What are activities open in May?

Question

Our family plans to visit Vail/ Breckenridge in the last week of May. I see all mountain resorts/ activities are closed until mid June. Any advice of what kind of activities/ attractions are open in May? We are ok with short hikes, but anything too adventurous. We plan to drive from Denver to Maroon Bells for a 2 day trip and would love to make stops along the way.

Answer

Visiting Breckenridge and Vail in the last week of May can be a quieter experience since the ski season has ended and many summer resort activities haven’t fully opened yet. However, there are still plenty of options for families who enjoy nature, light outdoor activities, and scenic drives.

Here are some activities and attractions that are generally available in May:

Scenic Drives: The drive from Denver to Maroon Bells is stunning, with several worthwhile stops along the way. Consider taking I-70 and making short detours to towns and scenic areas:

Georgetown: Historic mining town with quaint streets and the Georgetown Loop Railroad (check seasonal openings).
Dillon: Small town near Dillon Reservoir with water views.
Glenwood Springs: Famous for hot springs and a scenic downtown if you’re making a longer detour.

Short Hikes and Nature Walks: While some higher elevation trails may still have snow, lower elevation trails around Breckenridge, Vail, and along I-70 are typically accessible:

Boreas Pass Road near Breckenridge – easy trails and scenic views.
McCullough Gulch Trail – shorter hike with waterfalls (check snow conditions).
Vail Nature Trail or surrounding valley paths for easy walks.

Historic Sites: Explore the historic downtowns of Breckenridge and Vail. Museums, shops, and art galleries in Breckenridge are open year-round and make for pleasant indoor or outdoor visits.
Outdoor Activities: Even if ski lifts are closed, some resorts may offer:

Mountain biking trails at lower elevations (check opening dates).
Mini-golf or disc golf in Vail and Breckenridge.
Scenic gondola rides if operating for sightseeing rather than skiing.

Water Activities: Lakes and rivers in the area may allow for fishing or short canoe/kayak trips at lower elevations, though snowmelt can make some rivers fast-moving.

Additional tips:

Check specific opening dates before you go, as late May is early in the summer season for many mountain activities.
Dress in layers; temperatures can be cool in the mornings and evenings, and snow may still be present at higher elevations.
Make reservations for popular restaurants and attractions in Breckenridge and Vail, as the towns can be busy with early summer travelers.
Consider including a scenic day trip to nearby towns like Frisco or Leadville for a mix of local culture, history, and easy outdoor walks.

In summary, while lifts and many summer resort activities may not yet be open, you can enjoy scenic drives, accessible short hikes, historic downtown exploration, and select outdoor activities. Planning a mix of nature walks, small-town stops, and a scenic drive to Maroon Bells will make for a fulfilling half-week mountain experience in late May.