Spring Break in Colorado
By Jen Widler
Spring break is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of our incredible state! With its stunning mountain vistas, world-class ski resorts, and diverse outdoor activities, Colorado offers something for every type of spring breaker. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking, birding, and hot springs, the Centennial State offers a range of activities. Keep reading for some of the best spring break ideas in Colorado, to help you plan the ideal getaway (or staycation). So, get ready to hit the slopes, soak in some hot springs, and make unforgettable memories, all the while reminding yourself why we are so lucky to call this place home!
Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 2 HOURS 35 MINUTES
Located in Glenwood Springs, this is the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. The pool is fed by the Yampah spring, which is said to have healing properties. Glenwood Hot Springs also features a spa, a water slide, and a mini-golf course.
Pagosa Springs
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 5 HOURS
Pagosa Springs is home to the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world. The springs are located in a beautiful setting surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. Visitors can choose from a variety of hot spring pools, ranging in temperature from 83 to 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ouray Hot Springs
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 5 HOURS 20 MINUTES
Ouray Hot Springs offers a unique experience with its natural rock formations and waterfalls. The hot springs are surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. The springs are also open year-round, offering visitors the chance to soak in the warm waters even during the winter months.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 3 HOURS 10 MINUTES
Located near Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful and secluded hot spring experience. The springs are surrounded by natural beauty, including rock formations and a waterfall. The pools range in temperature from 101 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES
Mount Princeton Hot Springs offers a range of hot spring pools, including a large hot springs pool and several smaller pools. The hot springs are surrounded by stunning mountain views, providing visitors with a truly unforgettable experience. The resort also offers a spa, a restaurant, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and horseback riding.
National Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in Colorado. With over 415 square miles of wilderness, this park is a paradise for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Longs Peak trail, which offers stunning views of the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears.
Mesa Verde National Park
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 6 HOURS 35 MINUTES
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its well-preserved archaeological sites that showcase the ancient Ancestral Puebloan culture. Visitors can explore over 5,000 known archeological sites, including cliff dwellings, mesa-top ruins, and pit houses. The park also offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and canyons, making it a photographer's dream.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 3 HOURS 45 MINUTES
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The park boasts 30 square miles of towering dunes that rise up to 750 feet high. Visitors can hike, sandboard, or even sled down the dunes, making for a unique and unforgettable experience. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 5 HOURS 5 MINUTES
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a stunning canyon that is carved out of the hard rock of the Gunnison River. The park boasts some of the steepest and most dramatic cliffs in North America, with some areas dropping over 2,000 feet. Visitors can hike, camp, and fish in the park while enjoying the stunning views of the canyon.
Railroads
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 6 HOURS
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most iconic railroads in the United States. The railroad was built in the late 1800s to transport silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains to Durango. Today, visitors can take a ride on the historic steam-powered train and experience the stunning mountain views and rugged wilderness of southwestern Colorado.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 5 HOURS 10 MINUTES
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is another historic narrow-gauge railroad that offers visitors a glimpse into Colorado's past. The railroad runs through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the state, including the Cumbres Pass and Toltec Gorge. Visitors can take a ride on the historic steam-powered train and experience the stunning mountain views and historic towns along the route.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 50 MINUTES
The Georgetown Loop Railroad was originally built in the 1800s to transport silver and gold ore from the mountains to the city of Denver. Today, visitors can take a ride on the historic steam-powered train and experience the breathtaking scenery of the Clear Creek Canyon.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a scenic railroad that offers visitors stunning views of the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River. The railroad runs through a narrow canyon and over a suspension bridge, providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience. The train features a dining car, allowing visitors to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning scenery.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway that takes visitors to the top of Pikes Peak, the highest peak in the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The train features a cog-wheel mechanism that allows it to climb steep grades, making it one of the most unique and thrilling railway experiences in Colorado.
