10 winter adventures you'll find off the slopes in Colorado
Planning to visit Colorado this winter? From snowshoeing to ice fishing, you'll find plenty of winter festivities to enjoy off the ski slopes this winter. Here are our some of our top picks for adventuring off the slopes and around the beautiful state of Colorado.
Editor's Note: Events are subject to change. Please follow all county and state public health orders. COVID-19 restrictions may also be in place. Always check prior to planning your travels.
Ouray Ice Park glows in moonlight. Photo Credit: Markus Van Meter.
10. Give ice climbing a try
Brave the cold for a winter ice climbing adventure at Ouray Ice Park. Nestled in the Uncompahgre Gorge of Ouray, the park contains over 100 man-made ice and mixed climbs, 11 distinct climbing areas, and three miles of vertical terrain. Photo Credit: Markus Van Meter.
Editor's Note: If you're not experienced in ice climbing, seek out a local guide company to help you experience this one.
Ice Fishing. Photo Credit: Алексей Филатов (iStock)
9. Embark on an ice fishing adventure
Ice fishing will have you hooked this winter. Top destinations for ice fishing include Eleven Mile State Park, Antero Reservoir, Manitou Lake, Skaguay Reservoir, and Monument Lake. Photo Credit: Алексей Филатов (iStock).
Editor's Note: Ice fishing can be dangerous – know how to judge the strength of ice prior to casting your line. Here's one spot to start your research.
Ice Caves at Rifle Mountain Park. Photo Credit: Bryce Bradford (Flickr).
8. Explore these hidden ice caves
Natural wonder awaits at the Ice Caves in Rifle Mountain Park. The caves are a true winter gem located in the northwest corner of the state, about 30 minutes from the small town of Rifle. The winter months, December through February, are generally the best times to visit. Photo Credit: Bryce Bradford (Flickr).
Ice Castles. Photo Credit: Tammi Mild (iStock).
7. Wander around an Ice Castle
Visit the breathtaking Ice Castles in the mountain town of Dillon. Wander through the mystic creation featuring ice slides, crawl spaces, ice caves, fountains, colorful lights, music, and even fire dancers. You'll be sure to get that winter wonderland feeling! Photo Credit: Tammi Mild (iStock).
Meadow Creek Park. Photo Courtesy: The Town of Frisco.
6. Twirl through the high country on a pair of skates
Swap out your blades and boards for an ice skating adventure. There are several rinks nestled around the state including free ice skating at Meadow Creek Pond in Frisco. Photo Courtesy: The Town of Frisco.
The Santa Express Train on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Photo Credit: Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
5. Journey into a winter wonderland like no other
Take the scenic route this winter by train in Cañon City. The Santa Express Train on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is filled with plenty of holiday cheer from your favorite tunes to warm sips of cocoa and even visits from Santa Claus. Miss Christmas? There's also a winter scenic ride edition that skips the holiday theme. Photo Credit: Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
Snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park. Courtesy photo. Photo Credit: Todd Powell.
4. Cruise 1,200 feet down a snow tubing hill
Take your winter adventures to the next level with a visit to one of the state's longest snow tubing hills. Bundle up and soar down the slopes of Frisco Adventure Park. The tubing hill offers 1,200-foot long lanes, stunning winter views, and a "magic carpet" lift ride transporting tubers back to the top. Courtesy Photo. Photo Credit: Todd Powell.
Strawberry hot springs Chancey Bush The Gazette
3. Soak in a snowy hot spring
The state of Colorado is home to many hot springs that remain open in the winter. A few winter favorites include Strawberry Hot Springs, Mount Princeton Hot Springs, and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Photo Credit: Chancey Bush, The Gazette.
Strawberry Banana Crepe with Chocolate Jam. Photo Credit: Teresa-Creation (iStock).
2. Treat yourself to an insanely delicious mountain-style crepe
Swing by Crepes A La Cart in Breckenridge. This mountain town eatery features a sweet and savory collection of delicious crepe fillings. Options to choose from include the Strawberry Shortcake, German Apple Strudel, Bananas Forster, Smoked Salmon Club, Pesto Turkey, Philly Cheesesteak, and more. Photo Credit: Teresa-Creation (iStock).
Snowshoeing. Photo Credit: Jeremy Poland (iStock).
1. Track your way through a snowy forest
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the high country in the winter. Rocky Mountain National Park offers a playground of snowshoeing treks including Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Nymph Lake, Gem Lake, Dream Lake, and Sky Pond. Other trail options for snowshoeing include Herman Gulch, St. Mary’s Glacier, and Quandary Peak. Looking to snowshoe around a ghost town? Check out this link. Photo Credit: Jeremy Poland (iStock).
Breanna Sneeringer
Breanna Sneeringer writes about news, adventure, and more for OutThere Colorado as a Digital Content Producer. She is an avid adventure seeker and wildflower enthusiast. Breanna joined OutThere Colorado in September 2018.
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