There’s something quietly radical about waking up to snowflakes on your windshield, then ending the day sipping beer in a tank top, sandals kicked off, watching the sun slip behind red rock. In Colorado, that’s not a contradiction—it’s just a good weekend.
Welcome to the land of seasonal whiplash, where the altitude plays tricks on the weather, and you can bounce between powder runs and desert hikes with nothing more than a packed duffel and a little bit of road.
This isn’t your ordinary weekend getaway. This is chasing spring in the mountains and summer in the valleys—or trading autumn aspens for winter’s first flakes, all in the same 48 hours. Here’s how to do it.
Glenwood Springs & Sunlight Mountain
Morning: Last Turns at Sunlight
Sunlight is one of those places people forget about—and that’s exactly why you go. It’s unpretentious, affordable, and often gets surprisingly good snow. You’ll find yourself skiing next to families, locals, and that one guy in a vintage one-piece who somehow knows every liftie by name.
This place also quietly caters to the van life crowd. The unflashy vibe and easy access make it ideal for those chasing the last snow from the comfort of a built-out Sprinter. Wake up to alpine air, hit the slopes, then head into town for a soak—no hotel check-in required.
Afternoon: Hot Springs and High Desert Hikes
Once you’ve had your fill of turns, make the short drive back down to Glenwood Springs. This little mountain town has two things it’s famous for: hot water and warm trails. The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is classic, but Iron Mountain offers private tubs with jaw-dropping views.
If soaking’s not your thing, head just south to the Red Mountain Trail or up to Doc Holliday’s grave (yes, that Doc Holliday). Both are often snow-free by April and feel like a different season entirely from the slopes above.
Best Time to Try This: Late March–early May or October
Breckenridge: From Slopes to Singletrack
Morning: Spring Snow, Quiet Peaks
Even in late spring, Breckenridge still wears a snow crown. The ski area typically stays open through April (sometimes longer), and while the winter crowds start to thin out, the snow often keeps coming. It’s the time of year when you can ski fresh tracks in the morning without the mid-winter frenzy. The vibe is slower, softer. Locals stretch out on patio chairs between laps. You’ll smell sunscreen and hear slushy turns. It’s ski season with sunglasses on.
Afternoon: Dirt Trails and Rental Rigs
Drop just a little in elevation—maybe down to the south end of town or over Boreas Pass Road—and you’ll find the snow gives way to dirt. That’s when Breck’s lower trail systems start to open up, and the bikes come out of storage.
If you didn’t bring your own ride, you’re covered. Pick a Breckenridge bike shop, load up on snacks, and hit local favorites like the Blue River Rec Path (easy, scenic, paved) or venture toward the lower sections of the B&B Trail system if the snow’s melted back far enough. You might not ride a full loop, but even a half-day on two wheels in the alpine sun is enough to shake off winter’s last chill.
Best Time to Try This: Late April–June (or again in September for golden aspen rides)
Bonus Tip: Grab a trail map from one of the bike shops—they’ll usually mark snow-free routes for you and give honest advice about what’s actually rideable.
Telluride to the Canyons of Southwest Colorado
Morning: First Snow, Last Colors
Fall hits Telluride like a movie scene. Golden aspens flutter against the cliffs, the gondola glides through misty hills, and the mountains look like they’ve been painted in honey and fire. But blink, and it’s snowing.
In late October, you can sometimes hike in town while snow piles up at higher elevations. It’s moody and cinematic, and it makes packing confusing—but worth it.
Afternoon: Red Rocks and Ruins
A few hours south, the air dries out and the temperature rises. You’re in the Four Corners region now, where the seasons lean desert. Make your way to Hovenweep or Canyons of the Ancients for an afternoon hike among ancient ruins and rust-red rocks. It’s a whole different world—less alpine, more ancient.
You’ll forget the snow for a moment, and then the sun sets, the chill returns, and the contrast feels perfect.
Best Time to Try This: Mid-October–early November
Bonus Tip: Stay in Dolores or Cortez to be close to the trails without the crowds.
Denver to the Front Range Foothills
Morning: Urban Chill
Let’s say you’re starting in Denver—perhaps you’ve just flown in with Frontier Airline and grabbed coffee from a place with exposed brick and local art, and now you’re wondering what to do with the day. Spring in the city is all blue skies and crocus blooms—maybe even a rooftop brunch.
But the mountains are just an hour away, and the seasons there aren’t playing by the same rules.
Afternoon: Snowy Trails or Sunny Ridges
Depending on which direction you drive, you could snowshoe through evergreen forests in Golden Gate Canyon, or hike the dry, open ridgelines of North Table Mountain in just a fleece. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled hundreds of miles when really, it was just a good playlist and a thermos of coffee.
Best Time to Try This: February–April
Bonus Tip: Check trail conditions. Mud season can sneak up on you fast in the foothills.
The Joy Is in the Contrast
The beauty of a multi-season Colorado trip isn’t just about packing more into a weekend—it’s about feeling the full range of a place. One moment you’re carving turns in alpine silence; the next, you’re hiking through sunlit trails, the smell of sage in the air.
