Discover Adventure, Adrenaline and Art in Colorado

Monday, Jun 20, 2022 0

Summer is officially here so it’s time to get back outdoors. From Jazz festivals in majestic canyons to ziplining at record heights, sophisticated explorers can count on Colorado for unforgettable experiences in perfect, scenic settings.

Outdoor recreation

Soaring Tree Top Adventures opens for its 18th season

The largest and safest zip line canopy tour course has returned for its 18th season. Soaring Tree Top Adventures is once again gracing the skies and allowing guests to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the tree canopy of the breathtaking Durango Mountains. An all-day ecological adventure tour that spans across 27 zip lines, which are accessible for all ages, the unique adventure can be found in the heart of the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. With no road access to the remote area, guests travel via the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad in the Soaring First Class train cars.

The Highway to the Sky reopens for the summer season

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, otherwise known as the Highway to the Sky, is now officially open for the summer. Encompassing 48 miles of winding roads through the Rocky Mountains, the drive curves above the trees and reaches heights of 12,183 feet. There are many viewpoints along the trail which offer breathtaking scenery such as the Rainbow Curve, which is a hot spot for rainbows and found 10,829 feet above sea level, and the Forest Canyon Overlook, which stands at 11,716 feet. Travellers must book a timed permit in advance to access the park from 5am-6pm to 9am-3pm depending on their entry route.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park introduces new attraction this summer (date TBC)

Coming this summer, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unveiling its newest attraction, Defiance. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster has thrills at its core and is a 56 second rocky mountain adventure like no other. Defiance defies odds with a 110-foot record breaking fall drop. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located above Glenwood Springs and is known as America’s only mountain-top theme park.

Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park reopens this July (1 July)

After a redevelopment, tours will resume at the historical Cliff Palace from 1 July. The archaeological wonder is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park and is crafted of wooden beams, sandstone and mortar. With over 700 years of history and preservation, the establishment has over 150 individual rooms and more than 20 kivas (spaces for religious rituals). It is said the Palace once had a population of 100 people. It’s a must visit for history lovers who enjoy the outdoors.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

With magical mountain views, heart-pumping thrills and a wealth of history, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must for every thrill-seeker’s bucket list. Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges and the majestic Royal Gorge which stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River, guests can fly 1,200 feet above the canyon on the Cloudscraper Zip Line, glide across in an aerial gondola, and explore the historical roots at the Plaza Theater.

Festivals & events

Juneteenth Music Festival, Denver (17-19 June)

This historic and iconic festival returns to Denver’s Five Points neighbourhood for another exciting year of live performances, art stalls, and authentic food and drink. Attendees of Juneteenth Music Festival can also witness the interactive and educational programming at the acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks in the area.

Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns for its 35th season (23 June – 4 August)

Returning for its 35th season, Bravo! Vail Music Festival will take over Vail Valley with the world’s greatest orchestras. Performances will be seen from the talented Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic as well as more than 60 concerts during the six-week classical music festival.

Denver PrideFest (25-26 June)

Across a two day celebration, Denver PrideFest encourages love from all walks of life. The weekend begins with a Pride dedicated 5K where participants can walk, run, or sashay their way to the finish line. The celebration continues at Civic Center Park, which includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food and beverage stalls and live performances to set the tone. On the final day the streets are filled with colourful floats and music in an honorary pride parade.

Meow Wolf relocates VORTEX festival to Denver for 2022 (5-7 August)

VORTEX, an outdoor immersive music festival from Meow Wolf, will take place in Denver for the first time this summer. Originally started in Taos, New Mexico, VORTEX will take place 5-7 August in a yet to be announced Denver location, and will see well-known EDM artists, including Duke Dumont, take to the stage. There will also be signature art installations and delicious food and drink offerings.

Telluride Jazz Festival (12-14 August)

Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado hosts the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three day and night music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest natural landscapes with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. Providing a sample of the state’s craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.

Getting there

British Airways flies direct from London to Denver every day from £576 return in the summer. United Airlines runs a double daily flight from London Heathrow to Denver International Airport.