Colorado is a beautiful state in any season! However, as personal preferences occur, I am happy as a Coloradan to give you the pros and cons of the weather so you can plan for the best season to make your trip (unless you want to move here like me!)

[caption id="attachment_5199" align="alignright" width="325"]Free Summer Concerts The Free Summer Concert Series in Steamboat Springs[/caption]

Summertime in Colorado is most people’s favorite season. As they say in the mountains: “Come for the winter, stay for the summer.” It wasn’t until I experienced my first Colorado summer that I understood what that means, simply: Colorado Rocky Mountain summers have every perfect thing you can want. The sun is hot enough to make any swimmer and camper happy and temps can peak in the eighties, but by the time the sun sets, it may be as cool as the 50s. Evenings at the rodeo, strolling art galleries, or listening to outdoor concerts are pleasant and cool; during the day the sun rays make boating or fishing on the river delightful. It’s perfect weather for someone who hates the humidity and still wants to roast s'mores over an open fire.

Winter is of course when Colorado becomes America’s winter jungle gym. Between skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, ice fishing, tubing, skating, cross country skiing and more, there is plenty to keep any visitor happy. Though the temps can drop as low as thirty below in the mountains, the camaraderie inside local breweries, museums, and skating rinks comes alive in ski towns. That’s when everyone can share their outdoor “war story” over hot food and attractive company.

There’s a reason spring in the Rocky Mountains is called “mud season.” The snowmelt turns most of our outdoor playgrounds into muddy messes that call for a John Wayne resolve to get out and about. However, when you visit Colorado in spring, you start to see new life blooming in our alpine desert. Sure, there may be hail, snow, rain, and rainbows all within one hour (repeat), but the reward of seeing the first mushrooms makes it all worth it. Down in the front range, springtime is full of cherry blossoms and Chacos.

[caption id="attachment_5198" align="aligncenter" width="725"]Autumn in Colorado Flattops Wilderness near Steamboat Springs, Colorado[/caption]

Autumn might be my favorite season in Colorado. The air is tight in your lungs, and every breath makes you feel more awake and in tune with nature around you. Hiking, camping, and cycling in the fall couldn’t be more fun! It’s warm enough out, in the 40s and 50s, for you to remain comfortable while working up a sweat; it’s also comfortable enough that you won’t freeze once you start your cool down. You can walk in and out of hot springs without worrying about ice forming in your hair; you can ride in a hot air balloon without all of your ski clothes on. Regardless of when you decide to take the trip, you’ll never be disappointed in Colorado.