This week’s Bucket Listicle digs into the five best ways to enjoy spring in the Mile High City.
Spring in Denver is short, unpredictable and absolutely worth taking advantage of before summer crowds and 90-degree afternoons roll in. One day you’re scraping snow off your windshield, the next you’re sitting on a patio, drink in hand, wondering if it’s finally time to put the winter coat away for good.
The trick is leaning into the weirdness of the season. If you know how to take full advantage of it, spring in Denver is one of the best times of year. May in the Mile High City is all about blooming flowers, reconnecting with nature, gorgeous sunsets, patio weather and the sudden collective urge to spend every possible second outside, all while trying to dodge the seemingly annual May blizzard.
Here’s Bucket List’s guide to making the most out of spring in Denver:
1.)
Enjoy Peak Patio Season
There’s no clearer sign that spring has officially sprung than seeing every patio in Denver completely packed the second the temperatures hit 70 degrees. Despite the unusually warm winter, Denverites will never pass up any excuse to soak up some sun with some food and beverages. We’ve finally hit that time of year where rooftops in LoDo are full again, breweries in RiNo spill out onto sidewalks and every outdoor space is lively but not too busy.
Something I’ve always loved about spring patio season in Denver is that it always feels a little temporary. Even the nicest afternoons can end with dark clouds, the wind picking up or the classic Colorado afternoon rainstorm. That unpredictability forces you to slow down, live in the moment for a brief second and appreciate just how special it is to live in Denver.
2.)
Chase Peak Blooms Around the City
If you’re a plant person, this is your time to shine.
In May, Denver’s trees are covered with pink and white blossoms, flower beds finally return to life and parks suddenly become the place to be. It’s one of the most underrated times of year to explore the city because everything feels greener and the air feels noticeably fresher.
Washington Park and City Park are my personal favorite spots to check out during spring. Walking paths fill with runners, picnic blankets and people trying to maximize their time outdoors. It’s a great time and opportunity to get out and connect with your community amidst nature. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make some new friends at the park!If a bustling park isn’t your vibe, heading to the Denver Botanic Gardens is a quieter way to enjoy peak bloom. The gardens fully come alive this time of year, with flowering trees and perfectly landscaped displays that make it feel like a completely different world from the city outside. While admission will typically run you around $15, it’s absolutely worth it to check out at least once every spring.
3.)
Take a Mountain Trip Before the Summer Crowds Arrive
While we’re on the tail-end of mud season here in the Centennial State, that doesn’t mean that a little bit of spring sludge should dissuade you from a trip to the mountains.
May is arguably the best time of year for a spontaneous mountain trip. The ski crowd starts disappearing, summer tourism hasn’t fully arrived and mountain towns operate at a slower pace before the busy season begins.
Places like Idaho Springs, Estes Park, Winter Park and Frisco feel especially charming in the spring because you get to skip the crowds and traffic on I-70 without compromising on any of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Hiking trails are almost empty; it’s easy to get a table at any restaurant you want, prices are typically cheaper and the wildflowers are abundant. As long as you don’t mind a bit of mud, that combination is hard to beat.
4.)
Take in a Rockies Game Before the Summer Heat Hits
There’s no better time to catch a game at Coors Field than spring. Before summer temperatures creep into the 90s and the stadium fills with sellout crowds, a Rockies game in May hits a sweet spot that few other cities can provide.
A 65-degree afternoon at the ballpark is impossible to top. The sun is out, the mountain views are crystal clear and you can actually enjoy sitting through nine innings without baking in the heat. Spring games also tend to feel more relaxed, with smaller crowds and shorter lines making the whole experience easier and less hectic.
Even if baseball isn’t usually your thing, Coors Field in spring is worth it for the atmosphere alone. Grab a beer, enjoy the weather and take advantage of a perfect day at the ballpark.
5.)
Explore your Local Farmers Markets
Spring in Denver really shows up at the farmers markets. The flowers are the freshest they’ll be all year, early-season produce starts rolling in, and best of all, the crowds are relatively light before the summer picks up.
If you haven’t yet, check out local markets like the South Pearl Street Farmers Market or the Union Station Farmers Market. They’re an easy way to spend your morning outside, grab some fresh, locally grown produce and experience what Denver has to offer. There’s no better time than May. After this month, it’s a lot busier, hotter and much less relaxed.
Spring in Denver is short enough that you don’t really get a second chance at it. It arrives fast, feels perfect for a few weeks and quietly shifts to summer before you even realize it.
When you catch it at the right time, it’s one of the best stretches of the year. Patios start filling up, parks and farmers markets pick back up and the city feels noticeably more alive, all without the pressure of the summer rush.
By the time the summer heat rolls around, these next few weeks are the times you really start feeling nostalgic for. Making the most of it isn’t complicated; just make sure you enjoy the perfect weather and aren’t waiting too long to do it.
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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