Summer in the Rockies
by Wendy Maxey

Selecting the destination of the month for August wasn't an easy task. We were torn between the distinct charm of Austin, Texas and the growing popularity of summer in the Rockies. Somehow a knock-down, drag-out fight ensued (not really) and the ski resorts prevailed. And, just as I had expected, as soon as I returned from my trip out west, I was bombarded with questions about the ski conditions. While it's not that unheard of to ski during the warm season, it's less common in mid-July. "Hmm, don't they just use man-made snow?" Not anymore. Not since they realized the power of summer.

Summer in Colorado. It's become the state's second high season. Winter is still the first - for obvious reasons that we won't discuss here. As white as the mountains are during the winter months, they are just as green in the summer. It's like visiting two completely different places (except for the ever-present Rockies, of course).

Never fear, though, there's still a major ski presence in the summer. It's not as if the winter folks pack up and move out, slapping hands with the incoming summer team along the way. The ski shops are open, the lifts are running and you can even indulge in a hot chocolate - just to recapture the spirit (although I recommend you order an iced capuccino instead and celebrate a new spirit).

So, what exactly do tourists do in Colorado during the summer?

Let's see. What can you possibly do on and around huge mountains when there is no snow? Hike, bike, fish, joyride, camp, hunt, raft - just to name a few. It's safe to say that there's more to do in Colorado during the summer months than there is to do in the winter. (Avid skiiers may argue this.)

Scenic driving is a major tourist attraction in the Centennial State (dubbed so because it was accepted into the Union in 1876). The best part about taking long drives through the Rockies? It's free.

There are a number of passes and major thoroughfares in Colorado. What is a pass? According to Ed and Gloria Helmuth (The Passes of Colorado), it's a point used to cross a ridge that divides two watersheds. Passes are usually closed during the winter months and are generally situated at high altitudes. Passes are scary, but worth the ride.

One pass in particular that is highly recommended (and rather frightening) is Independence Pass, which starts a few miles southeast of Aspen and climbs to the 12,100-foot summit of Independence Pass (now an old ghost town). The road winds through vast untamed wilderness and atop some of the highest peaks in the Rockies to land in Leadville (for more on passes, click here).

If driving isn't your thing, there are seemingly endless miles of biking and hiking trails tucked away in the Rockies. From Colorado Springs and Denver to the east to Durango and Telluride to the west, Colorado is filled with trails - some undiscovered - for the outdoorsman (or not).

Rafting is probably one of the most popular activities among summer visitors. Although you can arrange rafting trips in almost every corner of the state, check out lesser-known Glenwood Springs. This pit stop is easily overlooked by tourists en route to its glamorous neighbor Aspen. Glenwood is a biker's dream and a great place for rafting since it's surrounded by the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers.

Over the past few years, Colorado's major ski resorts have opened shop for summer travelers, offering all of the above activities. It's really a question of which towns tickle your summer vacation fancy - whether it be posh resort spots, including Aspen and Vail, or areas such as Crested Butte and Breckenridge, known not as playgrounds for the rich and but for their house microbreweries and New Agey shops. (In fact, Crested Butte was the site of this year's Winter X Games).

While out West, I spent the bulk of my trip in Aspen and Vail. I did catch glimpses of Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Colorado Springs (what's with the Springs), Snowmass and Twin Lakes - just from driving. I recommend time spent on the road; this is a sure-fire way to see the best of what Colorado has to offer.

Other towns you might want to stroll through include Steamboat Springs, Snowmass Village, Durango, Telluride, Beaver Creek and Keystone. (Note: Fifteen towns in the Rockies were recently posted on Travel and Leisure magazine's top 25 Great North American Ski Resorts list). And, chances are, if it's great in the winter, it's just as good in the summer.

On the following pages, you will get the lowdown on where to eat, sleep and play in Steamboat, Aspen and Vail. Because of time restraints, I could only see so much of the Rockies, however, I'll throw in a couple of other spots on occasion.