It has taken me a few years to get used to what spring in Colorado is like. When I moved here, people told me it can snow in Denver through Mother’s Day in May. But it can get pretty warm some days, too. This week is a pretty typical example: it was nearly 80 degrees today in Denver, but it will snow this weekend. It can make hiking challenging; winter conditions and avalanche danger still exist in the mountains, but melting snow turns to mud in the foothills. Here are some general tips before I get into the specific hikes I recommend:

• There are mud closures in the foothills to prevent damage to trails, so always check with the city, county, or other entity that is responsible for the trail. I recommend following them on social media: JeffCo Open Space, for example, is really good about posting these closures on Facebook.
• Check AllTrails for recent trail reviews and avoid muddy trails, even if the trail is open. Try to look for trails with little shade that dry quickly; plus, these are too hot in summer anyways and usually nicer in spring temps.
• If you do run into mud, walk through it rather than around to avoid widening the trail. See this article .
• There are still winter conditions in the mountains through May – I’m talking Rocky Mountain National Park and other high elevation locations. Check CAIC for avalanche conditions, bring appropriate layers, traction devices, and even snowshoes for some spots.
• The winter conditions in the mountains can also get slushy and muddy- same rules apply to walk through (or turn around if it’s super bad). Waterproof boots and gaiters are highly recommended.

Don’t believe me? This photo is State Forest State Park…not in February, but on May 4, 2019.

Now for the hikes….some shadeless prairie hikes and first wildflowers of the season hikes!

Pawnee Buttes

Name: Pawnee Buttes Trail in Pawnee Buttes National Grassland

Length: 4.7 miles roundtrip- you could easily do whatever amount you feel like and turn back

Elevation: 384 feet (pretty flat and easy)

My rating: Easy, very flat and expansive

Timing Recommendation: March and April. There is no shade so it would be fairly hot in summer, but it’s been snow free by March for the past two years. I’ve gone March 7 in 2020 and March 6 in 2021.

Other info and tips:

• I would avoid after a big snow due to some rougher dirt roads (totally doable in a regular sedan when dry) and mud potential.
• This is a couple hours from Denver driving, so be prepared to make a day of it.
• I love this hike! Really cool prairie hiking and rock formations. No shade so bring a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water.
• Stop in Greeley at a brewery or restaurant. Green Earth Brewing is pretty rad.

Soapstone Prairie Towhee Loop

Name: Soapstone Prairie Towhee Loop in the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

Length: 2.8 miles roundtrip to loop around Towhee Trail, but there are a lot of trails and you can really choose your own adventure. Download COTrex to make your own loop.

Elevation: 403 feet (pretty flat and easy)

My rating: Easy, mostly flat

Timing Recommendation: Note that this is closed December-February. March and April. Once again, little shade. There was some snow in April last year, but just some patches with no traction needed for ice. Nick wore shorts and I wore a sports bra with the sun out; ideal temperatures.

Other info and tips:

• No dogs allowed! Lots of wildlife though – check out the bison herd as you enter.
• You can get a really pretty snow capped peaks views and expansive prairie.
• This is a good one to stop in Fort Collins after; go to Churn for ice cream and sunshine.

Horsetooth Falls

Name: Horsetooth Falls in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Area

Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip. You can also add Horsetooth Rock and make a 6.4 mile roundtrip

Elevation: 393 feet

My rating: I would call this easy to the Falls only, but more moderate if you add the Rock…some steepness and slick rocks, so have good hiking shoes or boots!

Timing Recommendation: May! The falls vary depending on spring moisture but apparently stop flowing as well mid-June, making this a great May hike.

Other info and tips:

• Note that there is a fee that is not covered by a state parks pass or national parks pass – Larimer County was charging $9 as of time of writing.
• On a cloudy day in May last year, the whole park had almost a Scottish mountain feel…so cool!
• Expect this to be busy. It’s a short dog and kid friendly hike near Fort Collins, and fun to play in the falls. Consider bringing your water shoes!

Carpenter Peak

Name: Carpenter Peak in Roxborough State Park

Length: 6.3 miles roundtrip.

Elevation: 1,059 feet

My rating: Moderate; this is the hardest hike on the list with a steady uphill, but you can stop for photos a lot on the way up. Good training for harder summer hikes in the mountains!

Timing Recommendation: May, particularly mid-to-late May. The past couple years we have had great luck with the park being green and full of wildflowers during this time, and not so much in April!

Other info and tips:

• No dogs!
• There is an excellent visitor’s center here with a fabulous picnic area.
• You could do any of the trails in May, including the easier and shorter ones, but I think Carpenter Peak is particularly great for flowers and views of the Red Rocks against the greenery. Plus, as I said, great training for harder hikes!
• Bring snacks for sitting on the rocks at the top and taking in the views.
• Take Powerline Trail down for a little bit of variety on the out and back.
• This is a wonderful preview of summer if you can catch it on a nice day.