Colorado averages over 300 inches of snow per year, making ski destinations like Vail, Breckenridge and Aspen a beacon for skiers who want to swoosh down powdery trails. However, you don’t need to brave a black diamond to enjoy Colorado in the wintertime. Here is a three day Colorado winter itinerary that includes lots of adventure. Enjoy winter hiking, snow shoeing, tubing and ice skating as well was cozy fireplaces and rustic cabins. No lift ticket required.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive in Denver-EARLY
- Rent a car at Denver airport and drive to Glenwood Springs, CO (3 hours)
- Hike to Hanging Lake
- Drive to Winter Park, CO (2.5 hours)
- Accommodations at Summit Trail Lodge
- Dinner at Randi’s Irish Grill and Pub
- Day 2
- Snow shoeing at Granby Ranch
- Lunch at the Library Brew Pub and Grill
- Tubing at Winter Park Ski Resort
- Drinks at Cheeky Monk
- Dinner at Hernando’s Pizza Pub
- Ice Skating at the Village at Winter Park Resort
- Day 3
- Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
- Drive to Denver (1.5 hours)
- Depart for home
Hiking at Hanging Lake
Despite a 6am early morning flight to Denver and a long drive to Glenwood Springs, the hike and the beauty of Hanging Lake did not disappoint. A winter hike to Hanging Lake is rugged and rough. You’ll need ice crampons for your boots and hiking poles. Even though the trail to the lake is only 1.2 miles long; it’s difficult, steep and very slippery. Though the trail is challenging, those who are willing to make the trek are rewarded with spectacular views of clear green water and partially frozen cascading falls. Be sure to obtain a day permit prior to arrival. Including the hike to and from the lake, we spent about three hours at Hanging Lake.
After a long day of travel and the hike, we found our way to Fraser, CO. Once we checked into our condo and showered we enjoyed a yummy, fireside supper at Randi’s Irish Grill and Pub. We chose Summit Trail Lodge Condominiums for our two night Colorado stay. The one bedroom, one bathroom condo was the perfect respite complete with a cozy fireplace to curl up beside.
Snow Shoeing, Snow Tubing and Ice Skating
On our second day of winter fun in Colorado we traded our ice crampons for snow shoes. Granby Ranch offers snow shoe rental and a one time lift ticket to the top of the mountain. We spent the entire morning making our way down about 2 miles of trail with amazing scenery.
After a quick bite to eat at the Library Brew Pub and Grill, we went to Winter Park Resort to snow tube. The snow tubing hill at Winter Park Resort offers three lanes of tubing fun and they were fast. The lanes are curved and tubers find themselves riding luge style around those bends. The hill is high thrills, but the best part is the conveyor belt that hauls both you and your tube back to the top.
Even though we’d been enjoying outdoor winter fun for much of the day, we decided we weren’t done. But first, we pulled up a stool at Winter Park Resorts Cheeky Monk for a pre-dinner Belgian style beer. Post sudsy beverage, we went for pizza at Hernando’s Pizza Pub in downtown Winter Park. After dinner, we laced up ice skates and glided across the brilliantly lit ice rink at The Village. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
Our final experience in Colorado was a horse drawn sleigh ride. The one hour ride was coordinated through Dashing Thru the Snow. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop our horses, Dan and King, pulled the sleigh through a wooded winter wonderland. We made a brief stop for hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows, before cowboy Luke guided the team back to the trailhead.
Our Colorado winter getaway was a great blend of adventure and relaxation. We took advantage of all the winter activities the area has to offer during our brief time away.
Happy Traveling, Rochelle