Colorado Spring

March through May

Season of Transition

When winter meets summer in the Rockies

Colorado spring is the most unpredictable season - and that's part of its charm. March often brings Denver's biggest snowstorms, but also 65-degree afternoons. You might ski powder in the morning and have a patio beer in shorts by afternoon. The locals say "wait five minutes" for a reason.

Spring skiing is a Colorado tradition. April and May bring warmer temperatures, softer snow, and legendary "corn" conditions. Resorts thin out, lift lines disappear, and you can ski in a T-shirt. Arapahoe Basin often stays open into June, earning its "Legend" nickname.

As snow melts, rivers run high and wildflowers begin to bloom. Late May and June bring carpets of color to the lower elevations, while the high country holds snow well into July. It's a transitional time perfect for exploring before summer crowds arrive.

Spring Events & Festivals

Celebrating the season's arrival

ART

Denver Arts Week

Ten days of gallery openings, studio tours, performances, and First Friday Art Walks. Free and discounted access to Denver's creative scene. Early November (moved from spring).

CINCO

Cinco de Mayo

One of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country on Santa Fe Drive. Live music, traditional food, lowriders, and cultural celebration. First weekend of May.

BEER

Collaboration Fest

Colorado breweries team up to create unique collaborative beers. Sample one-time-only creations at this spring beer festival in Denver.

RUN

Bolder Boulder

One of America's largest 10K races on Memorial Day. 50,000+ runners through Boulder's streets ending in Folsom Field. Costumes encouraged.

TULIP

Denver Botanic Gardens

Tulip displays peak in April and May. Spring flower shows, plant sales, and garden tours as the grounds come alive after winter.

Spring Activities

Making the most of the shoulder season

SKI

Spring Skiing

Warm sun, soft snow, shorter lift lines. Ski resorts operate through mid-April, with A-Basin often open into June. The locals' favorite season on the slopes.

FLOWER

Wildflower Season

Lower elevations bloom late April through May. Crested Butte's famous wildflower festival runs in July when high country peaks. Check bloom reports before you go.

HIKE

Lower Elevation Hiking

Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks, and Front Range trails are snow-free and perfect. High country remains snow-covered until June or later.

BIKE

Road Cycling

Perfect temperatures for riding before summer heat. Denver's trail system and mountain canyon roads offer endless routes.

BIRD

Birdwatching

Spring migration brings thousands of species through Colorado. Barr Lake, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, and mountain meadows come alive.

FISH

Fishing Season Opens

Rivers run high with snowmelt, but lake fishing heats up. Stocked waters and warming temperatures bring trout to the surface.

Spring Travel FAQs

Planning your Colorado spring trip

Is spring a good time to visit Colorado?

Spring is ideal if you're flexible. The weather is unpredictable, but crowds are thin, prices are lower, and you can still ski while enjoying pleasant Denver weather. Late May offers more stability than March or April.

Can I hike fourteeners in spring?

Most fourteeners are snow-covered and require mountaineering skills through May or June. Some lower peaks like Quandary become accessible in late May with proper gear. Check current conditions and consider hiring a guide.

What's the weather really like?

Highly variable. March can bring 2-foot blizzards one day and 60-degree sunshine the next. April swings wildly. May stabilizes but still brings afternoon thunderstorms. Always pack layers and be ready for anything.

When do mountain roads open?

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park typically opens late May (weather dependent). Independence Pass opens Memorial Day weekend. Many high passes remain closed until June or later.

Plan Your Spring Trip

Explore Colorado's spring destinations