Trade in your summer hiking boots for snowshoes and traverse peaceful snow-laden paths to frozen alpine lakes, cross-country ski along pristine canyon trails or snowmobile through a powdery glade. If downhill skiing isn’t your calling or you’re simply looking for a few ways to mix in some off-slope fun, Colorado’s state and national parks are a winter wonderland waiting to be explored.
Beyond Skiing: Winter Activities in Colorado’s State & National Parks
Wintertime in Colorado is not only synonymous with downhill skiing. In fact, locals and seasoned travelers understand that the winter solstice renders the ideal conditions for exploring public parks.
Updated: September 24, 2025
Ridgway State Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Snowshoeing at Rocky Mountain National Park
You can hardly go wrong when choosing a winter activity within the massive confines of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), but snowshoeing is popular here for a few reasons: It’s easy for anyone to get the hang of, rentals are a breeze in the gateway towns of Estes Park or Grand Lake, and it allows you to tread lightly through Mother Nature without overly demanding athletic distractions. The Gem Lake trail (3.1 miles) is a favorite among locals, boasting 1.8 billion-year-old granite high-rise walls and views of the Continental Divide on the moderate trek.
Insider Tip: RMNP offers some of the best ranger-led snowshoe programs in the state. Excursions begin at both the west (Grand Lake) and east (Estes Park) entrances January through March.
2. Family Weekend Getaway at Mueller State Park
Can’t pinpoint a winter activity that pleases every outspoken family member? Mueller State Park outside of Colorado Springs has you covered with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Snowshoe and cross-country ski on groomed trails spanning gradual 1-mile loops and steeper 7-mile treks, or fat bike on designated paths. For a less strenuous activity, get your thrills sledding at Preacher’s Hollow and Peak View hills before settling into one of the park’s cozy winter cabins.
Insider Tip: The affordable cabins at Mueller are exceptional when it comes to amenities, space, scenery and overall comfort. Give yourself plenty of leeway for reservations (available online or via phone at 800-678-2267).
3. Moose Sightings at State Forest State Park
The winter landscape grants some of the best opportunities to watch mammals in their natural habitat. State Forest State Park, just east of Walden, is home to more than 600 moose that roam the park’s enormous 71,000 acres of forest and alpine lakes. But first things first: Stop by the Moose Visitor Center to get the inside scoop on where to watch these magnificent creatures and be sure to follow the Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principle Keep Wildlife Wild.
Insider Tip: Snowmobiling through the park is a favorite for adrenaline junkies and free spirits. You’ll gain more ground (70 miles of trail in addition to access to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest) and take advantage of picturesque terrain that’s buttressed by the Medicine Bow and Never Summer mountain ranges.
4. A Frozen Fortress near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
When many people think of the Great Sand Dunes they think of a desert-like landscape. After all, the park boasts a whopping 30 square miles of North America’s tallest sand dunes reaching heights of up to 750 feet. The vastness feels even greater in winter with cooler temps, fewer visitors and the treasurable quietness that a fresh blanket of snow affords.
But a real treat lies just outside of the park, when the famous Zapata Falls freezes into a 25-foot icy monument. Follow this one mile, moderately rated out-and-back trail while taking in views of the San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and the Sangre de Cristo Range. You’ll eventually enter a cave, walking on a frozen creek until reaching the crystalline blue frozen waterfall inside.
Insider Tip: Bring shoes that are suitable for hiking on ice. Nearby outdoor retailers sell affordable crampons that slip right over your hiking or snow boots for optimal stability.
5. Cross Country Skiing at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado’s national parks are full of roads with picturesque views perfect for taking a scenic drive. Come winter, some are closed off and primed as pristine cross country ski trails with striking backgrounds. This is certainly the case for South Rim Drive in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The 7-mile trail swishes Nordic skiers and snowshoers to staggering views of Gunnison’s snow-dusted “black” granite walls. Rent skis in Gunnison or Montrose and park at the South Rim Visitor Center.
Insider Tip: Participate in a ranger-led snowshoe walk among the oaks, open meadows and canyon rim. This tour is perfect for beginners and snowshoes are available to use free of charge.
Learn more about Colorado Nordic Centers
6. Ice Fishing at Eleven Mile State Park
Coloradans don’t give up their favorite pursuits in the winter — they just have to switch them up a bit! How often do you get to spend quality time with your closest friends in a homey hut swapping stories and sippin’ beer? Amid all those good moments, don’t forget about reeling in kokanee, trout and pike. Out-of-towners or newbies can visit 11 Mile Marina for equipment rentals, guided trips and year-round fishing competitions.
Insider Tip: Eleven Mile State Park is situated between the exciting cities of Breckenridge and Colorado Springs. Make a weekend of your ice-fishing excursion and poke around these hot spots or meander your way into Park County’s lesser-known, but equally enjoyable, towns like Lake George or Alma to experience mountain-town hospitality at its finest.
Ridgway State Park
7. Yurt Camping at Ridgway State Park
Ridgway State Park's three yurts are found on the park's Dakota Terraces, where mountain views are indescribable and the potential for coziness abounds. The round, tent-like structures are warmed by a propane heater/gas log stove, while beds and furnishings, a microwave and refrigerator, electrical outlets and lights make things nice and comfortable. Perfect for those not looking to get too hale and hardy for winter camping, a year-round restroom with flush toilets, sinks and heated showers is also nearby.
Insider Tip: The park recommends visitors bring their own bedding (i.e., typically a sleeping bag), camping-style cooking supplies and eating utensils. Pets are allowed in one of the yurts for a fee.
8. A Little Bit of Everything at Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake State Park is arguably one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets for winter. Although Sylvan is located in the Vail Valley, a world-famous locale for skiers and snowboarders, it chooses to take a different spin on winter sans chairlifts and superpipes. Instead, visitors hit a jackpot of snow conditions, isolation and pure wilderness that yields an array of activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (rentals available at the visitor center), snowmobiling, ice fishing, sledding, wildlife watching and winter camping.
Insider Tip: Sylvan also grants access to White River National Forest’s vast landscape and trail system accessible via snowshoes, cross-country skies or snowmobiles.
Want More?
Learn about Colorado State Parks
Sponsored
