1. Pagosa Hot Springs
Stiff joints and chilly bones can be cured with a single dip in Pagosa Springs’ mineral-rich waters — making winter the best season for a hot springs soak (or five). Healing Waters Resort & Spa’s large outdoor pool, hot tub and indoor European-style bath facility are perfect for budget-conscious visitors. For views overlooking the majestic San Juans, head to Overlook Mineral Springs Spa — their rooftop tubs and convenient downtown locale make this resort a popular choice. Or pay a visit to The Springs Resort: With 23 pools to choose from, it’s easy to spend all day soaking, followed by what might be the best sleep of your life. See a Pagosa Hot Springs video
2. Dog Sledding
When the dog days of summer are over what better way to celebrate winter’s arrival than with a sled-dog tour of the snow-covered mountains? San Juan Sled Dogs and Mountain Paws Dog Sled Tours takes special care of their four-legged friends (their breed requires them to run and pull) with many options to let you in on the fun. Expeditions include meet-and-greets with the furry fidos, photos of your mush, and warm drinks and snacks to conclude your sledding adventure.
3. Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Southwestern Colorado’s wintry backcountry is a sparkling sight not to be missed. To those serious about discovering this pristine landscape: strap on a pair of snowshoes or Nordic skis. Thanks to the Pagosa Nordic Club, the 50km of groomed trails are free and dog friendly. Families and beginner freestyle and skate skiers embark on the Reservoir Hill Nordic and Cloman Park trails, while those who are more advanced take to the Coyote Hill Nordic Loops. Snowshoers may share these trails with skiers, as long as they stay clear of the skating lane.
4. Ice Fishing
Lakes may freeze over when deep frost sets in, but that doesn’t mean the fish stop biting in Pagosa Springs. Several reservoirs in the Pagosa Springs vicinity yield some of the best ice fishing in southwestern Colorado. Find rainbow trout and yellow perch in Echo Reservoir, or wet your line in Williams Creek Reservoir for kokanee salmon and trout of the brook, rainbow and cutbow varieties. Before making your way out onto the ice, be sure to have your fishing license in tow — it is required year-round and can be purchased online.
5. Hot-Air Balloon Rides
The temperatures have dropped and the land might be covered in snow, but hot-air balloons fly year-round in Pagosa Springs. Imperceptibly drifting above a freshly blanketed town offers a unique airborne perspective of winter in the mountains. Dress warm and arrive early to watch colors burst against a stark white backdrop as the balloon inflates, but prepare to remove a layer or two as you stand just below a burner that regulates the balloon and, coincidentally, keeps you quite comfortable high up in the crisp air.
