A North Park Sampler

3
 days
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North Park is aptly named as it borders Wyoming — meaning it's in the far northern part of Colorado, but in three days, you'll really get to explore all it has to offer.

Sustainability Activity
Stay the Trail

Help keep our trails and wilderness areas in good shape by following these seven simple principles.

Insider's Tip
Get Your Rental Before Heading Out

Before heading to Walden, be sure to stop in Fort Collins to rent an OHV from Fort Collins Adventure Rentals

Day
1
Activity
Fish the Michigan River

Grab your reel and fish for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout.

all smoked up bbq photo
Lunch
All Smoked Up BBQ
Enjoy award-winning barbecue — meats and sauces — on Walden's Main Street.
Activity
Hike Big Creek Falls

This 5-mile round-trip hike from the Seven Lakes Trailhead at Big Creek Lakes Campground in the Routt National Forest leads to a hidden waterfall in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Located just 10 miles south of the Wyoming border, the easy trail provides views of lakes, beaver ponds and — if you’re lucky — lots of wildlife.

Dinner
The 10th Frame
The 10th Frame is a six-lane bowling alley, restaurant and bar located in Walden, Colorado.
Activity
Bowl Your Night Away

Stay at The 10th Frame for a game (or two).

Lodging
Antlers Inn
Located in the heart of Walden, Antlers Inn offers rustic elegance just 2.5 miles from Walden Reservoir. It has an on-site restaurant — River Rock…
Day
2
Breakfast
North Park Gathering Grounds
A quaint little coffee shop located in beautiful Walden, Colorado. Serving only fresh ingredient breakfast with an ever evolving menu.
Activity
North Park Pioneer Museum
Housed in a cabin built in 1883, the museum's exhibits showcase the region's mining, logging, ranching and farming heritage.
Activity
Take an OHV on Ruby Jewel Road

Enjoy stunning views of mountains, lakes and forests from the back of an OHV on this trail in State Forest State Park.

Dinner
Rand Yacht Club
Steaks, burgers, beers and whiskey are flowing from this joint.
Activity
See the Stars

North Park is largely unpopulated, making for incredible stargazing opportunities. See the stars like never before at Owl Mountain State Wildlife Area.

Itinerary Tip
State Wildlife Areas

As of July 2020, any one who enters a Colorado State Wildlife Area must have a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license.

Lodging
North Park Inn & Suites
Newest lodging. Pillow-top beds, 32" flat screen, HBO, hand crafted log furniture, table/chairs, fridge/micro/coffee, guest laundry, on-site…
Day
3
Breakfast
Holy Grounds Coffee
A specialty coffee shop and cafe featuring espresso drinks, French press, pour over, cold brew, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, breakfast burritos, deli…
Activity
Look for Moose

North Park is Colorado’s moose viewing capital and no trip would be complete without setting out to see one for yourself. Head to the State Forest State Park and walk along the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail with your eyes peeled.

Activity
Go Wildlife Viewing

More than 2,000 acres of wilderness await at Delaney Buttes State Wildlife Area. Soak in views and maybe spot a famous resident.

Dinner
Mansker Station
Indulge in wood-fired pizza at this adorable spot near Walden.
Activity
Check out the Teller City Ghost Town

This booming silver-mining town busted in the early 1900s and today there's a short loop trail that guides you through the scattered remains of what once was.

Lodging
Cabins at Mansker Station
Stay at these quaint cabins near Walden, Colorado.