Time Change: When Does Colorado Spring Forward in 2026?

It is not easy to get ready to spring forward when it feels like you are still waiting for winter to arrive. Ready or not, daylight saving time is set to begin again in just a few weeks.

To residents of Western Colorado, the time change means far more than losing an hour of sleep. Setting the clocks back affects hiking, biking, and even dining on patios from Grand Junction to Montrose. Keep scrolling for the details as we prepare for the time change on the Western Slope.

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When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin?

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Colorado will spring forward on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., when local time jumps to 3 a.m. across the state. Until someone else makes a change, Daylight Saving Time is the law of the land in 48 states. Only Hawaii and Arizona do not participate.

Combat Time Change Slowdowns

The first few days after the time change are the worst. People are groggy from losing an hour of sleep, and some feel rushed as they adjust to the time shift. Avoid all this by going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each night, a few days before the time change. It can help keep your sleep schedule consistent. Soak up some of that morning sunshine if you can before work starts. It helps reset your internal clock

Read More: Winter Days Are Better At These Western Colorado Hot Springs

No Change In Sight

For those who are not fans of daylight saving time, Colorado has tried to make this permanent, but so far, without success. Bills such as HB22-1297 called for year-round daylight saving time if federal law changes and neighboring Mountain states do the same. Then there was SB22-135 to adopt year-round standard time, which also failed. Until federal rules change, Colorado will continue to spring forward and fall back each spring and fall.