Looking for fun winter activities in Colorado that don’t involve skiing or snowboarding? You’ve come to the right place!
I’m personally not a fan of skiing or snowboarding, so living in Colorado I’ve had to get creative during the winter to find fun things to do that don’t involve hitting the slopes. This guide shares 10 of my favorite winter activities in Colorado for every budget. Most of the activities in this guide are outdoors so you can still enjoy the crisp mountain air, but there are also a couple of fun things to do if you’d rather stay cozied up indoors.
1. Go For a Hot Springs Soak
There are few things better than soaking in a hot spring on a chilly winter day, and luckily Colorado is home to quite a few. My favorite hot spring in Colorado is Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway (one of the most underrated mountain towns in Colorado!). This clothing-optional hot spring has pools with multiple temperatures that are built into the natural environment, plus a couple of indoor soaking tubs. Admission also includes access to a sauna, lobster pot, and cold plunge.
If you’re looking for hot springs that are easier to access from the Front Range, head to Glenwood Springs, which is a 2 ½-3 hour drive from Denver (depending on traffic). Glenwood Springs is home to two developed hot springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Hot Springs (there are also primitive hot springs nearby if you know where to look). I personally prefer Iron Mountain for its smaller soaking pools, adults-only section, and location right along the Colorado River.
2. Visit Colorado National Monument
Located on the Western Slope in Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument is one of the best places to explore during the winter. Here you’ll find a desert landscape filled with sandstone canyons and towering rock formations that are reminiscent of Southern Utah and Arizona without having to leave Colorado.
During your visit to Colorado National Monument enjoy a scenic drive along Rim Rock Drive (keep an eye out for bighorn sheep!), or hit the trail for a hike. My favorite trails include Monument Canyon, Liberty Cap, and the Serpents Trail. I’m fortunate to live just a few minutes away from the Monument, so I spend a lot of time hiking here during the winter (if you see me, say hi!).
Check out this guide to the 10 best hikes in Colorado National Monument for more trail recommendations.
3. Go For a Winter Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for a classic, snowy adventure in Colorado this winter, I highly recommend visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is one of the few popular mountain towns in Colorado that doesn’t have a ski resort, making it a perfect destination if you don’t ski or snowboard.
While portions of Rocky Mountain National Park aren’t accessible during the winter, there’s still plenty to see and do. I recommend checking out the Bear Lake corridor (there’s no timed-entry reservation required in the winter!), and taking a hike up to Emerald Lake. You’ll also pass Bear Lake, Dream Lake, and Nymph Lake on this relatively short, moderate hike.
Be sure to talk to a park ranger about current avalanche risks before hitting the trail (there’s typically someone at the trailhead). Microspikes are highly recommended for this heavily trafficked trail to give you traction on the packed down snow and ice. You may also need snowshoes if it recently snowed and you need flotation rather than traction.
4. Explore the Rifle Ice Caves
For a truly unique winter activity in Colorado, check out the Rifle Ice Caves. Located inside of Rifle Mountain Park, this seasonal phenomena makes a great day trip from Grand Junction or a quick (ish) pit stop if you’re driving by Rifle on I-70. You can also stop at Rifle Falls State Park on your drive in to check out one of the best waterfall hikes in Colorado.
The best time of year to visit the Rifle Ice Caves is typically in January or February when the ice is solidly frozen. Make sure to be careful when exploring the caves. You’ll want to wear microspikes to walk on the ice and keep an eye out for icicles that could potentially fall from overhead.
5. Get a Cup of the Infamous Haute Chocolate at the Four Seasons in Vail
Warm up with the best cup of hot chocolate you’ve ever had at the Four Seasons in Vail. The Haute Chocolate at The Remedy Bar comes with a cool $25 price tag and is poured table side over a delicate chocolate tuile and house-made marshmallow. While it will probably be the priciest cup of hot chocolate you’ve ever had, it’s thick, creamy, and delicious, so I think the experience is worth it.
In addition to decadent hot chocolate, the Remedy Bar also serves up a variety of tasty food and beverages. I recommend the crispy chicken sandwich with gochujang sauce, or if you really want to splurge, you can order caviar or a wagyu tomahawk steak. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a little après without the ski!
6. Take a Trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is arguably the most underrated national park in Colorado, which makes it a great destination if you want to get away from the crowds during the winter. Vehicles are restricted along the South Rim Drive beyond the Visitor Center when it’s snowy, but you can still check out a few scenic viewpoints or cross-country ski along the road.
7. Go For a Sleigh Ride or Cross-Country Ski to the Pine Creek Cookhouse in Aspen
Located up Castle Creek Road in Aspen, the Pine Creek Cookhouse provides a unique and tasty dining experience during the winter. There are a few different ways to get up to the restaurant from the parking area with varying prices – cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or via a horse-drawn sled (the most expensive, but warmest, option).
The Pine Creek Cookhouse is open for both lunch and dinner, and reservations are required. There are 2 lunch seatings and 1 dinner seating available, which coordinate with the sleigh rides. Nordic ski and snowshoe rentals are also available.
8. Visit Garden of the Gods
If you live on the Front Range and want to avoid the pesky ski traffic on I-70 during the winter, then head to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Winter is one of the best times to visit this popular park, especially when the red rocks are covered in a fresh coat of snow. Plus, admission is free!
There are over 22 miles of trails in the Garden of the Gods, including some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado. I recommend the Siamese Twins Trail, which provides a unique view of Pikes Peak through a little opening in the rocks, or create a loop with the Palmer, Buckskin-Charley, Niobrara, and Bretag Trails.
9. Attend the Ouray Ice Festival
The Ouray Ice Festival is held every year at the end of January and attracts professional ice climbers and visitors from around the world. If you’re feeling adventurous you can take an ice climbing lesson, or you can just view the ice climbing competitions as a spectator (it’s incredible how fast these climbers can scale the ice!).
10. Learn How to Cross-Country Ski
Okay, technically cross-country skiing is a type of skiing, but it is radically different from downhill skiing, which is why I wanted to include it in this list of best winter activities in Colorado. Not only is cross-country skiing a really great, low impact cardio workout, it also allows you to spend time in snowy landscapes and enjoy the mountains without the high cost of a lift ticket (or risk of serious injury).
There are a ton of places to cross-country ski across Colorado. I’m personally a fan of the trails on the Grand Mesa because they’re well-groomed and relatively flat. Tennessee Pass is another popular area for nordic skiing and offers dining and lodging options in yurts in addition to groomed trails.
I hope this post gave you some inspiration to get outside and enjoy some of the best winter activities in Colorado this season, even if you don’t ski or snowboard!
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