Colorado Living with Manzanita | The Fine Guide
30+ Ways to Stay Cool Along the Front Range
Colorado summers are hard to beat. Long daylight hours, mountain adventures, patio dinners, farmers markets, concerts under the stars, and endless opportunities to get outside. But if you've lived here for even one summer, you know our heat is different. At over 5,000 feet in elevation, the sun feels more intense (because it is), the air is much drier (A LOT), and dehydration can sneak up on you long before you realize it. During a heat wave, even longtime Coloradans find themselves looking for ways to cool off.
The good news? One of the best things about living in Boulder County is that there's no shortage of beautiful places to escape the heat. Whether you're looking for a day on the water, a mountain getaway, or simply the perfect ice cream cone, here's my guide to making the most of summer while staying safe.
💙 My New Favorite Way to Cool Off: Paddle Boarding
For years my Hunny Bunny and I talked about buying paddle boards. Every summer I'd say, "Maybe this is the year." This summer, I finally stopped talking about it and made the investment. And just like I suspected...
I'm completely HOOKED.
There's something incredibly peaceful about gliding across calm water with mountain views surrounding you. It forces you to slow down, put your phone away (although I do love to document every occasion, so it is hard not to have the camera open and ready), breathe a little deeper, and simply enjoy where you are.
One of my favorite things about Colorado is that, even though we're landlocked, there are so many incredible places to paddle board, kayak, swim, or simply relax by the water. If you haven't tried it yet, consider this your sign.
🌊 My Favorite Places to Get on the Water
Union Reservoir — Longmont ⭐
If I had to choose just one favorite, this would probably be it. Union Reservoir offers stand up paddle boarding, including SUP Yoga and rentals through Rocky Mountain Paddle Boards, kayaking, swimming, a sandy beach, boat rentals, and incredible sunrise views. It's also one of the easiest places for beginners.
Perfect for:
• Paddleboarding
• Swimming
• Families
• Kayaking
• Sunrise or sunset
McIntosh Lake — Longmont
One of Longmont's hidden gems. While swimming isn't technically allowed it’s easy to “fall” into the water for a quick dip and it's an incredibly peaceful place to paddle board or kayak while enjoying spectacular views of Longs Peak.
Perfect for:
• Beginner paddle boarders
• Bird watching
• Quiet evenings
• Phenomenal sunsets
Boulder Reservoir — Boulder
One of Boulder County's classic summer destinations. With a beach, swimming area, paddle board rentals, sailing, and picnic areas, it's easy to spend an entire day here.
Perfect for:
• Families
• Swimming
• Paddle boarding
• Beach days
Pinewood Reservoir — Lyons
Nestled in the foothills west of Lyons, Pinewood feels like a mini mountain vacation without driving hours from home, being close to town and easy to access, this is a popular destination and fills up quickly, so be sure to go early.
Perfect for:
• Paddle boarding
• Fishing
• Camping
• Cooler temperatures
Brainard Lake — Boulder County
If you're looking to escape the heat altogether, head higher into the mountains. Brainard Lake offers breathtaking alpine scenery and temperatures that are often 15–20 degrees cooler than the Front Range. You can also enjoy camping nearby! Just remember … the water is cold year-round!
Gross Reservoir — Boulder County
A beautiful mountain setting that's ideal for paddling, photography, and simply enjoying a quieter day outdoors.
🏖️ More Great Ways to Cool Off
Even if paddle boarding isn't your thing, there's no shortage of summer fun.
✔ Swim at Boulder Reservoir
✔ Relax at Union's beach
✔ Walk along Boulder Creek
✔ Enjoy a creek-side picnic in Eldorado Canyon
✔ Visit St. Vrain State Park
✔ Spend an evening watching the sunset over the foothills
✔ Attend an outdoor concert
✔ Explore your local farmer’s market
✔ Visit a splash pad with the kids
✔ Take an early morning hike before temperatures climb
🍦 Treat Yourself
Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is with an ice cream cone.
Some longtime local favorites include:
🍨 Sweet Cow
🍨 Scrumptious
🍨 Lyons Dairy Bar
🍨 Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato
🍨 Love Ice Cream
Many also offer dairy-free and allergy-friendly options, making them great stops for just about everyone.
⛰️ Escape to Higher Elevations
One of Colorado's best-kept secrets? Sometimes you only need to drive 30–45 minutes to feel like you've changed seasons.
Consider spending the day in:
• Nederland
• Ward
• Allenspark
• Estes Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
The higher you climb, the cooler the temperatures often become.
❄️ Indoor Ways to Stay Cool
When temperatures soar into the upper 90s or even triple digits, don't underestimate a good, air-conditioned adventure.
Some favorites include:
• Longmont Museum
• Museum of Boulder
• Butterfly Pavilion
• Local bookstores
• Coffee shops
• Shopping along Pearl Street
• Catching an afternoon movie
☀️ Colorado Summer Safety Tips
Colorado's climate is one of the reasons we love living here, but it also deserves respect. Be sure to:
Drink more water than you think you need.
The dry air means sweat evaporates quickly, so you may become dehydrated before realizing it.
Wear sunscreen every day.
At Colorado's elevation, UV exposure is significantly stronger than many people expect—even on cloudy days.
Watch for afternoon storms.
Summer thunderstorms can build quickly in the mountains. If you're hiking or paddling, keep an eye on the forecast and head back early if storms develop.
Know the signs of heat illness.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, or excessive fatigue are all signs it's time to cool down and rehydrate.
Protect your pets.
Pavement can become hot enough to burn paws in minutes. Bring water for your furry friends and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can become dangerous very quickly.
✔ Your Colorado Summer Bucket List
☐ Paddle Board Union Reservoir
☐ Swim at Boulder Reservoir
☐ Watch a sunset over the Flatirons
☐ Eat ice cream after dinner
☐ Visit Brainard Lake
☐ Explore Nederland
☐ Picnic beside Boulder Creek
☐ Shop a local farmers market
☐ Enjoy an outdoor concert
☐ Watch the stars from the mountains
Here's to Summer ☀️
One of the things I love most about living in Colorado is that every season brings something special. Summer invites us outside, to paddle a little farther, hike a little higher, linger a little longer on the patio, and soak up every golden evening before autumn arrives. So, whether you're spending the day on the water, escaping into the mountains, or simply enjoying an ice cream cone with people you love, I hope you make time to enjoy this beautiful place we get to call home.
Happy summer, friends. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and I'll see you out there.
Smiles,
M
