Copper Mountain Summer Activities: Family Fun in the Sun
Most know the area as a top ski destination, however Copper Mountain provides the perfect playground for summer activities. The area’s naturally divided terrain delights skiers in the winter, but also offers visitors opportunities for biking, adventure and water recreation during summertime. Read more about the top Copper Mountain summer activities families will enjoy.
Top 7 Copper Mountain Summer Activities
Pick Your Biking Adventure
With ideal terrain for mountain biking, Copper Mountain offers extreme and gentle biking options. For example, visitors can ride the lifts, hop off and test their skills while riding down hills. Experts will want to try Copper Triangle Road, which measures 87 miles and runs through Copper Mountain, Leadville, Minturn, Vail and back to Copper.
Other popular biking trails include Colorado Trail, Vail Pass, and several Summit County trails that explore Breckenridge, Dillon and Silverthorne.
Take a Hike
Hiking ranks among the top Copper Mountain summer activities for visitors who enjoy fresh air, exercise and natural beauty. The area offers dozens of trails – ranging in distance and difficulty – only minutes away from the town’s center. For a short option, head to Mayflower Gulch, a 2-mile hike that explores mining ruins and picture-worthy mountain views. This spot is also ideal for picnics and relaxation with loved ones.
Inside Eagles Nest Wilderness, hikers find a more moderate option at Wheeler Lakes. This trail measures 5.6 miles and winds through aspen groves, pine forests and two alpine lakes. While hiking, visitors see more than 80 varieties of wildflowers in the summertime and wildlife, so don’t forget the camera. For more day-hike ideas, head to Uneva Pass and Searle Pass, measuring 9 miles and 11.4 miles, respectively. Find more Copper Mountain hiking trails.
Play at Woodward Copper
One of the top attractions in the area is Woodward at Copper, an action-sports training center and playground for all ages. Located at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, this recreation hot spot offers year-round fun and challenges.
Summer welcomes skateboarders, BMX riders, and even snow lovers for special features inside and outside. Woodward houses Pipeline Park, which offers 20 to 30 features including jumps and quarter pipe. The Big Island Park consists of left-over snow with several features that mimic the same in winter seasons. Other activities at Woodward include biking and skateboarding at Union Creek Plaza, BMX ramps, and a mini ramp. Visitors also have a variety of summer camps and lessons for the family.
Ride the Waters
Summer in the mountains means water recreation for the family, and Copper Mountain has activities everyone will enjoy. Several companies offer rafting tours ranging from beginner to expert, exploring outlying areas such as Frisco, Breckenridge and Vail.
One popular choice is KODI Rafting, which offers half- and full-day trips that take guests down the Colorado River. Those looking for a more laid-back adventure can try stand-up paddleboarding with professional guides. Other top-rated guides include Wilderness Aware, Clear Creek, Liquid Decent and Performance Tours, to name a few.
Golf All Day
Those looking for a day on the greens have a top-rated golf course in Copper Mountain. Copper Creek Golf Course features a Par 5 and 18 holes complete with one of the highest tee boxes in North America at more than 9,800 feet elevation. Golfers also enjoy rolling greens set against mountain backdrops, water hazards and trees lined along the course. Copper Creek sells both annual season passes and individual tee times, providing groups flexibility and affordability.
Copper Mountain Summer Activities in Frisco
Photo: kelley.tara
Visit Frisco Bay Marina
Located in nearby Frisco, Frisco Bay Marina offers summer activities including canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, sailing and guided tours. The marina is situated in Dillon Reservoir, measuring 3,300 acres with 25 miles of shoreline.
In addition to abundant water recreation, families should visit Marina Park for fishing, boat rentals and relaxing on the beach. The park also has tables and a playground where little ones can play all day while parents enjoy mountain views. Other marina amenities include a restaurant, equipment dealers, and full retail store and repair shops.
Explore Frisco Adventure Park
Frisco Adventure Park ranks as another popular option for Copper Mountain summer activities as it offers free parks, play fields, and biking and hiking trails. Kids enjoy biking, skateboarding and playing disc golf at three free areas located throughout the park.
Families enjoy mule-drawn wagon rides that take visitors through the Rocky Mountain scenery. Prices range from $50 to $70 per person, and the tour includes a three-hour wagon ride, family-friendly games, a full dinner and live Wild West show. Frisco Adventure Park also hosts dozens of events throughout the year, such as ski marathons and races, so check the schedule before planning a vacation.
Learn more about Copper Mountain and start planning your vacation.