Think it’s still too early in the year to start hashing out your Colorado summer vacation itinerary? Well, think again! Time indeed does tend to fly, and those who wait to iron down the details of their getaway in the gorgeous, glorious Centennial State may find themselves frustrated by booked-up accommodations and the kind of poorly thought-out scheduling that often results from rushed, last-minute planning.
Here at Royal Gorge Cabins, where we offer scenic and well-appointed lodgings outside Cañon City in the Royal Gorge Region, we know a thing or two about Colorado summer family vacations, needless to say. Though we’re a year-round draw—this is the Colorado Banana Belt, after all, and our vacation cabins and luxury glamping tents are cozy as can be—there’s no question summertime is a peak season for us. In this guide, we’ll offer some tips and considerations for planning a Colorado summer vacation. Let’s get going!
Top Colorado Summer Destinations & Activities
Colorado is a big and diverse place, and its scenic splendor and historical/cultural heritage are on display from the old buffalo range of the High Plains to the snowy jags of the Southern Rocky Mountains and the vivid mesas and canyons marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Depending on where you’re coming from, how you’re getting here, and the personal preferences and interests of your party, you can scheme a fabulous Colorado summer vacation itinerary anywhere in the state.
Family-Friendly Colorado Vacation Ideas
When it comes to family-friendly Colorado summer attractions, you’re spoiled for choices. Here in the Royal Gorge Region, you and the gang can enjoy the premier whitewater rafting for which the Arkansas River is internationally celebrated. Our partners Echo Canyon River Expeditions have been leading rafting trips of multiple difficulty levels—from family-friendly sightseeing floats to high-adrenaline rides through gnarly rapids—since 1978. River-running in this neck of the woods is really world-class and the biggest overall regional draw of all, and given the variety of different rafting trips available, there’s something to appeal to just about anybody.
The Echo Canyon River Expeditions headquarters is a stone’s throw from Royal Gorge Cabins, so it’s hard to beat our cabins and glamping tents as a place to stay while getting a taste of the Arkansas River whitewater. The same goes, of course, for off-the-water experiences in the epic Royal Gorge of the Arkansas:
You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and the Royal Gorge Railroad, with abundant opportunities to tour and recreate in and around the 1,200-foot-deep chasm, famously spanned by one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.
Not far away from our Royal Gorge Region, the vicinity of Colorado Springs—a major Front Range metro area only about an hour away and serviced by a major airport—has its own rich spectrum of family-friendly attractions. Ride the historical cog railway up the slopes of Pikes Peak, one of the best-known “Fourteeners” in the state, and check out the astonishing redbed formations of the Garden of the Gods in the Front Range foothills, host to such iconic sandstone eminences as Steamboat Rock, the Tower of Babel, and the Cathedral Spires.
Other great destinations to incorporate into Colorado summer family vacations include Rocky Mountain National Park, a beloved showcase of Southern Rockies scenery and ecology, and Great Sand Dunes National Park, where winds blowing across the San Luis Valley and against the Sangre de Cristos have built up one of the planet’s tallest inland dune fields.
Summer Vacationing in Colorado for Couples
Looking for more of a just-the-two-of-you sort of escape to the American West? Many of the above destinations and activities are well-suited to couples as well. The two of you might enjoy some of the adventure-class whitewater rafting Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers on the Arkansas, and certainly, our Royal Gorge Cabins, with their private patios basking in mountain views, have “romantic getaway” written all over them! And the range of hiking, mountain biking, 4WD touring, and rock-climbing options in our backyard is virtually endless.
You might also weave in a concert at one of the most beloved and unique performance venues in the country: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, whose open-air stage, set against imposing outcrops, has welcomed everyone from The Beatles, Diana Ross, and Jimi Hendrix to Dave Matthews Band and Mumford & Sons.
Solo Summer Travel
Of course, sometimes there’s nothing better than a solo vacation, in which case the Royal Gorge Region is another highly recommended destination. Join a whitewater rafting trip, kick back and relax on a scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge, and savor some “me time” and reflection in the privacy of one of our decked-out rentals!
Planning a Colorado Summer Vacation: Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Do I Need for a Colorado Summer Trip?
While we’d always recommend maximizing the length of your Colorado getaway—there really is that much to see, do, and experience—a summer vacation here of just about any duration is worth it. If you only have a weekend or so, you can still enjoy half-day rafting adventures on the Arkansas River, for example. Given how prime of a vacationland the Royal Gorge Region and Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak areas are, though—with everything from world-class bike trails and climbing routes to fascinating historic sites and museums—you might try aiming for a weeklong trip if possible.
At Royal Gorge Cabins, we make vacation planning especially easy: Depending on how long you have here, you can choose among various Colorado summer itineraries to incorporate into your stay with us.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Colorado in Summer?
June can be a great time to visit Colorado, given the early-summer weather’s a bit milder (often mid-80s in our region) and the crowds aren’t yet at maximum. July is the peak vacation season, so you can expect more company—and also hotter weather, often into the mid-90s. By August, crowds are thinning some; daily highs tend to range between the mid-80s and the mid-90s.
What Should I Pack for a Summer Vacation in Colorado?
Bring layers for a Colorado summer getaway: While temperatures can certainly get plenty hot during the midday and afternoon hours, the high elevation and dry air out here mean nights can get a bit chilly.
Some rain gear isn’t a bad idea, either, given the frequency of afternoon showers and thunderstorms—including those spurred regularly by the Southwestern Monsoon.
Royal Gorge Cabins Summer Accommodations
Enjoy a safe, exciting, relaxing summer vacation at Royal Gorge Cabins. We offer a wide range of accommodations perfect for families, solo travelers, and couples alike. Discover why we’re a premier summer vacation destination, and contact us today for more information on booking your next trip.
