Are you planning a trip to Colorado and want to make the most of your budget? Discovering the cheapest time to visit Colorado can significantly enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank. Colorado offers a diverse range of attractions, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to vibrant cities like Denver and Boulder.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the best strategies for identifying the cheapest time to visit Colorado, helping you enjoy everything this stunning state offers while saving money on flights, accommodations, and activities.
Cheapest Time to Go to Colorado in 2024
Generally, the cheapest times to visit Colorado are spring (April-May) and fall (October-mid December). These shoulder seasons see a dip in tourist crowds compared to the peak summer (June-September) and winter (mid-December-March) seasons. This translates to lower accommodation rates, flight prices, and even deals on activities.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Spring (April-May): This is considered the shoulder season after the ski season winds down. You can expect pleasant weather with highs reaching the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. However, be prepared for occasional spring showers and even some snow at higher elevations. This is a great time to go hiking and biking as the wildflowers start to bloom.
- Fall (October-Mid-December): Another shoulder season, fall offers beautiful fall foliage and comfortable temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. Be aware that some high-altitude roads may start to close towards the later part of the season due to snow. This is a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Average Prices of A Vacation to Colorado During the Cheapest Time
The cheapest times to visit Colorado are spring (April-May) and fall (October-November). Here’s a breakdown of the average prices you can expect during these shoulder seasons:
Flights: During the shoulder seasons, flights to Colorado can be significantly cheaper than during peak summer and winter seasons. Roundtrip flights from major cities to Denver International Airport (DEN) can be as low as $300-$400.
Accommodation: In spring and fall, significant drops in hotel rates also occur. Depending on the location and type of accommodation you choose, you can find nightly rates starting at around $100 for budget hotels and guesthouses and up to $200-$300 for mid-range hotels.
Food: Food costs can vary depending on your dining habits. But you can expect to spend an average of $50-$75 per day on meals. There are many affordable restaurants in Colorado and grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies for picnics and cooking your own meals.
Activities: Many attractions and activities in Colorado offer discounts during the shoulder seasons. You can find deals on entrance fees to national parks, museums, and other attractions. There are also many free things to do in Colorado, such as hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
Here’s a sample budget for a 4-day trip to Colorado during the shoulder season:
- Flights: $400
- Accommodation: $400
- Food: $200
- Activities: $100
Total: $1100
Pros & Cons of Visiting Colorado During the Cheapest Time
Pros:
- Lower Costs: Flights, accommodation, activities, and even dining can be significantly cheaper compared to peak seasons.
- Fewer Crowds: You’ll avoid the hustle and bustle of peak tourist times, making it easier to enjoy popular attractions and outdoor activities without feeling overwhelmed.
- Pleasant Weather: Spring offers mild temperatures with blooming wildflowers, while fall boasts beautiful fall foliage and comfortable hiking weather.
- More Availability: You’ll have a wider selection of hotels, vacation rentals, and campsites to choose from compared to peak seasons, which can be booked quickly.
- Potential for Discounts: To attract visitors, many attractions and tours offer deals during the shoulder seasons.
Cons:
- Unpredictable Weather: Spring can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and even snow at higher elevations. Fall weather can also be variable, with some days feeling cooler or experiencing early snow.
- Limited Hours: During the shoulder seasons, some businesses, restaurants, and tours may have reduced operating hours or be closed altogether, especially in smaller towns.
- Chance of Closures: Due to snow, some high-altitude roads and mountain passes may start to close towards the later part of the fall. Be sure to research road closures before you go.
- Limited Activities: Depending on weather conditions and water levels, some outdoor activities, such as skiing and whitewater rafting, may not be available during the shoulder seasons.
- Less Lush Landscapes: Depending on the timing of your visit, spring may not have the full explosion of wildflowers yet, and fall may not have reached peak foliage.
Cheap Activities to Do in Colorado in 2024
Colorado is a state renowned for its stunning natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities. But all that adventure can come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, there are also plenty of budget-friendly ways to experience the best of Colorado. Here are eight cheap activities to do in Colorado:
- Hike or Bike Colorado’s Many Trails. With an abundance of mountains, forests, and canyons, Colorado offers a hiker’s or biker’s paradise. Trails suit all levels, from gentle, family-friendly paths to challenging climbs with breathtaking views.
- Explore a National Park or Forest. Colorado boasts Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, all with stunning scenery and unique ecosystems. Entrance fees are typically around $30 per vehicle, and there are often free days throughout the year.
- Visit a State Park. Colorado has a variety of state parks offering hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and scenic views. State park entrance fees are usually lower than national parks; some offer free day-use options.
- Go for a Scenic Drive. Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the country. Cruise along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Independence Pass near Aspen, or Pikes Peak Highway for stunning panoramic views without spending a dime.
- Relax in a Hot Spring. Colorado is famous for its natural hot springs. Several resorts are around the state, but many public hot springs offer a chance to soak in the healing waters for free or a small fee.
- Go Stargazing. With little light pollution, Colorado boasts some of the best stargazing in the country. Head to a remote area, national park, or state park and marvel at the Milky Way and countless stars.
- Visit a Historic Town. Colorado has many charming historic towns that glimpse the state’s past. Explore Main Street shops, visit museums, and learn about the Wild West era. Some towns, like Georgetown, even offer free walking tours.
- Attend a Free Festival or Event. Throughout the year, Colorado hosts a variety of festivals and events, many of which are free to attend. Enjoy live music, art shows, cultural celebrations, and more. Check local listings or tourism websites for upcoming events.
Additional Tips for Saving Your Money During Touring Colorado
- Camp or stay in hostels: Instead of staying in hotels, consider camping in one of Colorado’s many campgrounds or national parks. This can be a great way to save money and experience the outdoors. Hostels are another budget-friendly option, especially for solo travelers. There are several hostels located in popular tourist towns around Colorado.
- Pack Your Food: Eating out can be expensive, so consider packing some of your meals and snacks. Stock up on groceries at a local supermarket and prepare meals at your campsite, hostel, or vacation rental.
- Free (or Cheap) Activities: There are many free or cheap things to do in Colorado. Take advantage of free hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities. Many state parks offer free day-use options, and some towns have free walking tours or museums with free admission days.
- Look for Discounts: Many attractions and tours offer discounts for seniors, students, and AAA members. Be sure to ask about discounts before you purchase tickets. Also, consider purchasing a Colorado National Parks Annual Pass if you visit multiple parks.
- Travel in the Off-Season: As mentioned previously, visiting Colorado during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can save you money on flights, accommodation, and activities.
- Skip the Souvenirs: Souvenirs can be a budget buster. Limit yourself to a few small items or photos to remember your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Colorado offers numerous budget-friendly activities such as hiking in the Rockies, exploring national parks, and visiting free attractions like the Denver Art Museum on free admission days.
To find affordable accommodations in Colorado, consider booking in advance, staying in budget hotels or hostels, or using vacation rental services. Visiting during the off-peak season can also result in lower rates.
Some of the cheapest cities to visit in Colorado include Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Pueblo. These cities offer a range of affordable accommodations, dining options, and attractions.
Yes, you can find travel deals and discounts for visiting Colorado by checking travel websites, signing up for airline newsletters, and looking for package deals that bundle flights, accommodations, and activities.
