Summertime in Colorado

Right across the Centennial State are a host of new openings and exciting events this summer.

From wellness experiences, to music, arts, nature and culture, there’s something for every traveler to discover in Colorado.

The Michelin Guide arrives in Colorado

Colorado Tourism Office and Michelin recently announced the Michelin Guide Colorado, the latest expansion of the Michelin Guide. Colorado has a rich culinary community that includes both established, notable chefs and innovative up-and-comers. Colorado’s mountainous terrain has influenced the culinary landscape, with many restaurants offering dishes inspired by the state’s outdoor lifestyle. Colorado’s gastronomy is influenced by German, Hispanic and Native American cultures. The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Navajo and Apache. The first Michelin Guide Colorado selection will be revealed later in 2023. It covers Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, Vail and Beaver Creek Resort.

Dunes Experiences & Dunes Desert Camp

Founded by leading explorer Levison Wood, the newly launched, Dunes Experience & Dunes Desert Camp is situated adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The luxury escape comprises an exclusive campground with African safari tents and guided excursions in the San Luis Valley. Set on a 320-acre camp ranch, Dunes Desert Camp is the ideal location for exploring the area’s natural wonders. Fusing wellness with nature, guests can attend retreats within the grounds ranging from yoga, to indigenous ceremonies and holistic workshops.

Malibu’s The Ranch coming to Colorado (3 September – 27 October)

Experience The Ranch Malibu’s award-winning, wellness programs in Vail. Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, The Ranch Vail features a results-oriented, thoroughly structured program, that combines challenging fitness regimes with a nutritionally rich, plant based diet. The five-night, six-day program will host 25 guests each week in the natural surroundings for a complete health immersion.

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 host the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three-day and night music event centered around jazz. The annual event combines natural landscape aesthetics with boundless music creativity. Providing a sample of Colorado’s renowned craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.

Key dates

Telluride Film Festival 50th Anniversary (31 August – 4 September)

Ranking as one of the world’s best film festivals, Telluride Film Festival is an annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema buffs, filmmakers and critics. TFF is considered a major launching ground for the most talked about films of autumn and will this year celebrate its 50th anniversary. A four-day international event celebrating the art of film, the festival’s long-standing commitment is to bring together filmmakers and connoisseurs to experience great cinema. The secret schedule (unannounced before Opening Day), consists of over three dozen filmmakers presenting their newest works.

150th Anniversary of Isabella Bird, Estes Park

Isabella Bird became one of the most recognised travel writers of all time and is largely responsible for putting Estes Park on the map as an iconic, must-see mountain destination. This year is the 150th anniversary of her famed time spent in Estes Park and travellers can still today follow in her footsteps on the same trails. Isabella Bird defied the odds riding 800 miles across Colorado on a horse alone. A Yorkshire woman, she ventured across the world in a search of healing following advice from her doctor. She lived a bold life which inspired her travel book ‘A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains’.

Eagle County Celebrates 140th Anniversary

Minturn, Red Cliff, and other Eagle County communities will continue to host the Eagle County 140th Anniversary ‘Then and Now’ in a new location throughout July. Celebrating 140 years of rich history and extraordinary human endeavour, the county takes its name from the spectacular Eagle River and recognises its original inhabitants and oldest residents of Colorado, the Ute Indians. The exhibition documents the Eagle County’s mining, rail, and agricultural past and modern Eagle County depicting its population growth and pivot to outdoor recreation. Travelers can see the exhibition at Minturn Town Hall through July and will also be mobile and featured at the Minturn Market on Saturdays , and the Eagle County Rodeo 26-29 July. 

140th Anniversary of Seven Falls, Colorado Springs

This year marks the 140th anniversary of one of Colorado’s most sought after tourist attractions, Seven Falls. With Seven cascading waterfalls, hiking, captivating vistas, and stand-out rock formations, it’s a beautiful representation of the state. Owned and operated by The Broadmoor, the luxury resort, a summer celebration is in the works to commemorate the anniversary. Travelers are encouraged to look out for four-foot-tall chipmunk art displays, special events and dining at Seven Falls’ acclaimed eatery, Restaurant 1858.

For more information, visit www.colorado.com.