s schedule include Bassnectar, Chicago & REO Speedwagon, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Colorado’s own Pretty Lights. For event schedules visit http://redrocksonline.com/.
Mount Princeton
Part of the Collegiate Peaks, Mount Princeton is one of the must-see Fourteeners. You’ll be able to notice Mount Princeton right away because it stands alone in the Sawatch Range, and is a giant in the Arkansas Valley skies. There’s also a lot more to do on the mountain than just hiking. You can go horseback riding, camping and even take a dip in the hot springs. The soaking pools at Mount Princeton can reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect way to end a long day outside. For more information visit http://www.mtprinceton.com/hot-springs-pools.
Stanley Hotel
If you’ve ever watched or read Stephen King’s “The Shining,” then you may already be familiar with the iconic Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park. The hotel offers visitors ghost, history and fire engine tours. You do not have to be a guest to attend the tours and can book tickets online. You’re bound to leave with some kind of story — maybe you’ll even see a ghost roaming the halls when you visit. For tour information visit http://www.stanleyhotel.com/tours.
Buena Vista/Cottonwood Pass
Located halfway between Salida and Leadville next to the Arkansas River, Buena Vista is a town you have to see. It may be small, but there are numerous places to go off-roading, dirt biking, rafting and camping. You should also visit Cottonwood Pass while you are in the area. You can access the pass by driving up Chaffee County Road 306. Once you’re there, prepare to be amazed. You’ll feel like you are on top of the world at 12,000+ feet.
Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour
If you love bacon, then you will love this tour in Keystone from June 21-22. The Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour is returning for its fourth year at Keystone, and will feature thousands of pounds of bacon, live music, “how-to’s” and the Bacon Bloody Mary. For more details visit http://www.keystonefestivals.com/index.php/bacon-tour/.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Telluride is arguably one of the most gorgeous places in Colorado, making it the perfect spot for a music festival. This will be the festival’s 41st annual event and corresponds with the summer solstice this year. The Bluegrass Festival has been host to big-name bands like Mumford and Sons, Counting Crows and Robert Plant. This year the festival will host performers that include Leftover Salmon, Nickel Creek, Steve Winwood and Béla Fleck and the Colorado Symphony. The event runs from June 19-22 and allows camping. For ticket and camping information visit http://shop.bluegrass.com/telluride/tickets.
Rockies Home Games
Nothing says summer like sitting at a baseball game enjoying the warm air, the green grass and waiting for that perfect fly ball. Coors Field creates the ultimate ambiance for a baseball game as the Denver skyline peeks over the stadium. No matter what team you cheer for, you’ll want to attend a Rockies game. Visit http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=col.
Alpine Slide at Winter Park
If you want to spend some time in the mountains, but don’t want to go hiking or camping, then the alpine slide at Winter Park is the spot for you. This alpine slide is the longest in Colorado, running more than 3,000 feet long. You can control your own speed and adrenaline rush experience. While you’re in Winter Park you can also check out the various art galleries and restaurants. For more information visit http://www.winterparkresort.com/events-and-activities/activities/activities/colorados-longest-alpine-slide.aspx#.
–Brewery tours
No matter what kind of beers you like, there’s a brewery tour in Colorado for you. One tour worth checking out is at the Great Divide Brewing Co., located in Denver, that has an array of flavorful beers. Great Divide was rated “Top Brewer in Colorado” last year. Also check out the Coors brewery tour in Golden, free of charge, and the Avery brewery tour in Boulder.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Stacia Sellers at Stacia.sellers@colorado.edu
