DENVER (KDVR) — Within the next few weeks, schools across Colorado will be released for spring break.
It’s not too late to plan a spring break trip, however, it may be expensive to travel out of the state at this point.
Thankfully, Colorado is full of adventure-worthy destinations. According to Tripping, some Colorado destinations are especially good for spring break.
1. Crested Butte
The Town of Crested Butte was founded in 1880. It was originally home to the Ute tribe, and miners began settling there in the 1860s. According to the town’s website, miners were attracted to the extensive coal deposits there, which became the town’s economic base.
Railroads connected Crested Butte to Gunnison in 1881, and the town was one of few to survive when the value of silver crashed in 1980. Many nearby towns became ghost towns.
Today, Crested Butte is popular for its winter sports attractions including the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The resort typically closes after the first weekend in April, so spring break will be a good chance to experience the world-class ski conditions before the season’s over.
The town also has an arts center, art galleries, gift shops, museums, bars and events for entertainment options.
2. Colorado Springs
About an hour and 40-minute drive south of Denver, Colorado Springs has plenty to offer for spring break activities.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers spring break day camps for children through sixth grade. The pre-k camp is sold out, according to the website, but there is still availability for first through sixth-grade camps happening March 25-29.
Colorado Springs offers many lodging, outdoor recreation, entertainment and dining options. The Ghost Town Museum and Space Foundation Discovery Center are great for those looking to keep learning while having fun over the academic break.
3. Denver
Like many Colorado towns, Denver was once a small mining town. Today, the Mile High City has seemingly endless things to do and places to visit.
With award-winning dining options, museums, sporting events, outdoor adventures and more, Denverites can have an eventful spring break without traveling.
Denver is home to hundreds of parks that are rated as some of the best in the country, and there are several nearby mountain trails. March is typically the snowiest month of the year in Denver, but in the case of snowfall, there are many places to go tubing or sledding nearby.
The Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo or Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge are good options for those looking to dive into the spring part of spring break.
4. Monte Vista
Monte Vista is a small city in southern Colorado, about a four-hour drive away from Denver. Tripping deemed Monte Vista as one of the best spring break destinations in Colorado thanks to its wildlife and foliage.
According to Tripping, the city is an ideal place for wildlife photographers and bird watchers because “foliage is sparse, and it’s easy to spot and identify species.”
Spring in Monte Vista brings thousands of migratory birds including Sandhill Cranes, ducks and geese. The Monte Vista Crane Festival runs from March 8-10 and includes various events and activities like breakfast, tours, crafts, bird watching, educational speakers and more.
5. Aspen Snowmass
The Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort spans across four mountains with over 5,600 acres of terrain in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area.
While known for world-class ski powder, Aspen Snowmass offers other activities, concerts, dining options and events.
Something is going on almost every day in March at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, according to the event calendar.
AspenX Beach Club brings the beach party to the mountains. It’s happening on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as some Sundays, from noon to 3 p.m. through mid-April. The parties include bottle service, cocktails, DJs, views and more.
The Bud Light Spring Jam kicks off on March 22, bringing a week-long festival of live music concerts, competitions, night skiing and competitions for skiers.
6. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is another Colorado destination known for its stellar snow sports conditions, but there is plenty more to do there.
For spring breakers 21 years and older, Breckenridge is a great place for nightlife. The Breckenridge Distillery and the Swinging Door Saloon offer tastings and tours. Otherwise, Tripping said Downstairs at Eric’s is a family-friendly sports bar with great food and several dining options.
Breckenridge Ski Resort offers classes for those learning, and for those interested in other outdoor activities, the resort offers a snowmobile tour, dog sled ride and a guided snowshoe tour.
7. Grand Lake
Grand Lake is home to the largest natural lake in Colorado. It’s a hub for outdoor adventurers, with hundreds of miles worth of trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.
The town is under 10 minutes away from an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, which can be seen in the backdrop views from Grand Lake.
The surrounding Arapaho National Forest provides direct access to Colorado’s largest network of groomed snowmobile trails, according to the town website. Because of this, the town has been dubbed the Snowmobile Capital of Colorado.
Grand Lake is known as an ideal place for ice fishing, ice hockey and ice skating. Visitors will also find sleigh rides and dog sledding options, as well as a Western-style boardwalk with gift shops, restaurants and galleries.
8. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs offers all the traditional winter sports, activities and more.
The hot springs are a great place to relax the mind and body. Clothing is optional after dark at Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, so minors are not allowed entry after sundown. Old Town Hot Springs is conveniently downtown and offers swimming pools and a fitness center.
This mountain town offers many activities and outdoor recreation like hot air balloon adventures, snow biking, night skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and more.
