The Historic Town of Como, Colorado, sits quietly at 9,156 feet, its weathered wooden structures standing firm against the passage of time. Each summer, Como bursts into life as locals and visitors converge for the Summer Gatherings, a mix of cultural celebration, outdoor exploration, and community spirit. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a chance to walk where miners and pioneers once moved, feel the mountain air grow heavier with stories, and engage with a landscape that demands respect.

The summer events offer more than historic exhibits and reenactments; they provide a gateway to the rugged terrain surrounding Como. Hiking opportunities range from easy strolls along shaded forest trails to more challenging climbs reaching toward the distant ridges around the town. The terrain itself is honest rock and dirt underfoot, often interrupted by fir and aspen groves whispering in the breeze. Elevation gains are moderate—expect anywhere from 400 to 1,000 feet depending on your chosen trail—and the foothills encourage a steady pace rather than a sprint.

Planning to join the Summer Gatherings means gearing up with dependable footwear; trail boots that grip rocky sections prove valuable here. Water becomes a constant companion: the altitude and dry mountain air push hydration needs higher than lower elevations. Starting early can help you avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are no strangers to these parts.

The historic essence of Como comes alive not only in its architecture and stories but also along the scenic trails overlooking the old railroad grades and mine shafts boldly exposed by time. Come with a camera ready to capture the panoramic views that stretch from the rugged Mosquito Range to the green pockets of South Park Basin. Wildlife keeps watch too—mule deer often cross paths, and songbirds dart through branches, lively participants in this season’s gathering.

Embracing Como’s summer means engaging with something fiercely itself: a place marked by survival and community, whose steep hills challenge steps and whose stillness invites reflection. Whether you're here for a day trip or the full festival, you’ll find a rare mix of historic depth and outdoor challenge. Adventure in Como isn’t about conquering the wild but moving alongside it, trading stories with the wind and the land that holds them.