When thinking about things to do in Colorado in winter, almost everyone reverts to skiing. While I love to ski at Colorado’s epic resort destinations like Aspen and Vail, I also enjoy exploring more unique options of what this state has to offer when it comes to cold-weather adventures. So I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite things to do in Colorado in winter that you should try at least once! Make sure you add these four activities to your Colorado winter bucket list.
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Stay in a yurt on a camel farm in Colorado
So, are there camels in Colorado? Yes, in fact, there are, all thanks to a family-run camel farm in Capulin (not to be confused with Capulin, New Mexico). Located in the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado, near the New Mexico border and only 22 miles south of Alamosa, the remote family-owned farm rests on 35 acres with a small herd of dairy camels, donkeys and sheep, all surrounded by BLM land.
Guests can stay at the farm in a private yurt (hard-sided for winter), completely separate from the family home, for your own unique Colorado winter vacation. I highly suggest asking for a farm tour, led by the owners Matt and Megan, where you can meet the camels and the other animals on the farm.
Surrounded by an expansive landscape, it’s easy to enjoy views of Trujillo Canyon and the camels grazing in the fields from your yurt. I stayed in the yurt by myself, but there is plenty of room for two people (maybe even a family of three) with its queen-sized bed and futon. You are off-grid a little bit as there is no electricity, no running water, and a portable toilet outside.
They provide essentials like bedding a camp stove, a cast iron pan and a small pot for cooking, a French press, coffee, a teapot, and mugs. There is also a small wood stove and a propane heater inside the yurt to help keep you warm during those winter nights. Be sure to also ask for camel milk soaps, camel milk fudge, and other camel products all made by Megan herself to round out your stay.
So, why should you add this to your Colorado winter bucket list? Because being out there in the winter is unlike any experience you’ve ever had. Plus, you are only an hour and a half drive from the Wolf Creek Ski area and within an hour or so of the Sand Dunes Hot Springs in Hooper, making the ideal winter weekend getaway in Colorado. Plus, the hosts are so nice and helpful. It is one of my favorite memories in Colorado.
Cross Country ski in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
One of my most favorite experiences since moving to Colorado 12 years ago, was cross-country skiing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Located in Colorado’s Southwest region, Black Canyon is one of the state’s four National Parks and its smallest at only 30,750 acres. Sculpted by the Gunnison River, the narrow, deep, and steep canyon features cliff walls that reach 2,700 feet above the river. And because of its narrowed and steep shape, sunlight is barely let in, giving it its name the Black Canyon.
The park’s more remote access makes this one of my favorite places in all of Colorado. And for me, one of the best times to visit is in winter. The park is open year-round and in winter, they close off the main in the park to vehicles and turn it into a snow haven for winter adventurers.
Not only is the scenery breathtaking after a fresh snowfall blanket the canyon’s jagged walls, creating a beautiful contrast between rugged and soft, but the main road into the park becomes a snowy walkway for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Entering from the South Rim (the entrance near Montrose, CO), the main road leading into the park remains open as it is plowed regularly, but closes to vehicles beyond the Visitor Center. From here, you can park your car and hit the road with your favorite choice of snow gear. Follow the road for as long as you’d like, all the way to the end at High Point. The entire out-and-back route is 12 miles and is relatively flat. All along the way you’ll take in views of the canyon below and expansive mountain views for as far as the eye can see.
I am a true beginner when it comes to cross-country skiing and this wide, somewhat flat route was the perfect introduction to the sport. Tip: there are equipment rental stores in the town of Montrose. I rented my skis, boots and poles from 970 Sports Rewind.
Visit Roxborough State Park
While I love National Parks, I also love visiting state parks, and Colorado has just over 40 to choose from. One of the best (in my opinion) to visit in winter is Roxborough State Park. Located just 45 minutes southwest of Denver, Roxborough State Park is one of my favorite places to visit year-round, but especially in winter. Formed by the same Fountain Formation that created Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Garden of the Gods, the unique red rock landscape at Roxborough is truly beautiful.
Spreading across 4,000 acres, the park is filled with distinctive red rock formations that lay the groundwork for astounding views just after a fresh snowfall. Take a hike and immerse yourself in the contrasting scenery that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. After enough snow has fallen, visitors can snowshoe and cross-country ski some of the park’s open trails.
My favorite trail to start with is the Fountain Valley Trail. It is an easy 2.5-mile loop with two scenic overlooks and a unique historic site. Combined with fewer crowds and its unforgettable scenery, Roxborough State Park is a must-add to your Colorado winter bucket list.
Run on the Rio Grande River
In late January, the small town of Alamosa puts on a winter weekend festival called the Rio Frio Ice Fest where every year there is an ice carving contest, a polar plunge, a fire and ice bonfire, and the popular Rio Frio 5K. But this isn’t your normal 5k, this race takes place on the Rio Grande River. Yes, that’s right, participants lace up their running shoes, grab their hats and gloves, and run on the iced-over, snow-packed river.
The Rio Grande River runs through the center of town with beautiful distant views of Blanca Peak and surrounding mountains. The river banks are filled with tall cattails and other vegetation that make for a great place to spot wildlife such as deer and waterfowl. If you aren’t into running on the ice, there is a nice wide, gravel trail that runs alongside the river, perfect for a beautiful walk on a sunny winter day.
