ZIM’s Summer Tour

As the days get longer and warmer, summer brings lush scenery and bright skies with cool evenings that set the perfect backdrop to enjoy outdoor music venues, to cross that next hike off your list, or relax with a cold beverage and good meal on a patio.

We asked our staff to share their favorite spots and activities for the summer:

Hiking

“One of my favorite places in Colorado is the Guanella Pass. The drive alone is worth the trip, and the Square Top Lakes and Silver Dollar Lake hikes (<5 miles long, moderate/non-technical, July-September) are on my to-do list every summer. Just be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and lip balm with an SPF; the sun is no joke above 12,000 feet!”

1. Guanella Pass

2. Lair o’ the Bear

3. Blue Lakes

4. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

5. Fourth of July Mine via Arapahoe Pass Trail

Art/Exhibits

“One of the events I missed most during the pandemic and am most excited to start attending again is the First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Art District. Although the crowds in some of the galleries can be overwhelming, the energy is always amazing, and it's a great way to experience new voices in local art, both inside the galleries and outside on the street where musicians set up on the sidewalks.”

1. First Friday Art Walk - Santa Fe Art District

2. Museo de las Américas

Music

“Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater in Greenwood Village. You may think of Red Rocks Amphitheater first in this category, but watching the sun go down on the lawn at Fiddler's Green is pretty awesome.”

1. Fiddler’s Green

2. Bluebird Theater

3. Red Rocks

Water Activities

1. Fly Fishing at Bear Creek with the pup

2. Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Chatfield State Park

Food & Drink

One of my favorite food trucks is Wong Way Veg, they offer 100% vegan comfort food!

1. Wong Way Veg Food Truck

2. Uno Mas Taqueria

3. Counter Culture

4. Steam

5. Joyride Brewery

6. Little Machine Brewery

7. Zomo

8. Cuba Bakery and Cafe

Parks & Greenspace

“I grew up going for walks and bird watching at South Platte Park. It's great because you can get off the paved trails and walk along the river, and you feel like you're away from the city. There are a lot of cool birds and other wildlife that call the park home.”

1. South Platte Park

2. Denver Botanic Gardens

3. Wash Park

4. Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space

5. Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park

Pet-Friendly Locations/Activities

1. Westminster Open Space

2. Improper City (Cat friendly!)

3. Cherry Creek ​Dog Of​f Leash Area (DOLA)

Happy adventuring!