MOAB — The fat lady is warming up her pipes in Colorado ski country, and the license plates are starting to turn green in Utah’s canyonlands.
During the Moab Half Marathon, hotels and campgrounds were brimming with upward of 15,000 competitors and support-team members over the weekend, but that didn’t stop desert explorers from hiking and biking the surrounding trails over the first weekend of spring.
“The half-marathon kind of kicks off our season, and it just kind of goes from here,” said Tina Snyder of the Moab Area Travel Council. “Spring is our busiest season.”
Snyder said visitors can expect to see hotels and campsites filling up again for Easter Jeep Safari week from April 4-12 and for the Classic Car Show from April 24-26. This weekend’s mountain unicycle, or “Muni” Fest, is another growing phenomenon.
Meanwhile, there’s still plenty of space on the trails such as the 1 1/2-mile hike up to Corona Arch from the Colorado River along Utah 279 (a.k.a. the Potash Road). Grab a bottle of water, some sunscreen, a cap and dependable shoes before setting out on this moderate walk to a pair of the most stunning rock arches outside of the nearby Arches National Park. Parking and hiking are free, but consider staking some camping space before setting out on the one- to two-hour mission.
If the desert isn’t your bag, there are plenty of fun, sun and deals to be had in the high country as well.
Check out some of the spring offerings from local ski areas:
Arapahoe Basin: The Spring Only Pass ($109-$209) is good for unlimited access to the resort for the rest of the season, which lasts well into May. Pass holders also get one day at Silverton Mountain, a free group lesson and food discounts.
Copper Mountain: The Hook Up offers two-day passes for $109, including the Sunsation free concert weekends of April 11-12 and 18-19. Headlining acts include The Original Wailers and Mix Master Mike from the Beastie Boys. Hook Up tickets are available only at .
Echo Mountain: Usually closed on Tuesdays, Echo is celebrating spring break by remaining open today and March 31 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Eldora: The Boulder Ski Escape package includes lodging in Boulder with lift tickets to Eldora starting at $64.50 per person. For details, check .
Monarch: Kayak season comes early on Monarch Pass, where they don’t even wait for the snow to melt. Kayaks on Snow sends mul-tiple kayaks down a special course on the Freeway run April 4. Spectators get in free, and participation costs $20. .
Silverton: Unguided season returns April 3-5, 11-12 and 18-19. Guided skiing and single-run heli drops also are available. .
Ski Cooper: Wrap up the season with Sasquatch Sunday. Guests who come dressed as Sasquatch get a free lift ticket. .
Sunlight: Ski Swim Stay packages start at $79 per person, including lodging and entry to the hot springs pool. .
Telluride: Will keep two lifts running a week after the scheduled close date of April 5. Telluride season passes are valid through April 12, and non-pass holders can ski for $50. Seniors, children and season-pass holders from anywhere else ski for only $25.
Winter Park: The Ski Train is offering overnight service to Winter Park for the first time this Thursday through Sunday. Rates start at $154 a person, with several lodging and overnight combinations possible. Contact Winter Park Central Reservations at 800-979-0332. .
Wolf Creek: Local appreciation day includes everyone who shows up on April 1, 5 or 11-12. Tickets are just $31. .
Scott Willoughby: 303-954-1993 or swilloughby@denverpost.com
