Those who love Colorado for its powder-packed slopes and après ski lodges have yet to discover one of the state's most prized possessions: summertime.

When winter surrenders to the abundance of sunshine so common to Colorado, the melted snow gives life to new foliage and feeds the rivers in which summertime activities abound.  Such changes in nature give Colorado a new personality from May through September.  As ski rental shops close their doors for the season, mountain bike shops, rafting companies and fishing guides gear up for Colorado's summer specialties. Among Colorado's many spring and summer attributes are:

Moderate temperatures: Summer temperatures average between 60 and 88 degrees throughout much of the state, making Colorado ideal for outdoor exploration and activities.

Endless outdoor adventures: With a landscape that varies from sand dunes to rolling prairies to 14,000-foot peaks, Colorado is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer opportunities include river rafting, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, 4 x 4 tours, hiking, camping, water skiing, rock climbing, golfing, mountain biking, paragliding, fishing and much more.

Discounted resort packages: Colorado's world-class resorts and spas as well as its many quaint bed and breakfasts operate year-round, and many offer special lodging packages to exclusive to summer visitors. Most ski resort gondolas remain in operation during the summer months, taking users to the mountaintops where they can access extensive hiking and mountain biking trails or relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Cultural and educational opportunities: From the intrigue and mystery surrounding the ancient stone cities of Mesa Verde National Park (www.mesa.verde.national-park.com) to the old-fashioned flavor of the historic Silverton and Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad (www.duranogtrain.com), Colorado is rich with educational and cultural destinations. Visitors to the Mesa County area near Grand Junction (www.ci.grandjct.co.us) can dig for dinosaur bones at one of the many designated digging sites, while visitors to Georgetown can take the Georgetown Loop (www.gtownloop.com) through the historic Lebanon Silver Mine.

A taste of the “real West”: Guest ranches across Colorado allow city slickers to experience the Western lifestyle during the day while offering comfortable accommodations to return to at night. Guided horseback rides, llama pack trips, chuckwagon cookouts and campfire cuisine are among the various options for guest ranch vacationers.

Historic hotels: Hotel Jerome (www.hoteljerome.com) in Aspen, the Strater Hotel (www.strater.com) in Durango, Hotel Colorado (www.hotelcolorado.com) in Glenwood Springs and the Stanley Hotel (www.stanleyhotel.com) in Estes Park (www.estesparkcvb) are just a few of the well-preserved historic hotels offering first-class accommodations combined with a unique glimpse of Colorado history.

ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2011 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at www.COLORADO.com/mediaroom.  Visitors can also follow Colorado's social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Foursquare, on the Colorado Connect page at www.COLORADO.com/connect.

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