The Ultimate Guide to Springtime in Colorado
Most tourists avoid Colorado in the spring. Shoulder season, also referred to as muddy season, is that sweet spot between the winter tourist rush and the summer influx of posh hikers. That makes it an ideal time to visit: this is the time of year when you can ski in the morning and play a round of golf in the afternoon. Visiting Colorado during shoulder season is cheaper, there’s greater availability of campsites, you won’t be surrounded by tourist hoards, and, best of all, ya might score a few great gear deals.
So now that I’ve convinced you to come during April and May, here’s what you should do:
Go on an adventure while avoiding the high-season crowds
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Go spring skiing. trade your bibs for overalls and enjoy the bluebird days on the mountain with fewer crowds and way more fun. Believe us, spring skiing is actually the best.
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Take a guided white water rafting tour. The snow is melting and the water is flowing! Book a tour with any of Colorado’s guides and enjoy an exciting day touring the mountains from a raft.
Image by JEREMY SWANSON via Aspen SoJo
Enjoy the Mile High City
Your visit to Colorado doesn’t have to be all mountains and adventure. Denver is a city worth checking out, especially in the spring.
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Spring is the best time to take a morning stroll through Denver’s Botanic Gardens, listening to the birds chirp and watching buds bloom.
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Did you know Colorado is synonymous with craft beer? Grab rent a bike and take a Denver beer tour.
Take a dip in the hot springs
Colorado has a geothermal motherload of hot springs. There are so many to choose from, Uncover Colorado's best hot springs list pretty much nails it.
Visit our parks
Colorado’s three National Parks, all unique in their own regard, are jam-packed in the summer. Beat the summer rush and visit in April.
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Mesa Verde is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the huge Cliff Palace.
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Great Sand Dunes is known for its, well, its great dunes of sand!
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Rocky Mountain national park spans the continental divide and is known for its high alpine trails. Expect muddy hikes, but we’ll take mud over crowds any day.
Take a hike in the foothills
If you’re staying in Denver, go for a day hike to the foothills!
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Boulder - enjoy the flatirons then go grab some grub on Pearl Street.
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Golden - after your morning hike in Golden, head over to the Coors Brewery and grab a banquet beer.
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Red Rocks - go on the weekends and feel terrible about yourself as you watch the fittest Coloradans taking on a workout in the amphitheater.
Fun can be had all over the state this spring. Whether it’s hanging out and drinking a beer (always responsibly, friends) or exploring the backcountry—Colorado is here for you this spring. So come and visit, but don’t forget to support the community that is hosting you and pick yourself up a Colorado Outpatch before or after you go!