Mud Season in Steamboat Springs brings hoots, hollers, ughs and just about everything in between.
Tourists leave, some restaurants close and this part of the Yampa Valley becomes a locals Club Med for a while.
But it can also be a tough time. The Steamboat Ski Area is closed. Biking and hiking trails aren’t ready to open.
The weather has more personality turns than the Incredible Hulk. There are still things to do however, and here's a guide to getting through — and enjoying — Mud Season.
Skiing
There are still plenty of options available for skiing. If it’s not in the backcountry, a handful of Colorado resorts remain open.
Snowmass in Aspen will celebrate its closing day on Sunday.
Winter Park, which announced extended closing dates and will be open April 26 and 27, will host Big Head Todd and the Monsters at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and on Sunday, Dumpstaphunk will play a free show at 3 p.m. Sunday also is chocked full of events, including a pond skim.
Copper Mountain extended its closing weekend and will be open April 25, 26 and 27. During these dates, the mountain is offering a Swingers Pass rate, which gets people with a ski pass at any area a $59 lift ticket.
Aspen Mountain will extend its season as well. It will be open April 26 and 27 and May 3 and 4.
Loveland Ski Area will host its closing day party on May 4.
As usual, Arapahoe Basin hasn’t named a firm closing day but has tentatively scheduled June 1 as the last day. A Basin is offering a $179 spring pass for the rest of the season.
Biking
Biking brings plenty of spring options around Steamboat. People can venture west of Steamboat to Moab, Utah or Fruita Monument.
Moab presents more options but it’s longer drive, about 4 and a half hours away.
Fruita provides a closer biking option, three hours away, along with some great options for road biking.
Those interested in Moab or Fruita should look at lodging and camping options as soon as they can. Campsites often fill up fast.
For a less crowded experience the expanding mountain bike scene in Vernal, Utah, is worth the drive. Those looking for a longer trip and fun area can check out Gooseberry Mesa, outside of Zion National Park.
Fishing
With spring runoff continuing through the next month, fishing can remain a tough proposition.
Springtime has some of the best fishing, but inconsistent flows can make it challenging.
One good bet is the Green River near Dutch John, Utah. Another, certainly closer, option is to head to the tailwaters of the Yampa River near Stagecoach Reservoir.
Of course with varying temperatures affecting flow, checking fishing reports and waiting for lakes to thaw is always a safe bet.
Get on the river
Early springtime can be a river rat's dream. The run through town is in good shape right now and will continue to get better.
Duffy and Juniper Canyons near Maybell are certainly flowing. For a quick afternoon float, the Pumphouse section of the Colorado River was flowing at 1,730 cfs Wednesday afternoon. The Blue River River was flowing at 770 cfs — again perfect for an afternoon float.
Music and entertainment
The music calendar in Steamboat is relatively light for the next couple of weeks. But shows across the state are highlighted.
Starting with a giant 4/20 celebration in Denver, The Cannabist has people covered — from Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa on Sunday at Red Rocks to Leftover Salmon in the Streets at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.
The Drive By Truckers also play the Fillmore Auditorium on Saturday.
In Steamboat, keep a look out for when downtown new music venue Schmiggity's opens with Acutonic, Rowdy Shadehouse and MTHDS highlighting the weekend starting May 15.
To reach Luke Graham, call 970-871-4229, email lgraham@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @LukeGraham