I've been a Western Colorado Native my whole life, and I've spent enough summers here to know where my favorite places to hang, visit, and see are. If you're looking for some things to do in Western Colorado this summer, I hope this helps!

Summer Spot #1: The Grand Mesa

I know, I know, it seems like a pretty generic idea, but the truth is there is so much to do! Fishing, camping, hiking, you can even ride the lifts at Powderhorn up to the top and hike around up there.

Summer Spot #2: The Colorado River

Simple you say? No way! There is a huge, majestic river that flows right through the heart of Western Colorado. You have a nice, relaxing, beautiful float,through most of the Grand Junction and Fruita areas. And on either side, thrilling, dangerous, awesome white water.

Summer Spot #3: Sno Cone/Ice Cream Shacks

Having fun this summer doesn't have to be expensive! I love to take my wife and kids down to the snow cone shacks, or to the ice cream shacks. There is the new Italian Ice stand right by Sutherlands out by the mall, my kids LOVE that stuff, its tasty! It's about the experience, and the time spent together, not how much it costs.

Summer Spot #4: Highline Lake

You don't have to have a boat to enjoy the lake! Sometimes we go with friends who own one, but sometimes we just go and swim in the lake, my kids bring boogie boards, we have a little picnic, it's a good time, and it's a well maintained park.

Summer Spot #5: Outdoor Movies

This is a two part subject for me. I have an HD projector, so I love to go out to my back yard, or a friends backyard, and we project movies at night time under the summer sky. Everyone brings snacks and beverages and we project a movie outside. The Glade Park volunteer fire department puts on "Movies Under The Stars" as well, on Friday nights. So, you don't have to own a projector to enjoy this, you can just check and see what movie they are playing each friday, you can bring your own food or they have burgers and hot dogs for sale.

As you can see, there are a ton of awesome things you can do during the summer here in Western Colorado, so get out there and enjoy this majestic place in which you live!

More From Mix 104.3