When temperatures rise, around the West that means boating, flip flops, BBQ, road rides and festivals. At times, you can do so much in one weekend that you’ll need the rest of the week to recover, just in time for the next one. It’s a mile-high spring fling.
1) Rock the boat
The second snow starts melting, water begins to pour out of the Rocky Mountains. With 228 rivers in Colorado, there is plenty of water to be found. Rivers like the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, the Arkansas River near Salida and Buena Vista, the Animas River in Durango and the Piedra River in Pagosa Springs are all spring destinations.
2) Road warriors
With roads clear and dry, roadies hit the pavement. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the road riding season with some huge events. One of the biggest, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango sees thousands of riders racing a coal burning locomotive up two mountain passes and over 50 miles.
3) High angle
A sunny day is a fantastic time to cast a fly in the high country. Towns like Creede, Crested Butte, Dolores, Telluride and Durango all have world class fly fishing, and guide services that can take you right to the best holes.
4) Spring ski
Mountain town locals know that the best time to hit the biggest lines is after the snow stops falling. Without the worry of avalanches and blizzards, skier and snowboarders can get into zones like Colorado’s San Juan Mountains through June.
5) Festivus
From outdoor concerts to farmers markets and city block parties, these celebrations of spring and summer are the real social networks. Film festivals, music festivals, food festivals, beer festivals, balloon festivals and so much more. Telluride alone has more than 20 festivals from spring through summer.
