There's a particular kind of chaos that comes with preparing for a backpacking trip, and an equally particular kind of satisfaction that comes with completing one. The planning, the packing, the unknowns waiting around every corner; that's the fun of it all. And in Colorado, the trails make every bit of it worth it.

For those seeking the thrill of the planned unknown, this list includes the best-reviewed backpacking routes in Colorado and some safety tips for any trail.

For years, the Denver real estate market operated predictably. Spring brought a rush of buyers competing for yard space in Washington Park or a clean midcentury roofline in Wheat Ridge, driving bidding wars that ramped up before spring had even officially started. By June, the pace would gently yield to the lazy cadence of summer vacations and mountain weekend trips.

If you glance at the latest stats from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, the numbers look comfortingly familiar. The market is simply settling into its "usual summer rhythm."

Summer in Colorado is the season of two distinct soundtracks. Outdoors, it’s rushing rivers, chirping birds, and wind in the evergreens. Inside, it’s a frantic chorus of, “Mom! Where are my sunglasses?”

A little tactical organization is the key to turning down the volume on misplaced sunscreen and muddy flip-flops, so you can focus on the happy sounds of splashing in the pool (and the inevitable shriek of a crying kid because the splash got water in their eyes).

The 4th of July in Denver just wouldn't be the same without the sight, smell, and sound of a dazzling fireworks display. Even our country’s forefathers agreed: the display followed the first public reading of The Declaration of Independence as a means of galvanizing the rag-tag Colonial troops for the battles to come. Days before signing the Declaration, John Adams wrote to his wife, cementing his legacy as the OG patriotic party animal. He declared that the event, "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade... and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other."

It’s tempting to say that the June 2026 Denver housing market report is ‘more of the same’. 

Home values increased at the expected year-over-year rate, new listings stayed light, pending sales increased, while closed sales decreased… just like the Denver metro area has generally seen for a couple of years. The difference is: the typical activity bump (no matter how modest) we see nearly every spring is currently either late to the party or has already RSVPd regrets.

When people picture Colorado, they usually think of jagged mountain peaks, rugged hiking trails, and extreme cycling. They don't typically picture open water and swimsuits. 

But locals know a secret: summer in the Rockies is just as enjoyable on a paddleboard as it is in the evergreens. From hidden glacial reservoirs at 9,000 feet to expansive, wake-free oases just minutes from the city, the Centennial State has become a paddleboarding paradise. 

Dogs are some of the most social creatures in the animal kingdom, so it’s time to fill up those fur minglers’ warm weather calendars with playful hangouts. The best dog parks in Denver are dotted throughout the city, with something for every doggy. So, make your summer schedule fit for your social butterfly of a housemate… they deserve it (and you deserve a contentedly tired companion).

Restraint has governed the Denver area housing market for several years now. One thing’s for sure… Colorado knows how to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.