Spring hiking in Colorado requires flexibility. While high country trails remain buried under snow through May or June, lower elevations along the Front Range offer excellent hiking as early as March. The key is choosing the right elevation and being ready for variable conditions.
Trails below 7,500 feet are typically snow-free by late March. Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks, Roxborough State Park, and Castlewood Canyon offer stunning hikes without needing traction devices. The weather can swing from 70 degrees to snow within hours, so always carry layers.
As spring progresses, more trails open. By late May, most trails up to 9,000 feet are accessible. The high country - fourteeners and alpine trails - generally opens in late June or July depending on snowpack. Check trail conditions before you go.