GeeGirl

Our family is considering meeting in Colorado for Easter(April 16-23). We have finialized a destintion, so I am looking for suggestions.

None of us have ever skied, but I imagine we will want to do some hiking and enjoy the mountain scenery. Concerns have been raised about closed roads and snow storms so I'd like some common sense information from those who know spring weather in the Colorado Rockies.

Thanks!

drsawyers

Which "specific destination" have you finalized? Colorado is a big state, and weather can be quite different from one mountain valley to the next.

GeeGirl

Good point. I have narrowed it down to Colorado Springs area and a little west of there.

drsawyers

I have friends in Woodland Park, which is in the mountains west of Colorado Springs. Relatively speaking, that is a fairly dry part of CO. Quite a few people commute to the Springs, so driving up Ute Pass (US24) is obviously not too much of a problem even in winter.

Garden of the Gods is one place you can visit regardless of season.

The toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak is open year-round, depending on weather:
www.pikespeakcolorado.com

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will be operating at that time - but the schedule depends on demand:
www.cograilway.com/ratestimes.htm#OPERATING%20TIMES

drsawyers

As for hiking, Pike National Forest should offer lots of opportunity, even in April. I'd suggest contacting one of the area Forest Service Districts directly by e-mail: Pike's Peak Ranger District is probably the one you want:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/pp/

Tell them when you'll be there, what your hiking level is, and what type of hikes you're looking for and I'm sure they can make some recommendations.

Dave

gb

Anytime in April, and even May is iffy for hiking. Snow can happen any time and anyplace. When making your travel plans, make a couple of options, snow or no snow. Also, a place like Glenwood Hot Springs is good in either case.

lenleigh

I would suggest Estes Park over staying near colorado springs. If you want to do some skiing (if we have any snow) Estes Park is closer to skiing and personally If you want to see Colorado Mountains I would stay closer to Summit County. At this point, it is really difficult to say what kind of weather we will have in April. Generally we get the most snow in March and April but we are in a severe drought. You never know, it could dump a foot of snow one day and be 70 degrees the next day.

flopmeister

Actually, call the Sonnenalp in Vail, they may be on an off season schedule by then -- WOW it's great. Vail's got enough for everyone. i agree that you're not going to be doing much hiking above 9,000 feet in April. Try snowshoeing, either in Vail, or as the previous poster said, in Estes Park.

Coskier

what lenleigh said, summit county over Co Spgs! check out www.summitnet.com there is something for everyone.