The Centennial State is famous for fluffy powder and dare-we-say gnarly terrain that make it one of the best alpine ski destinations in the winter. But the secret’s out: You don’t have to ski to love Colorado in the colder months — especially if you make Denver your basecamp for outdoor adventure. Bask in sunny bluebird days along local trails, slip into a steaming hot spring or embark on mountain trains that zigzag through snow-dusted canyons — all without buying a lift ticket. Use Denver as your warm, welcoming home base, then build a winter itinerary around the outdoor moments that fit your style.
Winter Hiking
On a sunny, low-snow day, pack some spikes and head west for a winter hike on the moderately challenging Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Feel the sun on your face as you wind past towering crimson sandstone formations and take a detour to the stage to dream about which band you’ll jam out to this spring. Saint Mary’s Glacier is another winter favorite within easy driving distance of the city. The scenic snowfield in Arapaho National Forest takes a 1.8-mile, moderate hike but rewards with views of a frozen alpine lake and pointy peaks. If you’re embarking on a winter hike, choose a route that matches your comfort level and always check conditions before you go.
Snowmobile Tours
For some high-speed thrills, give snowmobiling a try. Grand Adventures Snowmobiling & ATV offers tours and rentals at convenient locations in Winter Park, Fraser and Grand Lake — where you can feel the wind in on your face while gazing at the white-crowned Continental Divide. For more wide-open views of the Rockies, check out High Country Snowmobile Tours — they have several locations near Breckenridge and Keystone ski resorts so if your family or friend group parktake in the slopes, you can take to the hills with the hum of your Ski-Doo engine.
Hot Springs Escapes
After a cold morning outside, sink into warm mineral water and watch snowflakes shimmer around you. A hot springs day trip or overnight getaway combines a charming mountain town stop, snowy scenery and deep relaxation in one classic Colorado experience. Want to skip the drive? Pick a spa with indoor soaking tubs right in Denver, like Oakwell Beer Spa, ROK SPAS or the Ritz Carlton Spa, Denver — so you can emerge refreshed and wander right over to a Michelin-recommended restaurant for dinner.
Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Tours
Pull on warm layers, hear the snow crunch under your boots and follow a quiet trail into the foothills. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing let you slow down and take in winter vistas at a gentler pace than downhill skiing — while still getting your heart pumping with a solid workout. For fresh air and the satisfying rhythm of moving through mountain-studded landscapes, head out with Adventure Scenic Tours of Colorado, which can take you on private cross-country skiing and snowshoe outings in luxury SUVs.
For classic Front Range scenery, join Denver Adventures for a full- or half-day snowshoe hike surrounded by fragrant evergreen trees and panoramic views. And if you want a longer winter outing, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides can lead you into Indian Peaks Wilderness or Rocky Mountain National Park for full-day snowshoeing excursions.
Scenic Train Adventures
There is no better time to hop aboard a narrow-gauge train to see some sparkly scenery, especially around the holidays. Start with the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, where seasonal trips include The Polar Express™ Train Ride, a theatrical holiday outing with warm cocoa and cookies, live music performances and a vintage locomotive that circles around the museum. For snowy mountain outlooks without committing to a far-flung road trip, the Georgetown Loop Railroad in Clear Creek County also offers winter holiday trains, including Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure and Santa’s Lighted Forest, with heated cars, historic charm and festive lights in the canyon. You can also board Amtrak’s Winter Park Express at Denver Union Station for a car-free ride through the Rockies to Winter Park, whether you’re meeting skiers, heading for the tubing hill or simply soaking up the frosty views from the train window.
Snow Tubing and Sledding
Your crew can still take to the powder without waxing up skis or a snowboard. In Denver, families often head to the small toddler-friendly hills behind the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park when fresh snow sticks around. Pair your sledding outing with a morning wandering the museum's dinosaur exhibits. Ruby Hill Park is another easy in-city sledding spot when conditions allow, with open slopes and skyline views. For a bigger mountain tubing day, ride the Winter Park Express from Denver Union Station to Winter Park, then make your way to the tubing hill for steep lanes, summit views and après-tube fun in a mountain town without driving I-70.
Winter Wildlife Watching
Bundle up, roll down the windows for a blast of cold air and scan the open prairie at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Just northeast of downtown Denver, you can drive or walk through wide-open winter beauty with a chance to spot bison, deer, raptors and snowy views of the Front Range. Want to skip the car? Back in the city, head over to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance to stroll past giraffes, zebras and even a rhino. Or for an indoor option, spend an afternoon oohing and aahing at kaleidoscopic fish and darting sharks at the Downtown Aquarium.
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