Spring in Colorado means the start of the baseball season, warmer weather for hiking and biking, concerts at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and a bevy of cultural events to enjoy.
Play Ball!
The Colorado Rockies kicked off the season at Coors Field with their home opener on April 3rd playing the Philadelphia Phillies. They’re hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 17th-20th, and on April 19th, Rockies mascot Dinger the Dinosaur will host guests at a special event. Select ticket packages include a limited-edition Dinger mascot hat and entrance to Dinger’s party at Coors Field.
With the stadium’s location in LoDo (Lower Downtown), there are great dining options before the game. If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine, stop by Rioja.
Executive Chef and Owner Jennifer Jasinski was the first Denver chef to win The James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southwest Award in 2013, and guests at Rioja love the Beets and Burrata Salad, Butternut Squash Mezzaluna Pasta, and Grilled Baramundi.
Happy Trails To You
Boulder is known for its scenic hiking and biking trails and Chautauqua Park’s access to the Flatirons, Royal Arch, and Bluebell trails makes it a favorite starting point for adventure.
The Boulder Creek path is a paved trail running over 5 miles from Boulder Canyon to the Stazio Ballfields. It’s beloved by joggers, bikers, and walkers pushing strollers as it’s easily accessible and offers many opportunities to dip your feet into the creek to cool off as temperatures climb.
In Denver’s Lakewood suburb, the Green Mountain Trail is an ideal destination for mountain biking or hiking. The loop is 6.5 miles with views of the foothills, wildflowers, and Denver’s skyline. With only about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s not too challenging but make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat as there isn’t tree cover.
In western Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center boasts trails with breathtaking views of the dramatic rock formations. If you’re a first-time visitor, you can learn about the park through a Guided Nature Walk. Reserve your spot online, and meet at the Visitor and Nature Center for the walk that begins at 10:30am daily for a stroll from Gateway Trail to the Central Garden Trail.
Or strike out on your own on the trails that stretch 22 miles throughout the landscape. For a moderate challenge, the Garden of the Gods Outer Loop is over 6 miles along the perimeter of the park with lovely views.
In northern Colorado, the Poudre River Trail has 21 miles of paved path along the The Cache La Poudre River. Whether you’re biking, running, or just out for a walk, this trail is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, winding along the water from River Bluffs Open Space to Island Grove Regional Park
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the river banks and maybe an eagle flying overhead. Leashed dogs are allowed, and keep in mind that motorized bikes are not permitted on the trail.
Take A Bow: Performing Arts + Museum Exhibits
After delighting audiences at sold-out performances on Broadway and across North America, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ will be back in Denver at the Buell Theatre in May. Celebrate Michael Jackson’s music and choreography and get a behind the scenes perspective on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
The Denver Art Museum is displaying the vibrant colorful work of Sadie Young, a multimedia and installation artist whose practice spans crochet, fine oil portraiture, carpentry, and immersive installations.
According to the museum’s website, Young “continues to explore other materials and mediums in her large-scale projects and studio practice; however, yarn remains at the heart of her solo work. Visitors can step inside the enormous mouths of towering monsters, dodge playful tube creatures, and discover hidden and unexpected surprises in this colorful yarn and fiber-based installation.”
Young’s installation is located in the Precourt Family Discovery Hall, on level two of the Hamilton Building.
The Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with LEGO® Bricks is on display at Denver’s Museum of Nature & Science through May 3rd. Explore the creations by artist Sean Kenney, all made of LEGO® bricks.
“Explore our planet’s unique ecosystems, brought to life through colorful, playful environments where nature provides the building blocks for creative inspiration and scientific discovery. From towering polar bears and coral reefs to bustling cities and African savannas, you will feel a renewed sense of wonder for the rich balance of life that binds ecosystems and their inhabitants. Enjoy plenty of hands-on opportunities, from building LEGO® brick creations to sketching journals and playing a magnetized game.”
Some of the interactive features include an opportunity to build your own underwater coral sea life with LEGO bricks or the challenge to “Waddle Like a Penguin.”
With a location that doubles as hiking destination and acclaimed concert venue, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre once again has a star-studded lineup. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will perform on May 2nd, followed by Bright Eyes on May 6th. Alabama Shakes have a two night run on May 24th-25th followed by Santana on May 27th-28th. No matter what your favorite genre of music is, there’s sure to be a concert on their calendar to enjoy.
With endless options for outdoor recreation, music, and cultural events, Colorado’s Front Range has plenty of activities to enjoy during the sunny days of spring.