Colorado in July
 

My husband and I will be in Breckenridge for 7 days in july. While we were there last summer for 4 days, we just did some hiking and a visit to Vail. Can you suggest some day trips from Breck that are "must see" that we should consider doing this year that are a reasonable drive from Breck?? thank you

Glenwood Springs - hot springs pool and hike to Hidden Falls

Leadville

rafting on the Arkansas River

Those 3 are terrific ideas; a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is also doable. Don't forget to hop over to Loveland Pass, the views are incredible.

I cannot tell you how fun the white water rafting is. We only wished we had time to do it more than once. It is absolutely exhilerating!

suggest you go to buena vista for rafting. take a 1/2 day morning trip. after you get out of the Arkansas, drive across the valley [20mins] to www.mtprinceton.com , where you will find a very unique grouping of hot springs pools in and on the river.
then on your way home to breck, stop in leadville to look around a bit and your 'must do' is to go eat dinner at THE GRILL on elm street. as you are driving back into leadville you should be able to see GRILL painted on the roof of the building, on your left [north] just across the hwy from the entrance to the small clg [CMC- colo mtn clg]. not fancy, not fast as everything is handmade. but it is the best mexican food in the state! in july you will be able to pitch horseshoes with the locals while you enjoy a margarita/tecate and wait for your dinner. you might stop at the silver dollar bar on harrison ave [main st]. they have a very old bar with some of the original glass, which is worth seeing. across the street is the tabor opera house. and of course the unsinkable molly brown was from leadville.
enjoy colorado!

Not a "day" trip but something to consider: Vail is the Summer home for The Rochester Philharmonic in July. Go to a fabulous concert under the stars at the fabulous Ford Amphitheater. Go early because it is located next to the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens! Here is the link:
http://www.vailmusicfestival.org