Top Things to Do in Colorado's Cities This Winter

Plus, there’s the feel-good enticement of supporting local restaurants and shops in town as a standalone getaway — or before hitting the high-country slopes. The Front Range’s mild winters also keep outdoor activities on the roster of attractions even in colder months.

Here are some trip ideas to fuel your winter-weekender dreams: 

DENVER 

Dazzling Displays:

• Mile High Holidays: Denver's annual holiday roster includes The Mile High Tree, festive walking tours, craft markets and more.
• Blossoms of Light: Denver Botanic Gardens' downtown and Chatfield Farms locations offer dazzling light displays.
• Denver Zoo: The zoo's wild winter glow up is always a sight to behold.
• Night Lights Denver: Each Tuesday–Sunday evening, just 30 minutes after sunset, colorful artistic displays are projected onto Daniels & Fisher Tower for hours.
• Street-art walking tour: Put a hat and scarf on, and hit the streets to take in the city’s biggest canvases. You’ll pass plenty of places to pick up a belly-warming coffee, tea or craft brew along the way.

Soak Up the Scenery: 

• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: No concerts? No problem. You can still climb those famous steps and scurry around the park’s famous hiking trails.
• Zipline tours: Take to the skies at aerial and zipline parks just outside Denver in Conifer, Idaho Springs and Castle Rock.  
• Lariat Loop: Explore this close-to-town scenic byway, which zooms you through the geologic marvels that surround the city. 
• Hit a round: There’s never a season to pass up watching your ball fly farther in our thin air, not to mention some of the area’s most stunning vistas. 
• Cherry Creek North: Denver’s 16 walkably delightful blocks of retailers, galleries and eateries are perfect for a day or night of strolling and shopping, with snacks and cocktails in between.

Creature Features:

• Wild Animal Sanctuary: East of Denver, walk down the world’s longest footbridge while scouting large cats and bears soaking up the winter sun.
• Dinosaur Ridge: West of Denver, download the audio tour and hit a dinosaur tracksite, including the world’s first Stegosaurus discovery. 

Rest Easy:

• CatBird Hotel: From fully functional kitchens to a playroom stuffed with games, boards, gear and more, this extended-stay hotel is ideal for families.
• The Crawford Hotel: You'll feel like you’re about to board the Polar Express when you spend a night at Union Station’s boutique lodging.
• Nativ Hotel: Park yourself in a massive bathroom hot tub (yes, they come in some of the rooms) to relax your winter-weary muscles. 

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COLORADO SPRINGS

Winter Wonderland:

• Shoppin' and strollin': Time to treat yourself. Head to open-air retail hot spots like Old Colorado City, downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. 
• Skate in the Park: Grab some old-timey winter fun at Acacia Park’s ice rink. Rentals, glow sticks and mountain views are all available. 
• Pikes Peak Highway: Drive the windy road to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, where you'll catch stunning vistas of surrounding mountain ranges blanketed in crisp snow. 

Thrills & Chills:

• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: In nearby Cañon City, walk across one of the world’s highest suspension bridges and sign up for other stomach-flopping affairs.  
• Zipline and aerial parks: Three locales will host your trapeze dreams — Soaring Adventures, Adventures Out West and Royal Gorge Zip Line Tours.
• Off-road tours: Colorado Jeep Tours and Play Dirty ATV Tours are open for getting muddy all year long. 
• Climbing lessons: Front Range Climbing Company gets you out on a ledge in Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space and other geologic highlights (weather permitting, of course).

One with Nature:

• Find a guide: A private tour guide can help you prioritize your Colorado Springs nature wishlist and make getting there and around easy peasy. 
• Famous parks and trails: From Garden of the Gods to the Paint Mines, find your winter stroll on these COS routes. 
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park: From archery to mountain biking, hiking and geocaching, spend the day in this natural gem.  
• Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center: Several tours introduce you to the elusive wolves, coyotes and foxes at this sanctuary in Divide.

Rest Easy:

• Glen Eyrie Castle: Reenact your favorite historical movie — by putting on that fancy dress and running through the halls — at this snow-dusted fortress.
• The St. Mary’s Inn Bed & Breakfast: Plop yourself on a plush couch in the Victorian-mansion’s sitting room with a steaming cup of coffee for ultimate snug vibes.
• The Broadmoor: Make your way down the avenue of twinkling trees to this regal historical hotel, where in-room fireplaces add an extra special level of comfort.

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BOULDER

Local Love:

• Pearl Street shopping: The lights, the music, the independent shops and the countless places to grab a sweet treat that line Pearl Street make shopping a charming affair.
• Cozy picnics with local yum factor: Boulder is home to a plethora of food halls, serving up everything from arepas and vegan cakes to bao and burgers. Grab it to-go for a post-hike car picnic with views of the Flatirons (extra napkins are a plus). 
• Boulder Farmers' Market: The city offers one of the longest-running farmers' markets in the state, and you can find Colorado makers, farmers and artisans selling their delicious wares on Saturdays well into November.

One with Nature:

• Eldora Mountain Resort: Just 21 miles from Boulder, spend the day on Eldora’s alpine slopes and in the Nordic center; adaptive lessons are available through Ignite Adaptive Sports. Then make the easy trek back to your hotel before heading to one of Boulder’s amazing restaurants.
• Winter trails: Boulder’s sheer proximity to the mountains means getting some fresh air in your lungs on a hike can be undertaken in an afternoon.
• Go fish: Winter is one of the best fishing seasons in Colorado, and Boulder won't disappoint when it comes to waterways, experienced guides and solid catches. 
• Fat biking: See what all the fuss is about by renting a fat bike (be sure to get trail advice from your outfitter of choice) and glide atop the snow for miles. 

Rest Easy:

• St Julien Hotel & Spa: Book yourself a stay and spa day where plush robes and luxe treatments will put you to sleep as snow falls outside.
• The Bradley Boulder Inn: The homemade breakfast — think fresh-out-of-the-oven breads and creamy egg dishes — is one of the many reasons to book your stay here.

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Boulder’s #LoveTheLocal Dining Options.

FORT COLLINS

Snow-Sprinkled Charm: 

• Lock in Your Love: In nearby Loveland, celebrate your love or friendship on Valentine's Day — or any day of the year — with personalized locks that you can affix to the city's famous love sculptures.
• Made in Fort Collins: Support the city’s local artisans and craftspeople by treating yourself to goods from these makers.
• Craft coffee: It’s not just beer the Fort Collins locals brag about (although there’s plenty of that). Several shops are experimenting with nitro cold brews, unique blends and more. Speaking of beer — be sure to look for dozens of seasonal brews to get you in the holiday spirit.

One with Nature:

• Rent snowshoes: From Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park and dozens of other trails, local shops can point you in the direction of the best snow on any given day.
• Fat biking: They’re not kidding about winter biking up north, either. Hook up with an outfitter to get all the gear and the skinny on the best place to try your wheels.
• Spot bald eagles: Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area is designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Winter’s an excellent time to see our national symbol, as well as other raptors, songbirds and waterfowl.

Rest Easy:

• Edwards House: Choose a book from the curated shelves, park yourself on a sumptuous chair and cover yourself in a soft throw to read the day away in style.
• Armstrong Hotel: Tuck into a packed breakfast burrito or head to the in-house speakeasy for a warming nightcap at this hotel in Fort Collins' Old Town.

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AURORA

Fun in the Wintry Sun:

• Fill up at Mango House: Savor authentic international fare — like to-go boba, curries, fish, falafels and more — while supporting these local businesses. 
• Ice Skating & Shopping at Southlands: Sprinkle shopping with twirls around the ice at The Pond at Southlands. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

One With Nature:

• Wilderness in the City: Go for a snowshoe excursion or hike on Sand Creek Regional Greenway, a 14-mile trail and natural area that’ll invigorate the senses with crisp winter air.
• Aurora Reservoir: Here's another natural gem to make you feel miles from urban stresses where you can snowshoe or hike. Pop into the Senac Creek Nature Center to learn about the ecosystems you’re seeing.
• Cherry Creek State Park: Cycle 12 miles of paved trails — some of which connect to popular greenways for longer rides — or hike and cross-country ski (weather permitting) on 30-plus miles of multi-use trail. The fresh prairie air and stellar views of the snowcapped Rockies add to the magic.

Rest Easy:

• Woolley’s Classic Suites: Take a dip in the indoor pool or enjoy a peaceful moment next to the indoor waterfall under the massive skylight to feel summer vibes even when it’s chilly outside.
• Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center: Get ready for nine on-site restaurants — from cafe to fine dining — a pool that's open year-round, spa treatments, a Peloton-stocked fitness center and so much more.

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Photos: Courtesy Visit Denver; Denver Zoo, Denver Botanic Gardens; Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau; Denver Botanic Gardens; Stanley Marketplace; Downtown Boulder; The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Downtown Fort Collins, Denver Botanic Gardens, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park