Always dreamed of feeding a giraffe, but have never been given the opportunity to do so? The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is the perfect place to fulfill this dream! Besides being able to see a variety of different animals (lions, snow leopards, sloths, etc.), you can bring your own lunch and have a picnic with friends, and yes, you get to feed giraffes in the African Rift Valley portion of the zoo.
3. Hike the Hanging Lake Trail
Although it is considered a tougher hike (3.1 miles roundtrip, 1,000 foot elevation gain on the way up), it is worth it for the view at the top. Located in Glenwood Springs, Hanging Lake features a clear, turquoise lake and waterfalls that are natural to the area. Loved by many people in Colorado, Hanging Lake is a must—see as the weather begins to warm up for the spring season.
4. Visit Mount Evans and the Scenic Byway
Not thrilled by the idea of hiking a fourteener, but would still love to see the view at the top of one? There is no better way to do this than by driving up the scenic byway of Mount Evans! Once you reach the top, you are able to park your car and take small hikes around the area, or explore the ruins of what used to be the Crest House (aka The Castle in the Sky). Be warned, though, the road leading directly to the summit of Mount Evans is not always open due to various weather conditions, so be sure to check it out in advance before making the drive up.
Looking for a challenge this spring? Try out the Manitou Incline Hike in Colorado Springs. What was originally built as a cable car line to build pipelines on Pikes Peak has now become one of the most popular and difficult hikes in the state of Colorado. It is an extreme trail due to the near 2,000 foot elevation gain in less than a mile, but the sense of accomplishment you feel after completing the daunting task is worth it.
There is no better way to become one with nature than by camping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. As the tallest dunes in North America, it features a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. There is something to be offered at the dunes for everyone, ranging from sand-boarding to hiking, it is a truly diverse location. Although it is a far drive (approximately four hours away from Denver), it is a perfect for a weekend getaway with friends.
Located in the heart of Denver, Washington Park is a popular place for residents of Denver and the surrounding area to visit. The park offers tennis courts, large flower gardens, trails for running and walking, and a lake. As the trees begin to become lush and green again, it is the perfect way to get away from school and relax.