College spring break in colorado
If you are planning on heading out to the Colorado Rocky Mountains this Spring, you might already be looking into ways in which you can enjoy your time off. Spring break is one of America’s most popular college destinations; hundreds of thousands of young college students and even older crowds visit Colorado each year during this time away from school to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
If you’re a college student, you may be thinking about going on spring break this year. The last few shots of Facebook you saw were all your friends enjoying their vacations. It’s easy to get the feeling that you’re missing out on something special by staying at school. But even if you aren’t a student, you may be wishing for a similar experience. No matter what age you are or what level of education you have, getting away from daily responsibilities can give us all a boost in a variety of ways. I know it has for me in the past, and I bet it has for others too. Whether you choose to stay local or travel to a different state or country, there are some great spots nearby that you can visit this spring break!
We’re here to help you plan your spring break in Colorado, whether you’re a college student or not.
Colorado has something for everyone, and we can help you find the best places to visit and the best things to do.
Whether you want to get away from campus for a week or are looking for an excuse to visit a new city, Colorado is a great option for your spring break.
1. Visit Colorado’s Incredible National Parks
Spring is the perfect season to check Colorado’s four National Parks off your bucket list. With peak season for tourism at the parks running from May to October, you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty of Colorado at a slower pace. Here are four parks we love to visit:
- Rocky Mountain National Park is between Estes Park and Grand Lake and represents what most people picture in their minds when they think of “Colorado” — scenic hikes following bending rivers, alpine lakes reflecting jagged peaks, and countless wildlife roaming freely in open plains.
- Mesa Verde National Park, near Cortez, this park is home to Ancestral Puebloan dwellings nestled into cliff walls. The park gives visitors a realistic view into the daily lives of those who created and once inhabited its dwellings.
- For an otherworldly experience, visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you’ll find the nation’s tallest dune, towering 750 feet high at 8,700 feet above sea level.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park near Montrose will leave you speechless as you take in its dramatic cliff walls that have been carved over centuries by the Gunnison River.
Each of these parks and the surrounding areas offer an array of recreational activities like cross-country skiing, camping, snowshoeing, fishing, kayaking, and much more, making them the perfect stop for your spring break trip to Colorado.
2. Play in the Snow at Keystone Resort
Make lasting memories with your family at Keystone Resort, a ski resort tucked back in the Rocky Mountains. Skiing and snowboarding are just a fraction of the winter activities offered at the resort in the Springtime. Other snow activities include snowmobiling, snow biking, ice skating, tubing, sleigh rides, and more.
3. Try Local Cuisine on a Food Tour in Colorado Springs
Head south to Colorado Springs for a fantastic culinary experience! An event the whole family can get excited about, these tours feature four to five destinations in just three hours. Plus, you’ll learn some fun local history from your tour guide along the way. Rocky Mountain Food Tours offers tours every weekend, year-round! Try The Original Colorado Springs Food Tour for a classic, five-stop culinary whirlwind, get into the local beer scene on The Springs Craft Brewery Tour, or toast to fun on The Springs Signature Cocktail Tour.
4. Stay and Soak at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Book a creekside cabin for your family and enjoy complimentary access to the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Chalk Creek runs through the resort and offers guests a true natural hot spring experience as geothermal hot springs warm sections of the river. If the rushing river isn’t for you, you can relax poolside at the The Historic Bath House, which was built just after the Civil War. Guests can take in views of the Collegiate Peaks while enjoying fresh squeezed juice from the spa’s juice bar.
5. Visit the Highest Zoo in North America
At an elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs holds the title of the “Highest Zoo in North America.” Not only will you spot more than 200 species of animals, you’ll also be sure to see some incredible views of Colorado Springs. Be ready to feed hungry giraffes, ride the historic carousel, and walk through a unique modern art exhibit that is home to 40 species of reptiles.
6. Get Adventurous at CityROCK Climbing Center
If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor activities, put your climbing skills to the test at CityROCK in Downtown Colorado Springs. The climbing gym offers bouldering and top rope climbing for any skill level so you and your family can explore your adventurous sides in a safe and fun environment. If you’re up for a challenge, explore 225 feet of artificial cave passages underneath CityROCK where you’ll come across artificial formations, cave life, and artifacts. When you’re done climbing, head to a yoga class or grab dinner and a drink at the gym’s bar, The Ute & Yeti.
7. See the Royal Gorge by Jeep
Colorado Jeep Tours provides “high quality, scenic, and informative jeep tours” of one of Colorado’s most epic attractions. Your tour guide will provide local knowledge of the history and geology of the Royal Gorge, all while taking you on an off-roading adventure. You’ll drive over America’s highest suspension bridge, experience the depths of the gorge itself, and have access to the other amusements the park has to offer.
Note: Colorado Jeep Tours also provides tours of Cañon City’s Red Canyon and the “Gold Belt” areas including Cripple Creek and Victor, Colorado, as well as custom tours unique to your needs!
8. Drive to the Top of “America’s Mountain”
Have you really experienced Colorado until you’ve eaten a donut on top of a mountain? We think not. Pikes Peak (or “America’s Mountain”) is one of the world’s most visited mountains, and for good reason. The majestic peak is the crown of Colorado Springs, offering beautiful views to the entire city and beyond. There are several ways to summit, but the easiest (and cheapest way) is to hop in your car and enjoy the ride up. You can get out and hike along the way, take some photos at one of the scenic pull off areas, and even fish at one of the reservoirs on your way up. When you summit, you’ll be greeted by 360 views, endless photo opportunities, and delicious high-altitude donuts.
9. Experience Garden of the Gods on Horseback
Google Colorado Springs and you’ll probably find photos of Garden of the Gods — now picture yourself staring up at the iconic red spires on horseback. At Academy Riding Stables, you’ll be paired with a horse that suits your level of experience and receive a guided tour through the park from a real cowboy. If that doesn’t scream Colorado, we don’t know what does!