Visit the American Rockies in summer for an oft-overlooked tourist experience

The Rocky Mountains, or Rockies as they are popularly known, stretch from Canada to New Mexico in the USA, peaking in Colorado where Mount Elbert stands at 14,440 feet above sea level. Famous for its outstanding beauty and crisp, clean air the residents of the American Rockies enjoy an enviable healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they try to keep one of the region's best kept secrets: the stunning beauty of the American Rockies in summer. A tempting mix of glacial blue lakes, precipitous peaks, fast-flowing rivers and some of the most speactacularspectacular wilderness scenery in the USA is on offer to anyone who visits the American Rockies outside ski season.

And with a population density of only ten people per square mile you certainly won’t find the American Rockies crowded. Only a few towns boast populations in excess of 50,000 - including Denver, the capital of Colorado, which offers a variety of great, tourist experiences all year round. Well-known ski resorts in and around Denver, such as Aspen and Breckenridge, are very popular with skiers and snowboarders, but it is possible to enjoy exciting leisure activities and breathtaking scenery all year round, not just in snow-capped winter.

In summer, popular activities, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking or and hiking, are all on offer and there is plenty to do and see in the towns and cities of the Rockies. The region benefits from warm, dry summers with temperatures in July hovering around the mid-80s Fahrenheit in the valleys, making it ideal for a summer break and also presenting the opportunity to do something a little different like learning a new, exciting outdoor activity.

This area of outstanding natural beauty is also a haven for wildlife, and it is a great place to see rare mountain creatures up close in their natural habitat. Animals such as elk, big-horn sheep and moose are native to the area and can be easily spotted in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Other wildlife such as otters, bats and birds also inhabit the park but are more difficult to spot.

With The Rocky Mountain National Park within easy reach, a downtown hotel in Denver would serve as an ideal base for exploring the Rockies. Staying there would put you close to the delights of the city, such as the shopping and nightlife, while you'd still be able to easily reach all the beautiful natural attractions and sights. Take a trip to the American Rockies in the summer and you won’t be disappointed!

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist