As Coloradans know, the Centennial State offers a wealth of outdoor activities that we can all enjoy. Whether you are a fan of downhill skiing, climbing, boating, or hiking, our state has endless opportunities for recreation.
Even as the ski and snowboard season wraps up in resort towns and we await summer weather for certain pursuits, Colorado boasts a wide variety of options for you to enjoy in the spring sunshine.
FLY FISHING
Boulder Creek, beloved by anglers as an easily accessible waterway, offers plenty of spots to seek out brown and rainbow trout. Summit County’s Blue River provides exceptional trout fishing year-round. In April, as the river comes alive with hatches of blue-winged olives and midges, anglers can test their skills against wily trout.
Crested Butte is an angler’s paradise, with rivers and alpine lakes to explore. The Gunnison River, just outside of town, offers great options for trout fishing. Warmer weather in April typically brings hatches of blue-winged olives and stoneflies.
The Blue River starts on Hoosier Pass, winding through the Summit County towns of Silverthorne and Breckenridge, with exceptional trout fishing throughout the year for those hardy enough to brave its cold temperatures. In April, the waterway comes alive with hatches of midges.
In the rugged San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers outstanding fly fishing surrounded by towering peaks. The San Miguel River, which flows outside Telluride and along the Uncompaghre Plateau, is known for its crystal-clear waters. Spring typically means the start of warmer temperatures and increased insect activity, making it an excellent time to explore the river’s pools in search of rainbow and brown trout.
GOLF
Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine each year make golf a year-round sport across many locations. Although high-elevation courses in Crested Butte, Grand County, Summit County, Telluride, and the Vail Valley are still covered in snow, some downvalley courses open in mid-April. Eagle Ranch Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer Signature Design course just 30 minutes from the resorts of Beaver Creek and Vail, opens for the season on April 10th and offers tee times available to the public.
With a championship layout in a unique setting, Arrowhead Golf Course was 300 million years in the making. Drastic elevation changes, plenty of wildlife and thousands of feet of ancient red sandstone rocks with towering peaks above fairways offer golfers a majestic experience. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed golf courses in the world.
Another beautiful golf course on the Front Range is TCP Colorado. Located in the Heron Lakes community north of Denver in Berthoud, this championship golf course was designed by Arthur Schaupeter Golf Course Architects. There are plenty of water views with Lonetree, McNeil and Welch Reservoirs alongside the course, and broad mountain views abound.
HIKING
As the snow melts and warmer days are seen across the Front Range, it’s a great time to dust off your hiking shoes. Spruce Mountain, located near Larkspur and Palmer Lake, is a 5.5 mile loop that provides views of Pikes Peak and the Palmer Divide. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and summer, and the trial allows horseback riding, so keep dogs on leash and your eyes peeled for riders.
Roxborough State Park, outside of Denver, offers almost 4,000 acres to explore. Some of the notable options include Fountain Valley Trail, which is fairly flat and just over 2 miles with impressive rock outcroppings, and the more challenging Elk Valley Trail, a 4.8 mile loop with lookout points to search for elk in the meadows. Dogs are not allowed in the park, and make sure to leave no trace – pack out any trash to keep the trails beautiful.
Located just west of downtown Boulder, Mount Sanitas is a popular hike for locals and visitors alike. It can be done as a mellow walk near a brook, or the most challenging option with a steep incline to the peak offering 360-degree views of Boulder and the Front Range. Parking is a challenge due to its proximity to Boulder, so plan to arrive early or carpool.