The Best Spring Activities in Colorado

Colorado bursts into life with vibrant colors, spring activities, and attractions as winter melts and springtime begins. With beautiful views, blooming wildflowers, and many outdoor activities, now is the best time to explore Colorado. Make the most out of your spring vacation in Colorado.

Spring Activities in Colorado

March – April Spring Skiing in Colorado

Colorado’s popular ski resorts are open for skiing in March and usually part of April. Many Coloradans consider spring skiing the best part of the ski season. The days are longer and warmer. This transitional time of year ushers in new snow conditions, which can be really enjoyable. Learn more about springtime skiing. If you’re a diehard skier, Colorado has a few resorts open well into the late spring and even early summer, conditions permitting, of course.

• Arapahoe Basin usually closes the first week of June.
• Loveland closes around the first or second week of May.
• Winter Park closes sometime in May.
• Copper Mountain late April.

Southern Colorado National and State Parks

The best time to visit southern Colorado is early spring, March through April. There are several beautiful parks, plenty of camping and resorts in the area:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Navajo State Park
• Others

Blossoming Beauty: Colorado Botanic Gardens

Spring means flowers are blooming. There are many botanical gardens throughout Colorado, and they open as spring arrives. Visiting one of these gardens is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and explore the various Colorado flora.

1. Denver Botanical Gardens
2. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
3. Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
4. The Gardens on Spring Creek
5. Montrose Botanical Gardens
6. Yampa River Botanical Gardens
7. Durango Botanical Gardens
8. Andrews Arboretum
9. Hudson Gardens
10. Shambhala Botanical Gardens

Wine and Dine: Colorado Wine Country

Spring is a great time to visit Colorado’s wine country. The vineyards wake up from winter, and the first buds appear on the vines. There are more than 100 wineries in the state. You can sample local wines, enjoy beautiful vineyard tours, and learn about how wine is made.

Two prominent wine regions, the Grand Valley and the West Elks, offer various tasting experiences. The Grand Valley is along the Colorado River. It has over 20 wineries, and Palisade is the heart of this area. Palisade is known for its fruit orchards and vineyards. They produce award-winning wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling. You can also explore the Fruit & Wine Byway, a 25-mile loop that takes you through picturesque orchards, vineyards, and wineries.

The West Elks American Viticultural Area (American Viticultural Area AVA), located near the towns of Paonia and Hotchkiss, is another wine lover’s paradise. This region has high elevation, rich soil, and a mild climate. These factors help it produce great wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Viognier. A scenic driving tour through the West Elks allows you to visit multiple wineries while enjoying the dramatic mountain vistas.

To enhance your wine country experience, consider participating in one of the many wine events and festivals. These events provide opportunities to taste a wide range of wines, meet winemakers, and attend educational seminars on various aspects of wine appreciation.

Fresh Air Spring Activities

Scenic Train Rides

Hop on board a scenic train ride this spring. Those that don’t go year-round begin train rides in May. Enjoy the stunning blooms, fresh spring air, and mountainscapes.

Hook, Line, and Sinker: Fly Fishing Adventures

Colorado is a paradise for anglers with its clear, pristine rivers and abundant fish populations. A favorite Colorado spring activity is fly fishing, as the ice melts and the rivers begin to flow. Guides can take you to Colorado’s Gold Medal fishing waters, such as the Gunnison, Frying Pan, and South Platte Rivers. They will help you have a successful and enjoyable day. Many outfitters offer lessons and equipment rentals for those new to the sport. 

Get on the Mountain Bike this Spring

A favorite Colorado hobby is mountain biking. Especially popular with the mountain folks during the meltdown transition is to travel to lower elevations and get some time on the bike. Here are some favorite places:

• Fruita (western slope) – 18 Road Trails and the Kokopelli Loops.
• Grand Junction (western slope)  – Lunch Loops.
• Pueblo Reservoir (front range) – Lake Pueblo State Park.
• Denver & Front Range – Green Mountain, Lair o’the Bear, and Red Rocks.
• Cortez – Phil’s World.
• Del Norte – Penitente Canyon.

Guided Jeep and OFF-Road Tours

Another fantastic way to spend time with your group is via a guided off-road tour. Some places to consider are:

• Royal Gorge and Canon City area. The diverse canyon landscapes are amazing to explore, as are the other attractions in the area, such as the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and the scenic train tour down the gorge.
• Salida and the Arkansas River Valley. The Arkansas River Valley is another area that opens for off-road exploration in the spring. It’s also a hot spot for white water rafting.
• Twin Lakes and the Collegiate Peaks. This area is near Buena Vista which is north of Salida.

Springtime Scenic Drives open in April and May.

• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway connects Black Hawk to Estes Park.
• The Million Dollar Highway connects Ouray to Silverton.
• West Elk Loop Scenic Byway connects Carbondale to Gunnison.
• Highway 24 connects Ute Pass to Leadville.
• Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway connects Pueblo to Westcliffe.
• Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway connects Walden to Fort Collins.
• Highway 285 connects South Park to Buena Vista.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is at its peak during late April and May. If you’re a fan of big rapids, now’s the time to sign up with a rafting company. Get your gang together and find a guided rafting tour to suit your style. There are rafting trips for all ability levels, so don’t let the idea of big rapids scare you away from this very enjoyable group activity.

Go Wild: Colorado’s Wildlife Watching

Colorado’s wildlife becomes increasingly active as the season transitions from winter to spring. This is an excellent time to spot elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and even black bears emerging from hibernation. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is near Denver. It has over 330 animal species. This makes it a great place for wildlife lovers.

Front Range Spring Activities Not to Miss

Discover the Charm of Lakewood: Local Attractions and Outdoor Adventures

Just west of Denver, Lakewood offers a delightful mix of urban attractions and outdoor adventures. Spring is a great time to explore the city’s cultural spots. One highlight is the Lakewood Cultural Center. It hosts many events like theater shows, art exhibits, and concerts. Bear Creek Lake Park offers scenic hiking, biking trails, fishing, and wildlife-watching opportunities for those looking to connect with nature. 

Uncover the Magic of Colorado Springs: Scenic Wonders and Cultural Treasures

Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders and cultural attractions. Spring is a great time to visit the famous Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark with stunning sandstone formations and amazing views. History fans will love visiting the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, an interesting site with Anasazi buildings over 800 years old. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center hosts various exhibitions and performances annually for those seeking a taste of the arts.

Spring Activities in Colorado – A Season of Endless Possibilities

With such a variety of spring activities in Colorado, it’s hard to go wrong. You can explore the Denver Botanic Gardens or go on a wine-tasting tour. Many exciting experiences are waiting for you in Colorado. So, pack your bags and prepare to create lifelong memories as you explore the many spring activities in Colorado.

by Jenna Taylor