There isn’t a single calendar year in Colorado you should universally avoid. Safety depends on the season, location, and current conditions. The best approach is to monitor real-time forecasts and official advisories rather than avoiding an entire year.
Why there isn’t a single “bad year” to avoid
Colorado’s hazards shift with the seasons and vary by region. A year that proves risky for wildfire in one part of the state can be relatively calm elsewhere, while severe winter storms can disrupt travel unexpectedly. Labeling an entire year as dangerous can miss the nuance of where and when risk is highest.
Key risk factors by season
Colorado’s hazards are seasonal. The following factors commonly drive whether a year proves challenging for travelers and residents.
- Wildfire season (typically June through October), driven by drought, heat, and gusty winds
- Winter storms and travel hazards (November through March), including heavy snowfall, ice, and road closures
- Flooding and rapid snowmelt (spring), which can trigger flash floods and washouts
- Drought and heat waves (summer), increasing wildfire risk and water restrictions
- Severe weather and strong winds (spring and fall), including microbursts and blowing dust
Understanding these factors helps plan around peak risk periods and local conditions.
How to stay informed before traveling
Before heading into Colorado, check forecasts and official alerts for the latest conditions and any travel advisories.
- National Weather Service (NOAA) forecasts and warnings for local hazards
- Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) updates and emergency advisories
- Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) road conditions and closures
- Fire information resources such as InciWeb and the Colorado State Forest Service for current wildfire status
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) fire danger maps and incident summaries
- Local county or city emergency management offices for area-specific alerts
Rely on these sources in combination with local news and weather apps to plan trips and respond to changing conditions.
Historical years of notable extremes
Colorado has experienced several standout years when wildfires, winter storms, or floods were unusually severe. The following snapshots highlight how the state has been challenged in the past, underscoring why a blanket “bad year” label isn’t practical.
2012: Waldo Canyon and High Park fires
In 2012, Colorado faced major wildfire outbreaks near Colorado Springs (Waldo Canyon Fire) and near Fort Collins (High Park Fire), burning tens of thousands of acres and prompting widespread evacuations. The year underscored the risk of large-scale fires even outside traditional urban-wildland interfaces.
2013: Black Forest Fire
The Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs burned thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes, illustrating the persistent wildfire risk in foothill communities and the need for rapid evacuation planning.
2020: Largest wildfire year on record
2020 marked Colorado’s most severe wildfire year, with the Cameron Peak Fire and East Troublesome Fire burning roughly 400,000 acres combined and triggering extensive evacuations across multiple counties. The event highlighted how drought, heat, and wind can converge to create enormous, fast-moving fires.
2021: Marshall Fire near Boulder
In December 2021, the Marshall Fire became one of the state’s most destructive fires, destroying hundreds to thousands of homes and reshaping risk assessments for housing and vegetation management in the urban-wildland interface.
These episodes show that risk is episodic and location-specific. A given year can be dangerous in one region while another area remains relatively safe.
Bottom line for travelers and residents
Plan around the season, stay informed with real-time alerts, and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. Focus on current-year forecasts and advisories rather than avoiding an entire year.
Summary
There is no universal “bad year” in Colorado. Risk is tied to seasonal hazards and local conditions, not the calendar. By monitoring weather forecasts, staying aware of wildfire and flood risks, and following official travel advisories, you can reduce disruption and stay safe when visiting or living in Colorado.