Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by foxintheforest
Combine views of still snow-covered mountains with warmer spring weather by visiting Colorado in April. It’s a great time to explore the state to catch the tail end of ski season or head to the lower elevations and desert landscapes to play outside in Colorado in April.
I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years now, and April in Colorado is an okay time to visit. It’s hard to find the quintessential mountain experience, and burly spring snowstorms can make travel difficult. But if you’re looking to explore Colorado during some of the quieter months, April is a good time to head out here.
As a long-time local, I’m here to give you insider info about how to explore Colorado in April like a local, not a tourist.
About This Guide to Colorado in April
In this local guide to Colorado in April, you’ll find plenty of detailed expert advice on visiting Colorado in spring. Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Why it’s worth visiting Colorado in April
- Typical Colorado weather in April
- Exciting events in Colorado in April
- The best things to do in Colorado in April
- Additional Colorado travel resources
Is April a Good Time to Visit Colorado?
April is one of the best times to visit Colorado if you’re visiting lower-elevation places like Denver or Colorado Springs. While it’s not prime hiking season in April yet, you’ll find plenty of ways to get outside and lots of fun events as well.
Local tip: Though the snow might be melting at lower elevations in April, that means it’s mud season on the trails. Many trails in the foothills have temporary closures to prevent trail damage until they dry out.
April isn’t a great time to visit if you want to ski. The conditions vary year to year, but typically you can expect a lot of icy mornings and slushy afternoons.
One of the best places to visit in April if you’re coming to Colorado is the Colorado National Monument. This is the prime time to experience gorgeous desert scenery. If you’re lucky you may even spot a few cacti blooms later in the month.
What to Expect from Colorado Weather in April
The weather in April is in transition from winter to spring, and you’ll find vastly different conditions from
Denver to the foothills to the mountains. Layers are key to staying comfortable in April – it could be shorts and sandals weather in Denver while you still need your puffy jacket and winter boots up in the mountains.
The average high in Denver in April is 65°F but be prepared for a wide range of temps. And if you’re heading to higher elevations to visit some of Colorado’s mountain towns, expect it to be significantly colder – bring your winter clothes!
If you’re wondering if there is still snow in April, the answer is yes! Since March in Colorado is the snowiest month, plenty of snow sticks around in April. Expect winter hiking conditions in the mountains (with avalanche danger) until at least the end of April.
Celebrate the End of the Ski Season
Most Colorado ski resorts close in early April, and many resorts go out with a bang on closing day. Check out events like the Cardboard Classic in Steamboat where homemade cardboard crafts compete in a thrilling race down the Stampede.
Taste of Vail
For over 30 years, foodies have flocked to the Taste of Vail, which runs from April 3-6, 2024. From aprés wine tastings on the streets of Vail to lavish wine dinners, the Taste of Vail is truly a fantasy for any food and wine connoisseur.
Barrel into Spring
This wine festival features wine tastings across the Grand Valley in western Colorado, an area known for its fantastic fruit harvests. Barrel into Spring will take place on April 19 & 20, 2024 (with an additional weekend in May).
Durango Wine Experience
Another awesome wine festival in a different part of the state is the Durango Wine Experience, which happens on April 26-27, 2024. Enjoy a walkabout of wine tastings in downtown Durango on Friday evening, followed by a grand tasting on Saturday.
Film Festivals
If film festivals are more your thing, you have a variety to choose from in Colorado this April.
- 5Point Adventure Film Festival – This flagship film festival showcases incredible adventure films from April 24-28, 2024 in Carbondale, CO.
- Aspen Film ShortsFest – Shorts films of all kinds are featured in this film festival running from April 1-7, 2024.
- Lyons International Film Festival – Independent films are celebrated at this festival which typically takes place at the end of April.
The Best Things to Do in Colorado in April
While the mountains might not be ready for hiking yet, you’ll discover plenty more awesome Colorado activities in April.
Explore Colorado National Monument
Immerse yourself in the desert at the Colorado National Monument. Located on the west slope, the weather should be perfect for visiting this gem in Colorado in April. Explore the red rock canyons and marvel at the sandstone spires on some great hikes in the Colorado National Monument.
Go Stargazing by the Sand Dunes
For a unique thing to do in Colorado, spend the night stargazing in Great Sand Dunes National Park which is a recognized Dark Sky Park. The nearby town of Alamosa also has many areas to stargaze where the stars shine extra bright.
Visit a Colorado Wildlife Refuge
Colorado is home to 10 wildlife refuges across the state, and they are great places to visit in Colorado in April. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is just northeast of Denver and is one of the biggest urban wildlife refuges in the country.
Wander through Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of the absolute prettiest places in Colorado, and it’s definitely a must-visit. The rock formations will take your breath away, and the whole family can enjoy the easy hiking trails in Garden of the Gods in April.
Local tip: Garden of the Gods is open every day, and admission is always free. Weekends do tend to be crowded so opt for a sunrise visit or come during the week.
Other Things to Do in Colorado in April
- Catch a Rockies game at Coors Field
- Enjoy the Cherry Creek Trail in downtown Denver
- Test your smarts in an escape room
- Take a Free tour of the US Mint in Denver
Additional Colorado Travel Resources
Planning a visit to Colorado in April? Check out these handy resources for exploring the state:
