Colorado Spring Bucket List

The top 20 things to do in the state this season - click on the page number to read more!

1. Get on Your Bike

Photo: Denise Chamber / Miles

Colorado is home to some of the most incredible mountains in the world, and there is no better way to appreciate their size than by cycling up one. Check out a few of our favorite climbs in the state. Page 26

2. Try Your Hand at Disc Golf

Photo: Joel Freeman / taken by Alyssa Van Lanen

It's no secret that we have some of the most scenic golf courses in the country, but golf’s quirky cousin disc golf is not only cheaper but there are plenty of places to partake in this laid back activity West of 105. Page 38

3. Explore the Arts

Photo: Visit Grand Junction

Grand Junction was named a Colorado Creative District last year; we recently got a taste of what’s on offer in this thriving art district when we spent a few days in GJ. Page 48

4. Get Wet in BV

Transition your legs from skis to a paddleboad at CKS Paddlefest at the end of May. From clinics and demos to live music and camping, it’s the perfect way to go from spring into summer! Page 110

5. Enter a Trail Race

Photo: Visit Fruita

There are lots of organized road races for runners, but seeing as Colorado is home to millions of acres of public land, why not swap your regular road route for a trail? There are plenty of events to attend if you’d rather not go solo. Page 36

6. Sip on Something Springy

Photo: Chris Wiman of Mountain Motion Media / Ore House

Put away the mulled wine and the hot toddies until next winter. It’s all about fresh and fruity this spring. See what cocktails we’ll be sipping this season and try your hand at making them yourself - with Colorado spirits, naturally. Page 68

7. Enjoy a Taste of Vail

Photo: Zach Mahone

Head to Vail this spring where more than 30 of Vail’s finest chefs and restaurateurs will be joined by nearly 50 of the country’s top wineries. Page 106

8. Attend the Theater

Photo: Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre

Local theaters across the state are turning out some amazing productions. From the Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale to the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, read about a few of the amazing theaters companies West of 105. Page 100

9. Eat Local

Photo: Rachel Adams of Rachel Shoots Food / Seattle Fish Co.

Colorado has 31 million acres of farm and ranch lands which means when spring time hits we’re anxiously awaiting the bounty of fresh produce and offerings that comes with it. From mushrooms to wagyu beef it’s easy to eat local when you’re in Colorado. Page 64

10. Update Your Wardrobe

Photo: The Landmark Project

The new season brings with it a new wardrobe. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite new pieces for spring, from screen-printed T-shirts to shoes that will take you from creek jumping to trail trekking. Page 86

11. Pack a Picnic

As the grass starts sprouting and the hiking trails dry up, the first thing we do on a clear spring day is pack up a picnic with locally-produced treats and get into nature. See what we pack in our picnic spread on Page 83

12. Try Rock Climbing

Photo: Jeremy Swanson

Colorado is blessed with some seriously amazing recreational opportunities, and rock climbing is right up there. Strap on your boots, chalk up and get to scaling some of these towering beauties this spring. Page 34

13. Explore Ancient History

Photo: BLM / Bob Wick

Colorado, particularly the southwest area of the state, is a gold mine when it comes to archaeological sites. From national parks and monuments to sacred Native American sites, there are plenty of options to explore. Page 40

14. Treat Yo' Self

Photo: True Nature Healing Arts

Book in at one of the most beautiful and peaceful spas in the state. World-class design meets amazing decor at this space in Carbondale which also offers yoga, a garden, a boutique and a cafe. Page 96

15. Go Glamping

Photo: Cedar Ridge Ranch

Melting snow and green grass mean one thing to us at West of 105 - camping season is upon us! If you would rather rest your head on a bed than a sleeping bag we have one of the state’s best kept secrets to escape to this season. Page 88

16. Ride for the Pass

Photo: Anna Stonehouse

Every spring, when the weather allows, hundreds of cyclists clip in and ride from Aspen up Independence Pass as part of Ride for the Pass, an annual event that benefits the Independence Pass Foundation and allows riders to ascend the pass before it’s open to cars. Page 33

17. Go Green

With a whole weekend of events centered around the theme of “greening” up the fashion industry, Green is the New Black is an event not to be missed. (2019's event has already passed so pencil it in for 2020!).

18. Quaint Meets Cosmo

Photo: Carbondale Arts

Carbondale is a small town of around 6,000 but its elevated, upscale offerings will make you think you’re smack dab in the heart of a city. From amazing dining experiences to a distillery with a metropolitan feel, explore the town before summer tourism kicks into high gear. Page 56

19. Get a New Hairdo

Photo: Salon Polished

Shed the beanie and give your locks a new look at one of our top picks for salons and barbershops West of 105. Page 92

20. Meet an Inspiration

Photo: Sports Obermeyer

The man behind the brand, Klaus Obermeyer turns 100 this year. We spoke to him about skiing, Colorado and apple strudel - mit schlag, always mit schlag. Page 98

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Want more? Read West of 105 issue #3 Spring, 2019 here