If our beautiful state of Colorado is known for anything, it’s the natural beauty and outdoor adventures like rock climbing, exploring caverns, soaking in hot springs, and all sorts of fun things for the whole family. While we have gorgeous winters, we really love when it starts to warm up and we can explore springtime in Colorado. It’s one of the loveliest states in America and our Rocky Mountains are so spectacular that they’ve inspired several songs. If you want to find some of the most gorgeous places in The Centennial State, then we’ve got you covered. From fields of flowers to the best places to have a picnic, let’s take a look at the best spring attractions and activities in Colorado.

Flower Blooms In Colorado

While we’re known for lush forests and majestic mountains in Colorado, our state is no slouch when it comes to meadows and fields teeming with multicolored spring wildflowers. They’re some of the best parts of the spring season. Here are two of the best areas to see them:

1. West Maroon Pass

Location: Belleview Mountain, CO

Popularity: Moderately popular, yet large enough to not be crowded.

Price: Free.

West Maroon Pass is a trail that’s most often used for hiking to Aspen, with a trailhead that starts right next to the Crystal River. Sharp rock pinnacles surround the pass, reaching toward the sky as the valley is filled with multicolored blooms. The Columbine flowers show up in at least five different shades and are surrounded by Paintbrushes, Sego Lilies, Sky Pilots, and many more varieties. It’s a strenuous hike, but so worth the effort. It’s definitely one of the best free things to do in Colorado in spring.

2. Herman Gulch

Location: Herman Gulch Trail, Dillon, CO 80435

Popularity: Fairly popular. Not crowded at all.

Price: Free.

Despite its proximity to Denver, Herman Gulch isn’t very crowded and it’s an excellent place to see wide fields of lovely wildflowers. You’ll find bright yellow Alpine Avens along with tiny white Fendler’s Sandwort, lavender Mountain Laurels, and various other blooms to brighten your day with breathtaking views. It’s easy to access as it’s just off the I-70 about an hour west of Denver. Come take a spring drive and see it for yourself!

Botanical Gardens In Colorado

With so much nature surrounding us, it’s no wonder that several botanical gardens have popped up all over Colorado over the years to showcase what we have and educate the public about the various forms of foliage and how we can best preserve and protect them. They are excellent resources for fostering a love of nature and the desire to keep it intact. Here are three of the best botanical gardens in Colorado.

3. Denver Botanic Gardens

Location: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206

Popularity: Very popular, but worth it

Price: Free for members. Otherwise $15 for adults, $11.50 for Seniors 65+ and Military/Veterans, $11 for ages 3-15 and students with ID.

This is the perfect place to go for outdoor activities right in the heart of the city. The Denver Botanic Gardens is filled with gorgeous displays of plants, trees, and flowers from all over the state. It’s a great way to see them without having to trek all the way to Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, or the Rocky Mountain National Park. There are numerous special events and educational programs that will bring you back again and again.

4. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Location: 522 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO 81657

Popularity: Locally popular, but a hidden gem for the rest of the state.

Price: $20 suggested donation per person.

Way up in the mountains in Vail, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are as much of an attraction as the skiing resorts. Open year-round from dawn until dusk, these gorgeous gardens are focused on the lush and vivid foliage of the alpine region. See the beautiful blooms in the warmer months or come here in winter for spectacular snowshoe trails.

5. The Gardens on Spring Creek

Location: 2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Popularity: A hidden gem that’s worth a day trip.

Price: Free for members. $5.50 for adults. $4.50 for Seniors 65+ and Military/Veterans, $4.00 for ages 2-17 and students with ID.

Hidden in the charming old Colorado city of Fort Collins is The Gardens on Spring Creek. What’s unique about this garden is that it focuses not only on the beautiful plants in Colorado but on the rocks as well! There are 12 acres of multiple gardens and the rock garden is the largest of its kind in the state, making it among the best cheap things to do in Colorado in spring. Other gardens here focus on desert climes, prairies, wetlands, and even produce. Don’t forget to check out the Butterfly House!

Parks To Visit In Colorado This Spring

It’s no secret that our State Parks and National Parks are the envy of the nation. Colorado is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the USA and people come here for whitewater rafting, zipline rides, horseback riding, and mind-blowing vistas, not to mention displays of Native American culture. Let’s take a look at 3 truly stunning parks to visit in Colorado this spring.

6. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Location: 410 JL Ranch Heights Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926

Popularity: Very popular due to being previously forbidden.

Price: $10 daily vehicle pass.

This area was forbidden until 2018 due to the presence of NORAD but is now one of the state’s top attractions. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is home to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo which is the only mountain zoo in the nation and sits at 6,714 feet above sea level! It’s only 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, home of the Pioneer Museum, near the Broadmoor neighborhood and is such a stunningly beautiful place to explore. It’s also quite close to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Seven Falls, and Cave of the Winds.

7. Mueller State Park

Location: 21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814

Popularity: Very popular due to its proximity to Pike’s Peak.

Price: $10 daily vehicle pass.

Mueller State Park is a real gem as it contains just about every biome in Colorado. It has 55 miles of hiking trails and biking trails and affords views of America’s Mountain: Pike’s Peak and is close to the Pikes Peak Highway and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The rock formations in this park look otherworldly and the Visitor Center has a gorgeous panoramic view of the area. The nearby small town of Cripple Creek is a great home base for exploring this park and the whole Pikes Peak region.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park

Popularity: Extremely popular yet filled with secluded areas.

Price: $15-$35 entrance pass.

We would be quite remiss if we didn’t include the cream of the crop of parks in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s one of the most famous national parks and so many artists, musicians, and writers have been deeply inspired by its utter breathtaking beauty. You can explore 415 square miles of massive peaks, abundant wildlife, and rushing waterfalls, and feel the grandeur of the Wild West. When it comes to family things to do in Colorado in spring, it’s tough to beat this place! You can take an organized or self-guided tour, enjoy a secluded camping getaway, or take a jeep through numerous backroads. This is the one place you simply can’t miss.

Spring Hikes In Colorado

Hiking is one of the most popular Colorado spring activities. We love shopping outfitters for the best hiking boots and gear and trekking out into the dense forests, wide open meadows, and alpine peaks for some of the most awe-inspiring vistas on the planet. Here are a couple of the most worthwhile spring hikes in Colorado:

9. Nymph Lake Trail

Location: Nymph Lake, Colorado 80517

Popularity: A hidden gem in a popular park.

Price: $15-$35 entrance pass.

Nymph Lake Trail is the gateway to several pristine lakes in the Rocky Mountains. Nymph Lake itself is covered with lovely lily pads, Dream Lake is surrounded by verdant conifer trees, Emerald Lake is aptly named for its deep green hue, and Lake Haiyaha is a bright turquoise like something from a fairy tale. It’s a moderate five-mile, out-and-back trail and should certainly be on your bucket list of hiking trails.

10. Colorado River Trail

Location: Colorado River Trail, Grand Lake, CO 80447

Popularity: Popular in Aspen but weekdays are less crowded.

Price: $15-$35 entrance pass.

If you’d like to see a ghost town up in the mountains, check out this 7.3-mile, out-and-back, moderately challenging portion of the Colorado River Trail. You’ll wind through pristine forests along the Colorado River and find yourself in the remains of Lulu City. It formed during the mining boom and when the mines dried up, so did the town. There were 200 residents here between 1879 to 1884. Aside from the fascinating natural views, you’ll find what’s left of log cabins and a cemetery. This trail is a great way to see some astounding nature and find some Colorado history.

Spring Picnic Spots In Colorado

What better thing to do when out exploring the idyllic natural wonders of Colorado than to stop and have a springtime picnic and simply take it all in? Our stunning state has endless options for laying out a blanket and popping open a picnic basket full of local delicacies and a nice bottle of wine. Sure, art galleries and live music are both a great time, but nothing beats these spring picnic spots in Colorado:

11. John Denver Sanctuary

Location: 470 Rio Grande Pl, Aspen, CO 81611

Popularity: Fairly popular, but rarely crowded.

Price: Free.

If you want a truly special time, enjoy walking around the John Denver Sanctuary that remembers the folk singer who took Colorado deep into his heart. Nestled in the lovely little town of Aspen, you’ll find boulder after boulder with quotes and lyrics from the beloved songwriter. Beautiful gardens abound and there is ample space to set up a little picnic and enjoy the views of the stellar surrounding mountains. Best of all, it’s open 24/7 and is absolutely free! It stands as one of the most romantic things to do in Colorado in spring.

12. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

Popularity: Extremely popular during events. Less so otherwise.

Price: The park is free, events require tickets.

While it’s best known for having perhaps the best live music venue in the nation, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is also home to many hiking trails and amazing scenery with ample areas for setting up a picnic. It’s one of the best fun things to do in Colorado in Spring. The red rocks themselves are simply gorgeous with how they contrast with the lush green trees that surround them. If you’re here for a picnic, it’s best to come on days when there are no events. You could have a romantic nighttime picnic as the stargazing here is phenomenal.

This Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Colorado just scratches the surface of all the truly wonderful places you can visit, but it should give you a great head start to see the best of The Centennial State. Springtime in Colorado is truly wondrous and it’s no wonder that we receive so many visitors to our achingly beautiful state. Be sure to get some quality hiking boots and explore some of the best hiking trails in America. Come explore Colorado and get a natural Rocky Mountain High!