Winter in Colorado

When you think of winter in Colorado, you probably imagine grand ski slopes, big halfpipes, and fabulous ski towns. Well, that’s all true and something any real connoisseur should experience; however, Colorado has much more going on than just skiing and riding.

For those in your group who don’t ski or ride, check out this extended list of things to do for the non-skier. 
For the group on a budget. Check out these budget-friendly options; these resorts provide the same Colorado experience but at a more affordable price.

Winter in Colorado’s Resort Towns

Colorado’s resort towns are winter wonderlands and add to the winter vacation experience. Join in on the slopeside apres ski scene; it’s a fun social opportunity with your friends and a chance to meet new ones. Base areas also access ski lodges, shopping, dining, transportation, and more. If you’re with a group, event centers are available to host whatever you have in mind. A big day on the slopes will make you tired and sore. Plenty of spas are just around the corner and offer various services.

Vacationing in a Colorado resort town is a fun experience for everyone. Resort towns have become experts at facilitating the tourist crowd. Downtown areas are full of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, pubs, cafes, event venues, and more. Wandering around a Colorado resort town is a must-do for any visitor.

Some of the Best

Skiing and riding in Colorado is some of the best in the world. In fact, there are 25 world-class ski resorts and many smaller ones. Colorado's ski areas span the state, covering more than 40,000 acres of terrain beginning at the sky-scraping Continental Divide and unfolding north, south, east, and west deep into the Centennial State's majestic mountain ranges. Colorado's ski slopes and terrain parks have been expertly designed to cater to beginners through expert-level skiers and riders. Resorts will have ski and ride schools to help bring along any level of athlete. Clinics and special programs are also available. You will find that handicapped people are catered to, as well as the new and growing uphill crowd. If you have a young family, childcare services and ski/ride programs for kids are available to help make the family experience most enjoyable.

Ski and Ride Gear

Don't worry about the gear if you’re new to the sport. There are so many sports shops that you might even accidentally walk into one. If you’re unsure which shop will best accommodate your group, start by asking the concierge or the booking agent who helped set up your trip. In addition to getting set up with the best gear, you’re looking for services such as convenient ski storage or slopeside access to your gear, transportation to the slopes, and help with your gear if necessary. If you have brought your own gear, find a ski shop or a slopeside locker service so you don’t have to carry all the cumbersome gear around. Shops are great to partner with as they can get your gear tuned and ready to go.

Guest Ranches - Destination Resorts

Tucked away in more remote locations are Colorado resorts that are commonly referred to as Guest Ranches. Winter in Colorado transitions activities at these ranches, and they take on new reasons to visit. Below are a few standouts.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa is a perfect example of this type of destination. Located in northern Colorado. This destination ranch has 120km of groomed trails, with a complete pro-shop, lessons, gear, snowshoes, and dogs are welcome. The lodge is exquisite, complete with dining facilities and a spa.

Grand Lake Nordic Center is also located in northern Colorado. This destination resort has 35km of groomed Nordic trails, a tubing hill, an on-site restaurant, and a summer golf course, and it is dog-friendly. They don’t provide lodging, but there’s plenty of that nearby.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch, just north of Steamboat Springs in Clark, Colorado, is a luxury destination resort and spa with year-round attractions. During winter in Colorado they offer:

15km of groomed cross-country trails for both classic and skate skiing.
Guided snowshoeing.
A snowtubing hill.
Backcountry ski tours with guides and equipment available.
Fat biking or winter mountain biking.
Horseback riding goes year-round as they have an incredible indoor facility.
Hop on board a sleigh ride before an exquisite dinner.
Explore the National Forest via snowmobile tours.

These are just a few examples of resort destinations that truly remove you from the hustle of daily life. There are more throughout Colorado, you will just have to poke around to find the destination resort that meets your needs.

Natural Hot Spring Resorts Open Year-round

Most of Colorado’s natural hot spring resorts are open year-round. The natural spring water is always hot, and experiencing its benefits is often more soothing in the winter than summer. These resorts vary in their accommodations, but many offer onsite lodging, dining, and spa services.

The popular Glenwood Springs Hot Springs and Spa between Aspen and Vail is an icon of relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort is home to the world's largest hot springs pool, a full-service athletic club, a gift shop, a grill, and a 107-room lodge. They offer specials such as the wellness package, ski swim stay, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park package, and more. The Shoshone Chutes adventure river ride keeps kids of all ages engaged. This is a perfect destination resort for the whole family.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs, also located in Glenwood Springs, overlooks the Colorado River. This resort emphasizes smaller (total of 16) geothermal pools, ranging in temperature, and a single freshwater pool to cool off in. The resort includes a bathhouse and two Cafés. There is no lodging onsite, but there are plenty of choices nearby. The emphasis is on the adult experience at this resort.

Indian Hot Springs, located in Idaho Springs just off of I-70, is the closest natural hot spring to Denver. Consider making an overnight stay at this resort and spa. They have rooms and cabins with kitchens. There is no onsite dining, but there are lots to choose from nearby. They do offer spa services to complement your relaxing stay.

Explore Colorado's natural hot springs via our Hot Springs Guide. There are many to choose from, and each one is unique in what they offer.

Snowmobile and winter buggy tours. These tours are a popular way to really “get out there” and explore the winterscape.
A winter scenic train ride. This is another spectacular way to experience Colorado’s more remote mountain vistas and learn about days gone by.
Sleigh rides. Authentic horse-drawn sleigh rides are found throughout Colorado. A dinner experience accompanies most.
Ice fishing. Lakes are all over Colorado, and ice fishing is a great way to enjoy them in the winter. Local shops will set you up with all the gear and guides can be hired too.
Tubing and sledding hills. Colorado has some exceptional sledding/tubing hills worth a visit for some big fun.
Winter Events. Events are ongoing in Colorado, and winter has a whole set of highlights.

With convenient non-stop flights to Denver and some of the regional airports in Colorado, getting to your favorite resort is easy. Once landed, ground transportation will take you to your destination doorstep. Going to Winter Park? Take the “Winter Train” via DIA’s A-Line Train that connects in Union Station, and go straight to Winter Park!

Summit County Transportation

If you’re basing your winter in Colorado vacation from the Summit County area which means you could be staying in any of the following resort towns:

Silverthorne
Frisco
Dillon
Breckenridge
Copper Mnt

The FREE Summit Stage bus can get you around the entire Summit County area. That means you can easily access four world-class ski and ride resorts (Breck, Keystone, A-Basin, Copper Mnt). Download the app and stay up to date with the time and place of this bus line.

Alpenglo Adventure Tours is another fantastic transportation service in the Summit County area. This company specializes in door-to-door tour service for scenic trains, brews booze and bud tours, and the Zephyr train.

Colorado Summer Vacation Planning

Colorado Summer Vacation Planning, the best season

If you're planning a Colorado summer vacation, you have come to the right place. A Colorado summer vacation is the best time of year to visit this glorious state. The Mountain West is the most geographically diverse region in the United States, and with that comes natural wonders to be explored. A Colorado summer road trip starts with finding destinations that meet your expectations, planning scenic routes through the mountains, and locating all those fun family activities along the way. Use our FREE itinerary tool to start planning and organizing your summer vacation.

Colorado National and State Parks

Colorado has 42 state parks, 4 National Parks, 11 national forests, and 42 wilderness areas, each showcasing different parts of our great state, from the eastern plains to the highest peaks. That adds up to 43.3% of Colorado classified as public land, and what amazing land it is! These parks and forests are popular attractions during the Colorado summer, and fortunately, they are spread out across the state. You can easily visit one or more during your scenic road trip. State Parks offer various amenities for camping and feature attractions such as a gorgeous mountain lake, hiking trails, and much more. Learn more about National and State Parks.

Colorado Summer Culture, Festivals, Local Events

As you travel through the state, you will encounter many cultural events and festivals (events calendar).

Check the concert calendar and find an outdoor concert or nearby live music. Red Rocks Amphitheater is always a fantastic place to watch a show.
Consider a brewery tour such as the Coors Factory Brewery Tour in Golden or the Breckenridge Brewery Tour. Winery tours are also popular.
Catch a game at the Coors Field, home of the Rockies, in Denver.
Many mountain communities have regular art walks or exhibits going on.
The Colorado Pro Rodeo Tour is a popular cultural event with scheduled rodeos throughout the state.
Stop at a nearby Farmers Market. Beyond all those mountains lie very fertile valleys. Colorado produces many fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and artisan crafts. Palisade peaches are a favorite.
If you enjoy participating in local athletic events, search your favorite mountain community for whatever type of race or event you would like to participate in. You will surely find something (mountain biking, running, golf tournaments…, etc.).

Family Fun Colorado Vacation Planning - things to do with kids

If family fun is what you’re after, Colorado is the place to be. You might say that family entertainment is the state’s specialty. Mountain resort towns (ski resorts) are your-round these days, featuring gondola and chairlift access mountain biking and hiking trails. You will also find mountainside adventure parks in these same locations, adding to the fun with various kids activities such as bungee trampolines, put-put golf, adventure park-type challenge courses, mountain slides, and more. Nearby mountain communities have even more fun things to do with kids such as guided tours, state parks, and dedicated adventure parks.

Whitewater Rafting, Lakes, Water Parks, Adventure Parks and more

Getting wet during the Colorado summer season is widespread and easily attainable. With abundant mountain lakes, whitewater rivers, and water parks across the state, you can easily add this to your vacation planing. The popularity of adventure parks has created variations that include adventure packages, which combine water fun with other types of adventure.

Whitewater rafting is a super fun family adventure. You can easily find rafting companies that provide trips to match the group size and ability level.
Try ziplining across Colorado’s stunning landscape. Many zipline companies now offer adventure packages.
Water parks are another great summer way to cool down. Check out Elitch Gardens and Water World, both in Denver, which are super fun.
Stop at the Frisco Adventure Park, located in Frisco next to Lake Dillon. It is a family-friendly center with lots of family activities.
Visit one of Colorado’s many lakes. The larger lakes have marinas with boat rentals, allowing activities like water skiing and jet skiing, sailing, SUPs, fishing, and more.
Take a guided horseback ride. Horseback riding is found near mountain resorts or popular destinations like Estes Park.
Schedule a group off-road tour, a great way to build memories and see the fantastic sights.
Visit a state park. Parks are found throughout the state. These unique parks feature family entertainment such as beaches, picnic sites, boat rentals, fishing, hiking & biking trails, and more.

Dinosaurs and Historical Vacation Planning Stops

Colorado Summer Dinosaur Sites

Colorado is rich in history and has many interesting historical sites worth visiting along your family's summer road trip. If you’re planning to visit the Royal Gorge Region, add a stop at one of these exciting dinosaur fossil preserves or museums:

The Royal Gorge Regional History Museum, see fossils, dinosaur bones, and a complete Stegosaurus replica skeleton.
Garden Park Fossil Area - a 3,600-acre area rich with fossils.
Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site - see tracks left by prehistoric creatures.
Include Skyline Drive as part of your summer road trip - view fossils and more tracks.

Dinosaur National Monument in NW Colorado is a unique geographical place with dinosaur remains from 100 million years ago. This area is rich in fossils and early pioneer history.

Historical Colorado Road Trip

Many of Colorado’s mountain towns developed during the Gold Rush era, coinciding with the cattle companies' open-range days. These two significant Western development events are seen in the Colorado we know today. Check out the local mountain town museums to learn more about how early settlers lived and made a living.

Denver Museums

Dever has 51 unique museums, ranging from children-focused to more traditional centers, such as the Museum of Nature & Science, Black American West Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

Sightseeing a Perfect Family and Friends Activity

When you arrive in Colorado, sightseeing begins, as the mountain landscapes will instantly captivate you. However, getting deep into roads less traveled or passing through dramatic landscapes can be done in various ways. Sightseeing tours are a wonderful way to share memories with family and friends. If getting an eye full is what you’re after, here are some recommended sightseeing options:

Take a scenic train ride. Not only will you pass through dramatic mountain landscapes, but you will also learn about Colorado’s mining era. These trains are perfect activities for kids as they often feature hands-on mine exploration, storytelling, and special holiday trains.
Sign up for an off-road tour. Guided jeep tours will travel on original mining roads (maintained) through rugged terrain and pass by dramatic vistas—a fun family and friends activity.
While in one of Colorado’s resort towns, you can buy a ticket for a gondola ride or a chairlift ride and get a bird's-eye view of the forest and surrounding landscapes. You can also hike or bike at the top and stop in for lunch.
Include a scenic byway in your Colorado summer road trip. Stop at historical sites, check out ghost towns, and camp along the way.

Summer Vacation Rest and Relaxation

A Colorado summer vacation can be a chance to rest and rejuvenate your soul. Health and wellness retreats and experiences are growing in popularity. Visiting one or several of Colorado’s natural hot springs is a favorite place to recharge. The soothing, hot mineral waters will revitalize your being. Many of these natural springs have been developed into full-service spas that combine experiences such as massage, meditation, and spa services and provide on-site lodging.

Popular Colorado Summer Vacation Destinations

Some of Colorado’s favorite places to explore and enjoy your summer vacation are places that have big attractions such as:

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a favorite national park with various camping options, extensive hiking trails, and educational experiences.
Estes Park is a beautiful mountain town beside RMNP, the gateway to Trail Ridge Road, Grand Lake, and Lake Granby.
The Royal Gorge Region has attractions like the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge whitewater rafting, and the Royal Gorge Scenic Train.
Mesa Verda National Park in southwest Colorado offers a spectacular look into the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can call, walk, drive, or take a tour through the park.

A Colorado Summer Vacation Planning and more

There are many more amazing places and things to do on your Colorado Summer Vacation, and hopefully, you will make discoveries along your journey. Planning your summer vacation starts with finding destinations and activities that interest you and crafting your summer road trip route to facilitate these visits. If finding kids activities is a primary focus please check out this article specifically about kids activities in Colorado. Please use the free itinerary tool as you will find it indispensable for organizing your trip.

Vacation Accommodations of Durango

All Aboard!

All Aboard – it’s that time

Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit. Whether you are new to experiencing this legendary railroad or have been a returning guest for years, we look forward to offering you the best in year-round historic train adventures presented today as they were in 1882! We invite you to hop aboard and relive the “Golden Age” on our railroad, which was voted “#1 Best Scenic Train in North America “ by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021 & 2022, “Best Historic Railroad of the West” 2021-23 by TrueWest Magazine Readers, and “Best Train Experience in the West” in 2016 by Sunset Magazine. Order a FREE All-Aboard Guide.

About D&SNGRR

Our family has dedicated decades to preserving the history surrounding this national treasure, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and an American Society of Civil Engineering Landmark.

When is the best time to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? Any time of the year!

During the winter, we offer exclusive round-trip train adventures deep into the heart of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon as well as the premier holiday family event train, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train ride.

If you’re visiting in the springtime, your train excursion may feature incredible waterfalls during the spring thaw season as you journey to Cascade Canyon.

All Aboard in the Summer

Summer is high season at the D&S with daily full day Durango to Silverton excursions May through October departing from Durango. We also offer daily 5-hour excursions on the Cascade Canyon Express seven days a week during the high season. These rail journeys also depart from the Durango Depot and travel to Cascade Canyon and are a perfect highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas for those with limited time.

Autumn offers you a unique way to experience peak leaf season from the comfort of the D&S train. Connect with family and friends as you explore the Rocky Mountains by historic railway. Sit back and allow yourself to be transported through a riot of blazing fall colors featuring the spectacular golden glow of aspens.

However you choose to relax and connect on the D&S train, and whatever adventure awaits you, we hope you have an inspiring journey where you create wonderful life-long memories!

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Durango Hot Springs

Durango Hot Springs in Colorado

Surrounded by mountain views, these natural mineral hot springs are like no other on Earth, with a perfect blend of minerals and an absence of sulfuric odor. The newly renovated Durango Hot Springs Spa combines the benefits of natural mineral hot springs soaking with therapeutic and relaxation massage and a full complement of spa treatments. Durango Hot Springs is open daily from 9:00 AM-10:00 PM. Reservations are required.

New Year’s Eve Celebration Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display

Join us for festive music, seasonal drinks, and other fun holiday activities as you watch the annual torchlight parade and fireworks display. Ski instructors and mountain patrollers put on a light show as they ski down the slopes to the base area with bright torches. Then, an impressive fireworks display lights up the night sky over a snow-covered mountain.

Santa and Mrs. Clause Visit the Mountain

Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a stop at Purgatory Resort before the big night of gift deliveries! Bring your little ones by the Beach area on Thursday, December 22nd from 2:00pm to 3:30pm and get those Christmas wishes in!

Soaking and S’mores with Santa

Soak and be merry! Santa’s sleigh comes early to visit Durango Hot Springs where we will be celebrating for one evening with carolers, a tree-lighting ceremony, elves and complimentary S’mores for visitors. Santa himself will be there spreading Christmas cheer and handing out Hot Cocoa. For a couple of lucky winners who join us this evening, we will give away two 10-punch passes (transferable). This is the perfect way to ring in the holidays so be sure to make your reservations today! Festivities are included with regular priced admission.

Bar-D Wranglers Christmas Concert

The Bar D Wranglers will entertain the whole family with holiday medleys new and old.

Adaptive Sports Association Open House and Ugly Sweater Showcase

Join the Adaptive Sports Association crew for an Ugly Sweater Showcase and Open House at the ASA Office at Purgatory Resort. Join us for hot cocoa and s’mores as you meet the ASA team, tour the Dave Spencer Center at Purgatory Resort (base of the Columbine Learning Area), and ring in the holiday season in “style”. This event is open to all members of our community! If you’ve been thinking about getting involved at ASA, now is a great time to join us!

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Winter in Colorado

Winter in Colorado’s Resort Towns

Colorado’s Resort Towns

Skiing and Riding in Colorado