Colorado Places to stay/things to do?

Question

Hello,

I am planning on travelling solo to Colorado in the middle of June, and I am wondering where the best place to stay would be?

I Like Hiking and going on excursions to visit some of the natural beauty around but also somewhere which is easily accessible to maybe watch some of the sports that maybe on at this time.

I plan to be in Colorado for around 10 days, Also any Hidden gems or places to visit would be amazing.

I can get a rental car if that would be easier.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer

Visiting Colorado for 10 days in mid-June gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore a mix of mountains, small towns, and city life. Since you enjoy hiking, excursions, and possibly watching sports, your base(s) and itinerary will benefit from both accessibility and scenic variety. Renting a car is highly recommended, as it allows flexibility to reach hiking trails and hidden gems that public transport can’t easily access.

Recommended places to stay:

Denver: Ideal for the first few days if you want city amenities, sports events (baseball with the Rockies, minor league soccer, etc.), and easy access to day trips. Denver also has a lively dining and cultural scene.
Boulder: Great for hiking near the Flatirons, easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park, and a charming college-town atmosphere with restaurants, breweries, and farmers markets.
Estes Park: Perfect for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park extensively. Mid-June is a great time to see wildlife and enjoy alpine hikes. Good for a few nights if you want more mountain immersion.
Colorado Springs: For Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and nearby natural attractions. A smaller city vibe with scenic drives and short hikes.

Suggested activities and excursions:

Hiking: Rocky Mountain National Park (Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Emerald Lake), Garden of the Gods trails, and Flatirons hikes in Boulder.
Scenic drives: Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park), Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, and Pikes Peak Highway.
Water and adventure: Whitewater rafting in Clear Creek near Idaho Springs or Colorado River trips from Glenwood Springs (Class 1–2 for beginners).
Hidden gems: Hanging Lake near Glenwood Canyon, Devil’s Head Fire Tower in the Front Range, hot springs in Glenwood Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat.
Local experiences: Farmers markets, local breweries in Denver/Boulder, small-town shopping in Estes Park or Manitou Springs.
Sports: Mid-June offers Rockies MLB games in Denver, and some minor league baseball or local summer soccer matches in various towns.

Itinerary tips:

Use Denver or Boulder as your initial base for 2–3 nights to explore the Front Range, city attractions, and sports events.
Spend 2–3 nights in Estes Park to fully enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park with multiple day hikes.
Consider 2 nights in Colorado Springs for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and scenic mountain drives.
Use remaining days for hidden gems like Glenwood Springs, Idaho Springs, or day trips along the scenic byways.

Mid-June is an ideal time for Colorado: snow will mostly be gone from trails, wildflowers bloom in higher elevations, and temperatures are generally pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities. With a rental car, you can maximize both the natural beauty and the unique small-town experiences of the state while balancing some urban time for sports and culture.

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