Colorado Vacation In April
So, you’re thinking of taking a vacation. You’re tired of the old routine of going to the same beach every year to relax and surf. This year, you want something really different, something exciting and adventurous instead. Well, I’ve got just what you’re looking for: Colorado vacations in April! Let us tell you why Colorado is so appealing from April to May.
April is one of the most popular months to visit Colorado. This post is an examination of the data from last April and explanations of the best times to visit Colorado based on weather, cost, and fun.
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Spring Break In Colorado 2022
When you think Colorado, probably “skiing” comes to your mind, but Colorado is a state that offers many tourist attractions throughout all the seasons of the year. In this article you’ll be able to test your knowledge about Colorado’s different tourist destinations and fun things to do during the month of April.
Now that April is almost here, it’s time to start thinking about upcoming holidays and vacations. If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, we’ve compiled some of the best time and activities for you.
If you’re looking for a Colorado vacation in April, you don’t have to look any further. Colorado is the perfect place to go skiing in the winter, and it’s also a great place to visit during the springtime. April is one of the best months to go see all of the gorgeous flowers that bloom in the state.
If you’re up for some hiking, you can take advantage of all of the trails that are open during this time. You can also go rafting on one of Colorado’s many rivers—or even try kayaking or paddle boarding! Or if you’re looking for something different, why not visit one of Colorado’s museums? There are museums all over the state that will give you an insight into everything from Native American culture to mining history and more!
Colorado is a great state to visit in April. The weather is usually mild and sunny, making it a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities. Many people come to Colorado for skiing or snowboarding during this time of year since most resorts are still open. You can also see the beautiful Aspen trees which only bloom for about two weeks each year at their peak in April.
Things To Do In Colorado In May
April is usually a great time to visit Colorado. The weather can still be warm in the 80s in April but you can also get lucky with a warm day. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s a good idea to visit mid-week.
1. Explore Wine Country
What Is It? If you’re not interested in playing in the snow, you’re unlikely to find much around the Western Slope at the lower elevations, but you can experience the state’s fabulous wine country.
Why Do It? Located in the Redlands area of Grand Junction, the Two Rivers Winery & Chateau offers a taste of Southern France. The award-winning boutique winery produces Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, and hosts an intimate tasting room as well as public tours. Look forward to sipping while taking in the amazing views from the base of the Colorado National Monument.
Good to Know: Throughout this region, you’ll find many opportunities to tour and taste, including in Paonia and Palisades.
2. Experience Crested Butte
What Is It? Crested Butte is one of the most picturesque towns in Colorado, ideal for a spring ski trip early in the season, with Crested Butte Mountain Resort typically open through mid-April.
Why Do It? Its top expert terrain is actually at its peak this time of year. When the snow has dissipated, it’s a magical time for hiking and mountain biking, with wildflowers bursting into bloom, and lots of trails to enjoy them on with the soaring Rockies providing a stunning backdrop.
Good to Know: The “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” may be at its best along the Lupine Trail, which stretches for 3.5 miles. The Willow Creek Loop Trail is just 1.4 miles in length and popular not only for wildflowers but outstanding bird watching.
3. Spring Skiing at Breckenridge
What Is It? Springtime in Breckenridge means loads of sunshine, powder, and lots of festivities.
Why Do It? Early in the season, it hosts a month-long celebration, from mid-March through mid-April called Spring Fever, which features free concerts, a scavenger hunt and the wacky Imperial Challenge race where participants race bikes to the mountain before hopping on a lift, hiking up the hill and then skiing down.
Good to Know: You can also take part in the outstanding apres-ski scene with lots of pubs, breweries, and other venues, including the popular T-Bar which sits at the base of Peak 8, hosting a huge outdoor patio, along with an extensive beer selection.
4. White River Rafting Throughout the Rockies
What Is It? Colorado is one of the nation’s top spots for white river rafting, and spring offers some of the best.
Why Do It? There are many places to experience it in the state, and many levels of difficulty to choose from. The Arkansas River cuts through rugged canyons and plunges 5,000 feet in the first 125 miles as one of America’s most popular rafting rivers, with departures in Buena Vista, Salida and Canon City.
Good to Know: If you’re looking for a big challenge, the upper Animas River in the southwestern region of the state near Durango is renowned for its Class IV and V rapids.
5. Soak in the Hot Springs
What Is It? Colorado boasts many fabulous hot springs that can be enjoyed all year long.
Why Do It? Glenwood Springs is one of the most well-known destinations, home to the popular Glenwood Hot Springs Resort which boasts the largest hot springs pool in the world. There’s plenty of room for soaking and swimming, and it even includes a diving lane. If you visit late in the season, from Memorial Day weekend on, you can also enjoy the two water slides.
Good to Know: Other favorite hot springs spots include Pagosa Springs in southwest Colorado, Hot Sulphur Springs close to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, and Strawberry Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs.
6. Attend the Boulder Creek Festival
What Is It? Boulder offers a season of outdoor festivals that kick off in late spring over Memorial Day weekend with the Boulder Creek Festival.
Why Do It? While this city at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills offers year-long fun, by attending this event you’ll be able to enjoy live music across several stages, street dancing, carnival rides, a beer garden, craft-brewed root beer, locally-made chocolates, and vegan delights.
Good to Know: Don’t miss the popular Great Rubber Duck Race. This is when thousands bring their little rubber ducks to float down the creek for prizes and to benefit a good cause.
7. Listen to Live Music at Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
What Is It? If you’re into bluegrass and outdoor fun, Durango not only offers a wealth of recreational activities and popular attractions, but it hosts the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown.
Why Do It? It features three days of bluegrass concerts, bringing bands from across the nation together for musical performances at local venues around Durango.
Good to Know: While you’re here you can experience one of the nation’s top train rides, the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad steam train, hike or bike miles and miles of scenic trails, raft the river and more.
Cave of the Winds
8. Tackle the Cave of the Winds Obstacle Course at Williams Canyon
What Is It? Cave of the Winds is one of the state’s top attractions, a 500-million-year-old underground geological wonder open for tours.
Why Do It? Many aren’t aware that it also offers an exciting, three-story obstacle course that sits at the edge of Williams Canyon, a rim with a 600-foot-drop. Adventurers attempt to get through a moving maze, and if they’re really daring, climb over the cliffs, of course, while being securely connected in a full-body harness.
Good to Know: Other activities here include a zip-line and a swing that will shoot you into the canyon at 100 miles per hour.
9. Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
What Is It? Pikes Peak is one of the country’s most famous peaks.
Why Do It? It might not be the highest, but it soars into the sky at more than 14,100 feet, drawing some half-million to reach its summit each year. While you could hike up, one of the most popular ways to get there is to ride the highest cog railroad in the world: Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Good to Know: The three-hour trip itself is worth the adventure for the awe-inspiring views of the countless surrounding mountain peaks and the landscape below.
Colorado Spring Vacation Ideas
Monarch Mountain, near Salida, is a super-approachable locals’ favorite mountain. Lessons are available for everyone and a laid-back vibe will welcome you, as does the occasional spring cookout in the parking lot.
Logging the most snowfall in Colorado nearly every year, Wolf Creek Ski Area outside Pagosa Springs is a reliable springtime spot for some great powder, paired with a super-friendly, down-to-earth personality and terrain for every level.
A short drive-time from Denver and a famously friendly staff make Loveland Ski Area another good choice for families, typically open into early May.
The longest ski season in Colorado usually belongs to Arapahoe Basin (often open into mid-June!), and their epic terrain and family-friendly spring concert series make it a sure bet for smiles.
GROW THEIR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS
Experts will tell you that playing outside helps kids bolster creativity, reduce stress and stem aggressive behavior. Colorado’s spectacular public lands are the ideal places to get your whole family out exploring.
At Dinosaur National Monument in northwest Colorado, kids get amped to see fossils from the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry, where approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones are left in place in a cliff wall. Plus, a number of self-guided trails are open for exploration.
Let them climb up and tumble down North America’s largest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in the San Luis Valley. A big spring bonus: The mystical Medano Creek returns this time of year, flowing by the base of the dunes and creating a beachy environment with pulsing, small waves.
Return to simple pleasures with a good, old-fashioned family fishing trip to Eleven Mile State Park, located smack in the middle of the state. The endeavor gets a Colorado-style upgrade with breathtaking mountain views.
Up for an adrenaline boost? Opt for a springtime rafting adventure (when snowmelt makes the rivers run faster). Your family will rely on teamwork to navigate legendary whitewater rapids with the help of a guide on the Animas River near Durango.
DISCOVER WATCHABLE WILDLIFE
You can show them mountains, canyons, rivers and lakes, but nothing makes kids’ eyes light up like spotting a furry or feathered critter!
The area around Walden in northern Colorado is considered the moose-viewing state capital, with some 600 of Bullwinkle’s buddies roaming free. Wilderness access is easy at State Forest State Park, which even has a moose-themed visitor center.
The Colorado Birding Trail is actually a network of 54 trails renowned for their magnificent landscapes and unique bird species. Our picks for families are on the eastern plains, where you’ll find the exotic-looking Greater Prairie-Chicken in April and May (viewing tours recommended) or the springtime migrating beauties on the Playa Trail.
Every March, sandhill cranes migrate through southern Colorado, stopping in the potato fields, prairies and wetlands near Monte Vista. The tall, elegant birds are best spotted in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge — and during the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, you can join in a viewing tour and an arts-and-crafts fair.
Want to get a guaranteed great view of bears, wolves, lions and tigers? Head to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg. This extraordinary rescue organization has saved more than 1,000 mistreated animals from across the globe and given them new life on the natural plains of Colorado. An elevated walkway lets you closely observe these majestic creatures without invading their space.
Add in Relaxation
SOAK & SPLASH AT HOT SPRINGS
Colorado’s family-friendly hot-springs retreats are a surefire way to please everyone — not to mention, a beautiful way to enjoy a spring snow while staying toasty.
At Mount Princeton Hot Springs, near the charming rafting town of Buena Vista, your kids can zoom down a 400-foot waterslide into the pool while you blissfully enjoy a soothing spot among the thermals that emerge into the rushing waters of Chalk Creek.
A Colorado family tradition for decades, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is the largest outdoor mineral hot-springs pool in the world (and there are mountain views from the water, to boot). With slides, kiddie pools and swimming areas, you can all find the right spots to enjoy this warm mineral water.
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool, located in what’s been called the Switzerland of the Rockies, is tailored toward families, with slides and shallow areas, picnic-perfect lawns and play areas, too.
A hidden gem tucked away in southern Colorado is the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool, a no-frills collection of swimming and soaking pools about 40 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Alamosa. If your kids are older, sneak away to the grown-ups-only Greenhouse to soak among the gardens and sip an adult beverage.
MAKE WHERE YOU STAY THE GETAWAY
Sometimes where you rest your head can offer as much adventure as the places you go.
Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs is way more than a hotel. It’s also a 50,000-sqaure-foot indoor water park. This is one-stop vacationing, where some of the guest rooms have cave-themed sleeping areas and bunk beds for your young ones.
Beaver Run Resort’s sprawling property is kid heaven, with a huge game room, an indoor-outdoor pool, several hot tubs and large suites and family rooms available — all in the heart of one of Colorado’s mountain playgrounds, Breckenridge.
Popular for family reunions, YMCA of the Rockies enjoys a breathtaking location in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, plus a full menu of activities. Choose to hide away in the fully stocked craft room or try archery, ziplining, yoga, astronomy, hiking or horseback riding — and end every day with s’mores around the campfire.
Finish With a Surprise
TRY SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Colorado’s farms are ripe for exploring, and springtime means lots of baby animals to meet! Visit SunCrest Orchard Alpacas in Palisade to see a herd of 50 or so alpacas and learn how their wool is spun into yarn on the fibermill. Another great option is feeding the baby goats or experiencing goat yoga at Mountain Flower Goat Dairy, a small farm in the heart of Boulder. Call ahead for visiting hours.
The state’s mining heritage left a number of ghost towns dotting the landscape. One of the best preserved and most easily accessible is St. Elmo, which was abandoned in 1922. A lovely, 40-minute drive from Buena Vista brings you to a general store, post office and miners’ cabins. The road can be muddy in spring, and weather can change quickly, so be sure to bring water, sunscreen, layers of warm clothing and snow gear.
It’s not a true family vacation until you’ve pulled over at a kitschy roadside attraction or two! Antonito is home to Cano’s Castle, a folk-art fortress made primarily of beer cans. Or stop at Estes Park’s Baldpate Inn for a slice of pie and to see the world’s largest key collection (which has a great story to go with it). More options: the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, the Antique Washing Machine Museum in Eaton or the largest fork in the U.S. in Creede.
