Although Colorado is an amazing place to adventure year-round, the entire state comes to life in the summertime. Whether you鈥檙e unplugging in the wilderness, relaxing in a quaint mountain town, or soaking in vibrant urban cultures, Colorado is the perfect place for summer fun. Eco-conscious communities and businesses across the state make it easy to experience all Colorado has to offer while minimizing your impact. Read on to learn about low-impact ways to explore the Centennial State.
国产吃瓜黑料 on the Path Less Traveled
Take a look at any outdoor-lover鈥檚 bucket list, and you鈥檙e likely to find classic Colorado stops at the top of their agenda. The most-visited parks are popular for a reason, but nothing beats practically having the whole place to yourself when you visit . From volcanic cliffs and rushing rivers to rust-red desert canyons and sprawling grasslands, there鈥檚 no shortage of places you probably haven鈥檛 heard of but will absolutely want to see in Colorado. Whether you explore miles of hiking trails or paddle scenic waterways, venturing off the beaten path is one of the best ways to minimize your impact on public lands.
Stay at Eco-Friendly Lodging
Whatever your style, Colorado has sustainable lodging options that range from luxury resorts and charming bed and breakfasts to backcountry huts and hands-on dude ranches and everything in between. You鈥檒l find green amenities, such as solar-powered lighting and heat, electric transport shuttles, EV charging stations, farm-to-table or vegan-forward dining options, environmentally-friendly water usage, and plastic-free initiatives. Many properties take an active role in managing acres of protected land and are working toward rehabilitating land that was once damaged by overgrazing.
Visit Colorado鈥檚 Carbon Neutral Cities
Colorado鈥檚 outdoor recreation gets a lot of attention, but there are so many unique cities to explore here, too. Aspen and Glenwood Springs鈥攖wo Colorado cities that are 100% powered by renewable energy鈥攁re great picks for eco-minded travelers. Aspen is powered by hydroelectricity, wind, and geothermal heat while Glenwood Springs uses wind and hydroelectricity. These towns are also home to green businesses and environmentally-focused community initiatives, including planting trees.
Tip: If you鈥檙e planning to hop between cities and small towns, Colorado鈥檚 system of makes road-tripping in an electric vehicle picturesque and easy.
Harvest & Gather Local Summer Delicacies
When the sun is out in Colorado, local produce is abundant. Roadside farm stands and farmers鈥 markets are stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other treats鈥攁ll locally grown or made from local ingredients. For a hands-on experience, head to the orchards in Palisade to pick your own famous Palisade peaches, or to learn about wild sources of berries, mushrooms, and other forest delicacies. Of course, you can also enjoy farm-fresh food at one of Colorado鈥檚 many farm-to-table restaurants.
Drink Sustainably (and Responsibly)
The craft distillery and brewery scene in Colorado is leveling up when it comes to sustainability. Leaders in the industry are shifting to greener practices, including wind and solar powered facilities, water-saving filtration systems, can and bottle recycling, and zero-waste production. Colorado is also home to the first nationally distributed, carbon neutral beer鈥擭ew Belgium Brewing鈥檚 Fat Tire Amber Ale. Many distilleries and breweries are also partnering with local farmers to turn locally grown produce鈥攆ruits from Palisade, Pueblo-grown peppers, and a variety of local grains and hops鈥攊nto unique spirits and beers that bring the flavors of Colorado to life.