At the end of May, the Colorado Mountains straddle the line between spring and summer, creating a breathtaking blend of seasons. Snow still clings to the highest peaks, glinting in the sun, while lower elevations come alive with fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers. Rivers and streams surge with snowmelt, adding a crisp, rushing soundtrack to the landscape. Wildlife stirs into full activity—elk, deer, and black bears emerge from the shadows of winter, and birdsong fills the forest air. It’s a time of renewal and contrast, when hikers and adventurers can experience both the chill of alpine air and the warmth of sunlit meadows in a single afternoon.