6 Early Spring Getaways and Come Alive with Southern Colorado
Come Alive in Southern Colorado for an Early Spring Getaway
Southern Colorado is a fantastic early spring getaway, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. You don't need to travel far in Colorado to escape the melting snow and the "mud season blues" found at higher elevations. Jumpstart your summer adventures with an early spring getaway to southern Colorado. Come alive with all the wonderful spring wildflowers and enjoy the mild temperatures. As spring progresses across the state, many more activities and attractions become available.
Here are top early spring getaway attractions:
1. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Classified as an International Dark Sky Place, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a stunning place to visit as an early spring getaway. The shallow waters of the sandy Medano Creek are full of spring runoff for kids, families, and all to enjoy. Sandboarding on the dunes is in full force with the mild spring temperatures, along with hiking and wildlife viewing. As the snow continues to melt, Medano Pass has become popular with mountain bikers and 4WD adventure seekers. The park and the surrounding area have various camping and lodging options to suit any traveler.
- Comfortable Warm temperatures make it perfect for hiking the massive dunes.
- Medano Creek flows in spring, creating a unique beach-like experience.
- Stargazing is exceptional due to low light pollution.
2. Trinidad Lake State Park and Trinidad, Colorado
Further to the east in southern Colorado is the stunning Trinidad Lake State Park—another fantastic springtime destination to take advantage of the mild temperatures and gorgeous spring blooms. The park offers a full array of camping amenities. Or consider staying in nearby Trinidad, known for its unique arts and culture scene.
- Highway of the Legends Scenic Byway.
- Fishers Peak State Park.
- Two hours from the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
4. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is spectacular and also classified as an International Dark Sky Place. As an early spring getaway, this park is most enjoyable due to the comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, blooming wildflowers, and lush landscapes. Guided tours of the ancestral cliff dwellings start in the spring, and the conditions for hiking are perfect. Reservations for camping and lodging inside the park are more readily available, along with options nearby.
- Explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, like Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
- Spring and early summer offer cooler temperatures for hiking.
- Wildflowers bloom in the surrounding meadows.
Nearby Attractions
- Spend time at Mancos State Park, enjoy the gorgeous lake, hiking trails, and camping.
- Visit the nearby Ute Mountain Tribal Park Center.
- Stop at the Four Corners Navajo National Monument.
- Pay a visit to the tribal casinos in the area.
5. Navajo State Park
If you enjoy boating, the Navajo State Park is not to miss. With over 15,000 acres of water and 150 miles of shoreline, all your favorite water sports activities will be fulfilled. The cooler weather and low volume of tourists make this an exceptional place to stay as an early spring getaway. The state park has a full complement of camping, cabins, boat ramps, and amenities to keep you comfortable.
- Boating - all types welcome.
- Swim beaches
- Hiking and biking trails, and more.
6. San Juan Mountains Resort Towns (Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride)
Spring is a wonderful time to explore the southern Colorado destination resort towns such as Durango, Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride. These towns make up the stunning scenic drive called the San Juan Skyway. Although mountain weather can be unpredictable during spring, the roads (and towns) are much less crowded; just check road and weather conditions before heading over these very high mountain passes.
The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is another attraction not to be missed while in the area. The scenery is amazing and in full bloom this time of year. Take this scenic train to Silverton and explore this once-a-upon-a-time silver boom town.
Several ghost towns exist between and around the Durango Silverton areas. Some can be reached via the Scenic San Juan Skyway tour, while Jeep or ATV can access others.
- Hop on board the DSNGRR for a spectacular scenic train ride.
- Explore these mountain towns with waterfalls, hot springs, and alpine hikes.
- Drive the scenic Million Dollar Highway for breathtaking views.
- Take a jeep tour or hike in the San Juan National Forest.
- Visit and tour ghost towns.
- Explore Natural Hot Springs.
- Spend at the Tribal casinos in the area.
Southern Colorado Comes Alive Perfect for Early Spring Getaway
Colorado is fortunate to have the most diverse landscapes in the country, and with that comes climatic and geographical changes to be enjoyed at prime times of the year. Depending on your location, spring can be found in Colorado during all the warm weather months. Southern Colorado comes alive in early spring. It becomes the perfect getaway while higher elevations and northern areas are still melting. If taking an early spring getaway beckons you, plan your trip to southern Colorado. This is the time of year to enjoy Colorado’s fantastic southern lakes, mountains, and fascinating parks. Beat the crowds and take advantage of the tourism preseason in southern Colorado.
by Kathleen Fitzsimmons
