Your End-of-Summer Colorado Bucket List (From the People Who Live It)

The late summer weeks in Colorado are pure magic (but maybe we are biased). The crowds have thinned, the high-country wildflowers are still hanging on, and the crisp mornings give way to sunny afternoons perfect for adventure. Before the aspens turn gold and the snow dusts the peaks, there’s still time to squeeze in those last quintessential Colorado experiences.

At Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides, we don’t just plan adventures—we live them. Here’s our end-of-summer bucket list, straight from our guides, instructors, and locals who make every season count.

1. Take a Sunrise Hike Above Treeline

There’s nothing like watching the first light hit the Rockies from above treeline. As you climb higher, the air feels cooler and cleaner, and each step brings you closer to the soft pink glow cresting the peaks. The quiet of an early morning in the high country is unmatched—you might hear nothing but the sound of your boots on the trail.

Pro tip: Start early to beat the midday storms and enjoy the trail mostly to yourself. Dress in layers and pack a warm hat, even in August, because above treeline the chill can surprise you. Bag a peak with one of our guides.

2. Paddle a Quiet Alpine Lake

When the morning air is still and the water is smooth as glass, there’s a certain peace you can only find on an alpine lake. Whether you’re gliding across on a paddleboard, kayaking into the reflection of the mountains, or simply floating in place, it’s a front-row seat to nature waking up. Early light often means wildlife sightings—keep your eyes out for birds skimming the surface or deer coming to drink along the shore.

Pro tip: The water will be cold—plan on enjoying it from above the surface unless you’re feeling extra brave. A warm drink in a thermos makes for the perfect post-paddle treat.

3. Ride Singletrack in the Golden Hour

There’s a magic to mountain biking late in the day when the sun hangs low and the landscape is bathed in gold. Dry, packed dirt makes for fast, smooth riding, while the occasional late-summer breeze carries the scent of pine and sage.

Pro tip: Always check trail conditions before heading out—late summer storms can still cause muddy spots. Aim to start your ride so you’re finishing just as the sun dips, when the light is at its best. Book a guided biking day with our guides.

4. Sleep Under the Stars

Camping in late summer offers the best of both worlds—warm days for adventure and cool, crisp nights perfect for sleeping. As darkness falls, the stars come out in numbers that city skies can’t compete with.

Pro tip: Download a stargazing app to help you spot constellations, planets, and the Milky Way. Bring a warmer sleeping bag than you think you’ll need—nighttime mountain temps can drop quickly.

5. Try a Late-Summer Wildflower Hike

While the big blooms of July may have passed, late summer has its own kind of beauty. At higher elevations, pockets of flowers still dot the meadows, while lower down, tall grasses sway in the breeze and seed heads catch the light like tiny lanterns. The shift in the landscape offers a quieter, softer kind of color—nature preparing for fall.

Pro tip: Even when flowers are past their prime, the seed heads and grasses create an equally beautiful, painterly scene. Bring a camera—you’ll capture hues and textures you don’t see any other time of year. Book a sightseeing tour in Rocky Mountain National Park.

6. Soak in a Hot Spring After a Big Day Out

After a full day of hiking, biking, or paddling, few things feel better than easing into a pool of warm, mineral-rich water. The heat soothes tired muscles while mountain views feed the soul. Late summer evenings are especially perfect—the air cools just enough to make the warmth feel indulgent.

Pro tip: Go midweek for fewer crowds and more mountain serenity. Bring a water bottle—soaking can be dehydrating, especially at altitude.

Make the Most of the Season

Colorado’s end-of-summer window is short, but it’s one of the most rewarding times to be outside. Whether you’re chasing alpine sunrises, gliding across glas

sy lakes, or finally trying that adventure you’ve been curious about all year, we’d love to be part of it.

Ready to check something off your Colorado bucket list? Explore our late-summer trips →