Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Mid-June in the box canyon of Telluride — one of the most beautiful festival settings in America.
Season
Summer in Colorado
Prime outdoor season — Red Rocks concerts, mountain festivals, alpine hikes, and long evenings on Denver patios.
Summer is Colorado at its absolute peak. June through August delivers warm Denver patios, daily Red Rocks shows, mountain festivals, alpine wildflowers, and 14ers in season. Bring a rain shell for afternoon thunderstorms and book lodging early — this is the busiest season of the year.
Best months
June – August
Avg high (Denver)
85°F
Avg high (mountains)
70°F
Peak crowds
July weekends
Red Rocks concert season
The most legendary outdoor venue in the country runs back-to-back shows from May through September. Tickets sell out fast for marquee acts; check the official Red Rocks calendar and AXS for releases. Pair shows with the Trading Post Trail hike at golden hour.
Mountain festivals
Aspen Music Festival
Eight weeks of classical concerts each summer, June–August.
Vail Dance Festival
Internationally-renowned dance series, late July to August.
Vail Whitewater Series
Free downtown kayak races on Gore Creek in June.
Outdoor recreation
Summer is when Colorado runs full throttle — 14ers in season (mid-July to early September is safest), rafting on the Arkansas and Colorado Rivers, lake days at Dillon Reservoir and Lake Granby, mountain biking in Crested Butte, and rock climbing in Eldorado Canyon.
Farmers markets & patio dining
Denver's Cherry Creek Farmers Market and Union Station Market run weekly through summer. Patios at Linger, Avanti F&B, and the El Five rooftop deliver Colorado's best food-and-mountain-view combos.
Insider tips
- Reserve RMNP timed-entry permits at recreation.gov 30+ days out.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily — start hikes before dawn.
- Hotel rates peak July–August; June and late August offer better deals.
- Carry sun protection — Colorado's UV index is extreme at altitude.
- Wildfire smoke can blow in unexpectedly; check AirNow.gov before long outdoor days.
Interactive map
Red Rocks anchors Colorado's summer concert season
Frequently asked questions
When does Red Rocks concert season start?
Late April through mid-November, with the heaviest schedule from May through September. Check the Red Rocks website for current calendar.
Is RMNP busy in summer?
Yes — timed-entry permits are required from late May through mid-October to manage crowds.
Are mountain summers cool?
Pleasant: 70s by day, 40–50s at night above 8,000 ft. Pack layers and a rain shell — afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily.
