Summer in Lake City
Summer in Lake City
Summer Guarantees a Peak Experience for Everyone.
Each summer in Lake City, wildflowers color every view, daylight adventures continue into the late evening, night skies shine with stars, and fun times are had all around town. With so many dream-come-true possibilities, Lake City summers have something for everyone.
With things to do and sights to see filling every summer month, happy energy is contagious in town, on backcountry roads and trails, on summits, at tranquil lakes, and at campfires under the stars. Despite the presence of more people than at other times, everyone can find their special moments and places amidst the vastness of the San Juan Mountains.
Before hitting the trail, learn about OHV regulations and best practices.
Tips for Visiting Lake City in the Summer
Mid-June through August
- If you can, book lodging up to a year in advance to guarantee your dream-stay. Lake City’s peak tourism season is during July and early August, and yearly repeat visitors claim their spots early. For help finding lodging any time or if you’d like personal assistance, call the Visitor Center at 970-944-2527 or visit our Lodging Directory.
- Recreational opportunities include camping, hiking high-elevation and wilderness trails, climbing area peaks, and even tackling a couple or all of our Thirteeners and FIVE nearby Fourteeners. Hinsdale County literally overflows with lake, stream, river, and reservoir fishing options and boating and rafting opportunities.
- While the Alpine Loop is quite busy during summer months, a number of alternate 4-wheel and 2-wheel roads and passes, including the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, and the Upper Rio Grande offer fun-filled and less-traveled options with those always spectacular San Juan views.
- Great photo opportunities include American Basin in full bloom in July, wildlife enjoying the fruits of summer, and historical and geological sites and scenes.
- Enhance your stay by taking advantage of a wide range of free or minimal-cost learning opportunities, including historical tours, performances, and presentations, fly fishing workshops, nature tours, geology presentations, mine tours, and art and recreational classes and events.
Events
July
- Independence Day Celebration
- Historic, Cemetery & Ghost Tours
- Ducky Derby
- Lake City Arts Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
- Concerts, Art Shows, Plays, and More by Lake City Arts
- Live Music at Local Venues
- Stargazing Sessions
- And more!
August
- August History Month
- Historic, Cemetery & Ghost Tours
- History Presentations
- Stick Horse Show
- Concerts, Art Shows, Plays, and More by Lake City Arts
- Live Music at Local Venues
- Stargazing Sessions
- And more!
And so much more! Check out detailed event information in our event calendar.
