For guests who want to experience the Rocky Mountains.
* Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP): The crown jewel of the area.
* Note for Guests: Timed Entry Reservations are required in June between 9 AM and 2 PM (or 5 AM for Bear Lake Corridor). Book these well in advance at Recreation.gov.
* Top Hikes: Emerald Lake (moderate), Gem Lake (moderate), or a simple scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.).
* Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins): Great for a quick hike or time on the water.
* Activity: Rent paddleboards or kayaks at the inlet. Hike "Horsetooth Rock" for iconic views of the city.
* Devil’s Backbone (Loveland): A unique geological feature with easy-to-moderate hiking trails that are great for families.
* Whitewater Rafting: June is peak season for runoff! The Cache la Poudre River offers everything from beginner splashes to wild Class IV rapids.
* Outfitters: A1 Wildwater or Mountain Whitewater.
🍻 Breweries & Libations
Northern Colorado is the "Napa Valley of Beer."
* New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins): Famous for Fat Tire. They offer incredible lawn space and food trucks. One of Jimmy's personal Favs.... Reservations for tours are highly recommended.
* Odell Brewing Co. (Fort Collins): A local favorite with a massive patio, live music, and excellent sours and IPAs.
* Verboten Brewing (Loveland): A boutique brewery in downtown Loveland known for award-winning unique brews.
* The Exchange (Fort Collins): An open-air plaza in Old Town with container-style eateries, a brewery (Crooked Stave), and a distillery, perfect for groups with diverse tastes.
📅 Special Events: June 2025
If guests are in town on these specific dates, they shouldn't miss out.
* Taste of Fort Collins (Early June): A massive food and music festival in Civic Center Park featuring national headliner bands and local food vendors.
* Greeley Stampede (June 25 – July 6, 2025): One of the largest summer festivals in the state. Includes a pro rodeo, demolition derby, carnival, and huge country music concerts.
* Estes Park Wool Market (Early-Mid June): A unique, family-friendly event featuring sheep, llamas, and fiber arts classes.
* Lagoon Summer Concert Series (Wednesdays at CSU): Free outdoor concerts on the lawn at Colorado State University. Great for a picnic dinner.
🍔 Group-Friendly Dining
Restaurants that can actually handle a crowd (10+ people).
* The Post Chicken & Beer (Fort Collins/Estes Park/Loveland): Famous for gluten-free fried chicken and easygoing vibes. Great for large parties.
* Rodizio Grill (Fort Collins): Brazilian steakhouse in Old Town. Excellent for big groups because it’s "all you can eat" with no waiting for individual orders.
* Ginger and Baker (Fort Collins): A historic grain mill turned into a restaurant, bakery, and teaching kitchen. The "Cache" upstairs is upscale, while the café downstairs is great for casual brunch.
* Jax Fish House (Fort Collins): High-energy seafood spot with a fun "Happy Hour" that feels like a party.
🧸 Family-Friendly Fun
For guests traveling with kids.
* Fort Collins Museum of Discovery: fantastic hands-on science and history exhibits, plus a digital dome theater.
* Lee Martinez Park (Fort Collins): Features "The Farm," where kids can pet animals and see farm life up close, right near the downtown area.
* City Park (Fort Collins): A huge park with a miniature train, a pool, and a lake with paddle boats.
* Loveland Sculpture Park (Chapungu): A beautiful, flat walking area with impressive Zimbabwean stone sculptures.
✈️ Logistics & Travel Tips
* Airport Shuttle: We recommend Groome Transportation or Landline for those flying into Denver International Airport (DIA). They offer comfortable shuttles that drop off directly at major hotels in Fort Collins and Loveland.
* Altitude: We are at ~5,000 ft elevation. Drink twice as much water as you think you need, and one alcoholic drink hits like two here!
* Weather: June days are warm (70s-80s), but nights can drop into the 50s. Pack layers and always bring a rain jacket for the afternoon showers.