There's a reason Colorado is the outdoor capital of the country. Within a few hours of Denver, you can summit peaks over 14,000 feet, fly fish Gold Medal trout streams, mountain bike world-class trails, and float through canyons. And if you keep driving west, you hit Moab—one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
Here's our guide to making the most of a Colorado (and Moab) summer.
Beginner 14ers
Colorado has 58 peaks over 14,000 feet, and bagging your first one is a rite of passage. These are the ones we recommend for first-timers.
Quandary Peak
Distance: 6.75 miles | Elevation Gain: 3,450 ft
Quandary is the classic "first 14er." The trail is well-marked, the grade is steady, and the summit views are incredible. It's about 2 hours from Denver near Breckenridge. The biggest challenge is the altitude—if you're coming from sea level, spend a day in the mountains acclimating before you go.
Grays & Torreys
Distance: 8.4 miles (both peaks) | Elevation Gain: 3,600 ft
Two 14ers for the price of one. Grays and Torreys are connected by a ridge, so you can summit both in a single hike. The trailhead is right off I-70, making this one of the most accessible 14er combos. The trail is straightforward, but the ridge between peaks has some exposure—stay focused.
Mount Bierstadt
Distance: 7 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,850 ft
Another great starter peak, just an hour from Denver near Georgetown. The willows at the base can be marshy, so waterproof boots help. Once you're above treeline, it's a beautiful walk to the summit.
For all 14ers: Start by 5 AM. Colorado afternoon thunderstorms are no joke above treeline. Bring layers, rain gear, sun protection, and at least 3 liters of water.
Fly Fishing
Gold Medal Waters
Colorado has some of the best trout fishing in the Lower 48, and the state's "Gold Medal" designation marks the cream of the crop.
- South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon): Technical dry fly fishing in a stunning canyon. Educated trout that'll test your presentation. About 90 minutes from Denver.
- Arkansas River (near Salida): Big water, big fish, and great access. The section through Brown's Canyon is a can't-miss float trip.
- Frying Pan River (near Basalt): The tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir is legendary for big rainbows and browns. The "Toilet Bowl" hole below the dam is famous for a reason.
What to bring: 4-5 weight rod, an assortment of small dry flies (BWOs, PMDs, midges), and nymphing rigs. A Simms pack and wading boots make long days on the water comfortable.
Mountain Biking
Fruita / Grand Junction
Before you even get to Moab, the Fruita and Grand Junction area has incredible riding. The 18 Road trails (including Kessel Run and Joe's Ridge) are fast, flowy, and have views of the Book Cliffs that'll make you stop mid-ride. Kokopelli's Trail is a legendary multi-day ride connecting Fruita to Moab.
Moab
Moab is a mountain biker's pilgrimage. The terrain is unlike anything else—you're riding on slickrock (sandstone that's actually incredibly grippy), with the La Sal Mountains and red rock desert stretching in every direction. It's basically a basecamp with a zip code—bike shops, shuttle services, post-ride tacos, and cold beer all within walking distance of your campsite.
- Slickrock Trail: The classic. 10.5 miles of pure sandstone rollercoaster. It's physically demanding and the navigation can be tricky (follow the painted dashes), but there's nothing else like it on Earth. Do the 2.3-mile practice loop first to gauge the terrain.
- Whole Enchilada: The legendary 27-mile descent from the La Sal Mountains down to the Colorado River. You start in alpine forest at 11,000 feet and end in the desert at 4,000. Burro Pass, Hazard County, LPS — each section has its own personality. It's an all-day adventure and one of the best rides in the world. Shuttle required.
- Porcupine Rim: A 15-mile point-to-point with jaw-dropping views of Castle Valley and the Colorado River 1,000 feet below. Techy in spots but mostly fast and flowy. The last descent to the river is unforgettable.
- Captain Ahab: Moab's crown jewel for technical riders. It's a rocky, rowdy double-black descent with high-consequence moves and incredible canyon views. If you're not confident on steep, exposed rock features, ride Hymasa (the climb up) and take the lower Amasa Back down instead. This trail is significantly harder than Slickrock.
- Mag 7 to Gold Bar Rim: A 20-mile shuttle ride that combines high-desert mesa views with technical rock gardens and a finish along the Colorado River. The Portal Trail section at the end is optional (and terrifying) — most people skip it and still have an amazing day.
Bike season: March through May and September through November are ideal. Summer temps regularly hit 100°F+ and the rock radiates heat. If you do ride in summer, start at dawn.
Gear up at: Trek Bikes, Competitive Cyclist, and don't forget a Thule rack to get your bikes there.
River Trips
The Colorado River through Moab is one of the best ways to see red rock country from a completely different angle. Whether you're looking for a mellow float or serious whitewater, there's a trip for every comfort level.
Mellow Floats
If you're looking for a "drink in hand" kind of float, Hittle Bottom to Big Bend is your spot. Rent inflatable kayaks or a stand-up paddleboard and spend a few hours drifting between canyon walls. It's mellow, gorgeous, and won't have you white-knuckling a paddle. Most outfitters in town offer half-day rentals.
Day Trips
Fisher Towers to Rocky Rapid is the sweet spot — some Class II-III rapids mixed with calm sections and stunning tower formations. Most guided day trips run this stretch and it's a blast. You get just enough whitewater to feel alive without needing serious experience.
Multi-Day Adventures
Cataract Canyon is the big one. A 3-4 day trip that starts calm and builds to the "Big Drops" — a series of Class III-V rapids that are some of the most exciting whitewater in the West. You camp on sandy beaches under the stars and eat better than you do at home (river guides are notoriously great camp cooks). Permits required and typically booked months in advance.
Gear for River Days
If you're running your own boat or want quality river gear, NRS is the standard. Their dry bags, PFDs, and inflatable kayaks are what most outfitters use. A few essentials:
- PFD: Non-negotiable, even on calm water. NRS makes some of the most comfortable ones on the market.
- Dry bags: Protect your phone, keys, and snacks. The 10L and 20L sizes cover most day trips.
- Water shoes: You'll be in and out of the river all day. Keens or Chacos work great.
- Sun protection: River glare is brutal. Long-sleeve sun shirt, buff, and polarized sunglasses.
What to Pack
Colorado and Moab summers are intense: - Sun protection: You're at altitude and in the desert. SPF 50, sun shirt, hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. - Water: Bring more than you think. 3-4 liters minimum for any hike, ride, or fishing day. - Layers: Morning temps at 14,000 feet can be in the 30s even in July. By noon it's 70. Afternoon thunderstorms drop it back down. - Vehicle transport: A Thule roof box or bike rack is essential for getting gear to trailheads.
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