Colorado Rockies in May

January 21, 2023 8:46 AM

We're considering visiting Colorado in late May, flying into Denver. We'd like to experience the Rockies, in a relatively chill way (driving, short hikes, no back country stuff). I'm looking for generic advice about conditions at that time of year (will late spring conditions affect our ability to do certain things/go certain places?), and for specific recommendations of things to do and places to stay. We're willing to drive a few hours from Denver, probably not more than four unless there's something really worth experiencing that's farther. Thanks!
posted by mollweide to Travel & Transportation around Colorado (8 answers total)

Here are a couple of prior Asks regarding places to stay, including one by me. We ended up renting a house in Breckenridge and it was a good home base - tons of hiking and activities all around, pretty good "town" activities like restaurants/shops etc.
posted by Mid at 9:41 AM on January 21, 2023

Be prepared for it to be cold, especially in the shade or when the sun goes down.
posted by Bottlecap at 10:25 AM on January 21, 2023

we did a trip like this in early May four years ago. we spent a few days in Denver and then also rented a cabin in Estes Park. That was an easy drive from Estes Park to the Bear Lake Trailhead. We got the idea from this book but the visitor center at the trailhead (or on the way there?) was very helpful. We did the Bear Lake to the Loch trail, but there were lots of shorter, easier options from this trailhead. In retrospect, we were not properly outfitted and should have brought warmer clothes with us, better shoes, and just extra socks and things to change into, so do take that more seriously than we did even if you're going to go for shorter hikes. (We were surprised after some very warm days in Denver by the multiple feet of snow still on the trails (the temps were also warm in the sun in the mountains, but there just hadn't been time for the snow to melt). We got pretty wet from the snow and such but luckily were able to get back to the car before being wet had much effect on us. Looking back on it as a more experienced hiker, I'm kind of horrified at us.)

Anyway, the Bear Lake trailhead was an easy day hike while being stationed in Estes Park and Estes Park is not too far from Denver or the airport. The trailhead sounds like it is relatively busy versus other options, but we were never in the presence of more than a few people at a time and went hours seeing no one. On the other hand, because we were somewhat foolhardy (see above), I'm glad there were people not too far away that could have helped us if we'd gotten stuck or slipped in our bad shoes etc.
posted by Tandem Affinity at 10:28 AM on January 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

I have found that the TripAdvisor forums for each state can be a great spot for research and asks. Here is the Colorado forum: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28927-i252-Colorado.html
posted by ITravelMontana at 4:33 PM on January 21, 2023

Best answer: Depending on altitude May is too early. Mt Evans, the closest 14er to Denver is never opened to the top in May. Though, if you're not interested in bagging peaks, where you can get to is lovely. You can have a very nice trip driving through the lower passes, there are plenty of places to see and stop at. If you go across Rt 70, There are many beautiful views, restaurants, and places to visit. If you're more interested in the journey than the destination, there's also many surprise adventures on the side roads. Good luck on your adventure.
posted by evilDoug at 6:49 PM on January 21, 2023 [1 favorite]

Best answer: We're willing to drive a few hours from Denver

That's good because the airport is on the extreme eastern edge of Denver and the Rockies are to the west. It will be 90-120 minutes to the Rockies depending on exact destination and traffic. However once you get into the Rockies, they are all around you. The scenery is dramatic. Denver is on a high flat plateau famously 5200 feet above sea level. The towns an hour away in the Rockies are at 7k, 8k, 9k feet above sea level with 3-4k foot peaks all around. It will be amazing.

Rocky Mountain National Park is gorgeous and obvious place to visit. Be aware that the only road connecting the east and west parts of the park will be closed until the last week of May at the earliest since a lot of it is above 11k feet and likely buried in snow. There is still tons of things to see at the east and west portal...you just won't be driving into the alpine.

Don't discount the Breckenridge suggestion made above. It is an old mining town from the late 1800s that is now a ski resort town. So it has lots of old charm and the amenities of a vacation place. There may be deals to be had in the shoulder season of May when skiing is over and kids are still in school so summer tourism hasn't started.
posted by mmascolino at 8:13 AM on January 22, 2023

I'm Denver-based and always recommend Glenwood Springs.
posted by cyndigo at 1:38 PM on January 23, 2023

Best answer: We went to Grand Lake last summer, and even though you can see the evidence of the East Troublesome Fire, so much greenery has come back, and it’s much, much quieter than Estes Park. The mega fauna know that. Yes, there is one road that connects East & West, so you might need to make some decisions. General tips:

Mountain scenery is fantastic from the car-drive during daylight. We saw entire herds of elk from our car about 2 miles north of the West entrance even one that was 3/4 grown stopping its mama for milk while in the middle of the road, so your driving times in RMNP will just plain take longer. Best viewing was early morning and early evening, though we had one bull moose wander by our A frame cabin when I was starting dinner, like the opening to Northern Exposure. We watched him from a distance from our upper deck and car. The ranger talks and experiences at each visitor center were solid, engaging, and more of an amble than a hike.

When I’m the mountains, every day at 2-3p there is rain, winds, thunderstorm - it goes away as quickly as it shows up, it’s a good time to be in a visitor center or heading for ice cream in town.

Mountain towns are seasonal, some restaurants are weekend only and may have the odd day off, call ahead. If you’re staying in the mountains, get your groceries (which are great for picnics) before you are too far from Denver. This was the case with Grand Lake.

Other nice day trips from Denver - manitou springs with Pikes Peak, take the cog railway (or whatever replaced it) from town to the top of Pikes Peak. You can drive, but it’s pretty hard on your car, even if it’s a rental. Bring enough layers of clothes to simulate a winter coat, warm hat & gloves, because it had snow flurries in July - this applies to all high altitudes, not just Pikes Peak.

Garden of the Gods is beautiful & free, lots of easy walkways, about an hour south of the west side of Denver.

Enjoy the mountains!
posted by childofTethys at 2:45 PM on January 26, 2023