World-renowned for majestic scenery, the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Olympic ranges provide nature lovers with never-ending activities. From hiking trails to hidden lakes, the West’s best destinations include Aspen, Vail, Lake Tahoe, and Whistler.
Dubbed “Colorado’s playground,” Summit County is home to three major mountain resorts—Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. Each charming village, complete with restaurants and shops, is complemented by the area’s outdoor pursuits.
Summer in Aspen is all about the great outdoors. While extreme sports thrive here—paragliding anyone?—there’s also an endless supply of family-friendly fun, including hiking and panoramic gondola rides. Free open-air concerts exemplify the lively after-hours entertainment.
Ski resorts are sensational in the summer! Hike to hidden lakes, explore alpine meadows, or brave whitewater rapids—all in Vail. This area’s luxurious mountain resorts boast relaxing accommodations combined with bustling villages and outdoor activities galore.
An authentic Old West flair permeates Steamboat Springs. Visitors are able to balance rugged activities with comforting accommodations and activities. After a day spent mountain biking or kayaking, relax each evening in the nearby hot springs.
A former coal-mining town, historic Crested Butte hosts an array of recreational opportunities once the weather warms up. In addition to being the birthplace of mountain biking, this resort draws visitors eager to hike, raft whitewater rivers, and fish.
A dramatic view of Bridal Falls greets visitors as they enter the box canyon where Telluride rests—and this natural wonder is just the beginning. Forested mountains and cliffs tower above the town, creating a spectacular backdrop for any summer vacation.
A family-oriented area, Winter Park provides guests of all ages with appropriate mountain pursuits. Kids can zoom down the alpine slide, parents can retreat to the golf course, and everyone can hike through picturesque hillside forests.
This legendary resort boasts an epic list of warm weather activities: golfing, spas, whitewater rafting, hiking—and even summer skiing and snowboarding. The established village includes 200 shops and 90 bars and restaurants to fill any downtime.
The unspoiled wilderness of Banff National Park provides a stunning backdrop for your summer adventures. These three resorts balance warm weather fun—including hikes and hot springs—with utter relaxation. The area’s isolation also means unmatched wildlife viewing.
Though these mountains lie just outside Salt Lake City, they seem a world apart from the bustling city. Pristine peaks tower over wildflower-filled meadows, swift rivers, and charming resorts. Soak in the sun as you climb, hike, or bike during summer vacation.
Home of the Sundance Film Festival, Park City becomes a welcome retreat during the summer. (Temps tend to be cooler than Utah’s normal scorchers.) The kid-friendly, yet comfortably luxurious resorts feature hiking and biking as well as hot springs for soaking.
One of America’s most beautiful bodies of water, Lake Tahoe is a renowned vacation destination during the summer. Frolic in the crystal-clear water or hike through the surrounding Sierra Nevadas, using the lakeside resorts as your home base.
Answer the call of the wild in Mammoth Lakes. This outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise features natural wonders galore—lakes, mountains, and even nearby Yosemite National Park—as well as luxurious lodges. Chase a day of hiking with a pampering massage.
The lofty Teton Mountains ring the Jackson Hole valley, creating a majestic barrier that hides hundreds of alpine lakes and old-growth forests. The area’s geography—and abundant wildlife—encourage hiking, animal-spotting, swimming, canoeing, and more.
While this quaint mountain town boasts luxury lodges galore, it still manages to retain an adventuresome spirit. See the picturesque natural wonders—including rugged peaks and green meadows—during hikes and horseback rides.
The towering peaks of the Continental Divide form the backbone of this family-friendly resort town. Hundreds of hiking trails and numerous lakes and rivers cut through the vast wilderness—visitors can also golf while kids join popular summer camps.
Calling all nature lovers… Big Sky operates lifts all summer long, transporting bikers, hikers, and sightseers up 9,025 feet to a warm weather playground—minus the crowds of similar resort towns. Fly fishing and whitewater rafting keeps some folks in the valley below.
While Taos mimics the look and feel of a Swiss village, the resort’s amenities and opportunities are uniquely southwest. Sure, there’s hiking and mountain biking, but visitors are also invited to go llama trekking or soar through the sky in a hot air balloon.