People hailing from every region of the country swear their sunny seasons reign supreme. Coloradans, however, have a persuasive argument. Warm days, cool nights. Bluebird skies. Fresh mountain breezes. Altitude-enhanced sunshine. Zero humidity. And not a bug in sight.

And after six months of snow and cold, the warm days of summer in the Centennial State feel like a much-deserved reprieve. It’s that contrast, maybe, that makes summer feel so magical here. Set against a backdrop of still-snow-capped peaks, the 85-degree days of June, July, and August play host to a season full of outdoor activities: dayhiking, backcountry camping, kayaking, white-water rafting, fly-fishing, and festival-going. But Colorado’s summer is so much more than just a calendar of events, a to-do list of activities. It’s a feeling, an atmosphere, a creature with a personality all its own.

5280 June 2008
More From The Issue

Here, our editors and writers share their very favorite rituals, trips, recipes, destinations, and tips to make the most of the sweet days of summer.