Enjoy Colorado’s hiking trails this spring. With fewer crowds and quieter parks, you can enjoy a more peaceful and personal hiking experience.
In the heart of Evergreen and less than an hour’s drive west of Denver, Alderfer Three Sisters Park is the perfect spot for a hike the whole family will enjoy, thanks to its moderate terrain. Explore the park’s meticulously maintained trails ranging from 1.3 to 7 miles. Each trail provides breathtaking mountain vistas, serene forested areas, and expansive open spaces, inviting you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, visit the breathtaking Emerald Lake Trail in Estes Park. The 3.2-mile out-and-back trail steadily ascends through pine forests and past pristine alpine lakes, including Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. This hike is perfect for photographers seeking spectacular shots of the surrounding mountains along the trail. As you gain elevation, you’ll pass through a pine forest where Tyndall Creek gently flows down the gorge. You’ll reach Emerald Lake at an elevation of 10,111 feet, where the jagged spires of Flattop Mountain are visible. Keep an eye on the weather for this hike, as snowshoes, micro-spikes, or crampons may be needed.
Camp in Comfort
Car camping helps you brave harsh Colorado conditions during shoulder season and is a great way to avoid crowds while enjoying the pleasant weather. Is there a coveted spot you never seem to be able to snag during the height of summer? Spring might just be your chance.
Sink into North America’s highest mountains of sand at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The dunes are in an area where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains curve inward, creating the unique wind pattern of the San Luis Valley. The Piñon Flats Campground within the park is open from April through October. Spring brings warmer weather, strong winds, and the return of Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that runs along the base of the dunes. In May, temperatures typically rise, with highs generally ranging from the 60s to 70s. Medano Creek, which starts flowing in April, usually sees its peak annual flow during May, thanks to seasonal snowmelt. While the water can be chilly, this is the best time to grab a tube and go for a rare desert float. Most of the roads in the park are cleared, and Piñon Flats Campground offers twenty-one campsites along Medano Pass Road that are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem during shoulder season, visit Paonia State Park in Crawford. The best time to go is from late spring to early summer. What makes this place so unique is its secluded location and the 334-acre Paonia Reservoir, which serves as the park’s crown jewel. The weather is mild during early spring, and the reservoir is full, offering the best conditions for water activities. The park’s high elevation means it can be chilly, even in summer, so pack layers. Its remote nature means you won’t be jostling for space with throngs of tourists. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and clear waters, perfect for kayaking or fishing. While you’re in the area, it’s a great time to visit one of Paonia’s local wineries, which open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through October.
Ride the Rockies
As trails gradually dry out during the shoulder season, they become perfect for mountain biking.
Captain Jack’s trail in Colorado Springs is the best bang-for-your-buck day trip for mountain biking. Offering a scenic climb and a world-famous descent, this 4.7-mile out-and-back route lets you combine several trails for a true classic loop with easy navigation. The soil on Captain Jack’s is a gravelly, kitty litter consistency that dries very quickly, and even the spots that hold snow tend to pack down and allow for dry winter riding. The ride ascends to an impressive 8,000 feet, so check weather conditions before you go. If you manage to ride Captain Jack’s when the dirt is tacky, you may never consider this a summer-only ride again.
If you’re a beginner to the sport, then Erie Creek Singletrack is an absolute blast. With 3.15 miles of progressive trails ranging from beginner to black diamond expert lines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a couple of hours of riding. The singletrack trail network is built on town-owned open space, offering fantastic views of the Front Range, especially at sunset. The drive is under thirty minutes from Denver, and the wide-open exposure to the sun means it’ll be one of the first trail systems to dry out. Complete the afternoon with a stop in downtown Erie, where you can grab a bite at one of the town’s restaurants or coffee shops.
