As spring begins to blossom in Colorado, locals are gearing up for a fresh selection of springtime activities. While March is known as the snowiest and one of the best months for skiing and snowboarding in Colorado’s high country, lower elevations can be warm and sunny for those who are gearing up for rafting, mountain biking, golf and other warmer weather activities. It’s even fun to try to do both a snowy and sunny activity in the same day. Below are a few ideas of how visitors can celebrate spring like a local. For more information, visit www.Colorado.com.
Boulder Farmers’ Market - Grab a basket and head to the Boulder Farmers’ Market for some fresh Colorado grown goods. Every Saturday starting on April 4 and every Wednesday starting May 6, local farmers, cheese makers, bakers, winemakers and flower-growers will fill the Boulder Farmers’ Market. End the day with a picnic alongside the creek or in Central Park.
Colorado Paragliding (Golden) - Experience Colorado’s natural beauty by seeing it from above. Opening on April 2, Colorado Paragliding will offer an unforgettable experience of unobstructed views of the Front Range, while soaring through crisp alpine air in a tandem paraglider. Flights are $169 per person.
Redlands Mesa Golf (Grand Junction) - Be captivated by the beautiful views of the Colorado National Monument and the lakes on the Grand Mesa as you spend a spring day golfing in Grand Junction. Open year-round (weather permitting) and surrounded by pink and red sandstone, The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa offers views that have a reputation for overwhelming the senses. Rates start at $65 for 18 holes and $40 for 9 holes and include golf, cart and range balls.
Ouray Spring Multisport (Ouray) - Experience all of Ouray’s springtime offerings in one day. Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking on one of the many trails Ouray has to offer, and then head over to the Ouray Ice Park or Rotary Park for some ice or rock climbing. After an adventurous day, relax in the soothing Ouray Hot Springs Pool.
Reynolds Park – Eagle’s View Loop (Conifer) - Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Colorado’s springtime beauty. The moderate, four-mile (roundtrip) Reynolds Park – Eagle’s View Loop hike is one that offers a variety of terrain, with a winding trail through meadow and forest leading up to Eagle’s View. The top of the hike brings stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Continental Divide.
Rio Grande Trail (Glenwood Springs) - Coast through the mountains by bike on the paved Rio Grande Trail. The Rio Grande Trail runs 44 miles along the winding Roaring Fork River, and connects Glenwood Springs to Aspen. Riders are able to enjoy the scenic trail this spring while looking for bald eagles, herds of elk and views of Mount Sopris along the way.
Royal Gorge Rafting (Canon City) - Discover an unforgettable whitewater rafting trip through the Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River with Arkansas River Tours. Starting mid-March, the Royal Gorge opens its 2015 rafting season and will offer visitors tame to wild rafting trips. From enormous rapids and beautiful scenery to riding along with whitewater rafting professionals, the Royal Gorge has it all. Rates start at $70 per person.
Spring Festivals and Events
Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Races (Leadville). - The Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Race Series has two springtime races; the Mineral Belt Mayhem on March 7, which is an 11-mile loop night race and the East Side Epic race onApril 18, which is a tour of Leadville’s historic Mining District. The Winter Mountain Bike Races are $20 per race and can be ridden on a mountain bike or fat bike.
Collaboration Festival, March 21 (Denver) - The 2015 Collaboration Fest is back for its second year and will feature 70+ unique collaborations created by Colorado Brewers Guild member breweries in partnership with several out-of-state and international breweries. Brewers will gather to share their experience and techniques in creating the perfect beer. Tickets start at $50 per person.
Spring Fever, March 21- April 19 (Breckenridge) - Join Breckenridge as it ends the ski season and welcomes spring at the month-long, 2015 Spring Fever Festival. Some signature Spring Fever events include the Bud Light concert series, featuring bands such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; the Throwback Throwdown snowboarding half pipe competition, Breck Big Mountain Challenge, Easter festivities and more.
Wine Fest, March 27 (Ft. Collins) - Taste buds will come to life at Wine Fest by tasting different wines and beers from around the world. This event will feature over 500 wines from over 150 Colorado, U.S. and international wineries. Join representatives from wineries, distributors and breweries to discover new wines and beers, while also learning what food to pair them with. Tickets start at $65 per person.
Rumble at 18 Road, April 17-19 (Fruita) - Rumble at 18 Road is a mountain bike and trail running event where locals have the opportunity to race against the pros. There are three races to choose from including trail running, short track mountain biking and cross country mountain biking. Entry fees start at $19 per race.
Crested Butte Pole Pedal Paddle, April 26 (Crested Butte) - The Crested Butte Pole Pedal Paddle will take participants and spectators on a tour of the Gunnison Valley transitioning between uphill/downhill skiing, biking and finishing with kayaking. Rates start at $50 per person.
Filed in Colorado News |