Things to Do in Fraser Colorado
People’s first thoughts of Colorado often jump to the state’s capital and metro area, Denver. But the best experiences are always found in the mountain towns to the west, deep in the heart of the Rockies. Whether it’s winter or summer, Colorado’s fantastic mountain towns always have something to offer. With a plethora of outdoor activities, fresh air, and quaint settings, both families and individual travelers are sure to find something to do.
In this article, we’re giving you a full list of things to do in Fraser Colorado. Located just over an hour and a half drive from Denver, this town is vastly underrated when compared with high tourists Rocky Mountain towns like Vail and Breckenridge. Still, the scenery of this place is a world away from the big city. Check out all of the things to do in Fraser Colorado.
1) Winter Park Ski Resort
A World-Class ski resort is definitely not a bad neighbor to have! A short drive south of Fraser will take you to Winter Park, a ski resort with over 150 different runs, with difficulty levels varying beginner greens to double-black diamonds to accommodate families with varying abilities! Be sure to arrive early, because Winter Park’s developed trail system will have you plowing the fresh winter snow for hours.
When you’re ready to take a break for lunch head to Pepperoni’s in the Mary Jane lodge for a hot slice of pizza and a crisp glass of New Belgium’s Mary Jane ale, a treat that can’t be found elsewhere.
Even during Summer, Winter Park still offers a variety of recreational activities for the adventurous sort such as tubing downhill in the grassy slopes or enjoying a canter around the mountain from horseback.
2) Colorado Adventure Park Tubing Hill
If you’re looking for family-friendly winter activities, Colorado Adventure Park Tubing Hill has you covered!
They offer both single and double tubing rides, as well as kid-sized snowmobiles for the more adventurous child, leaving your family with plenty of options for everyone. After all is said and done, their concessions also offer a variety of snacks from alcoholic beverages for the adults, to warm and cozy cocoa and s’mores for the kids!
This family-friendly tubing park offers adventure and excitement that everyone in the family can enjoy!
3) Fraser Valley Sports Complex
From Winter to Summer, the Fraser Valley Sports Complex can please the whole family with its partially enclosed ice rink, softball/baseball fields, sand volleyball court, or soccer fields. It even boasts a bond and picnic amenities.For those looking for a higher thrill, head to the Winter Park Adventure Quest, an aerial climbing and rope adventure park within the complex. It consists of platforms fixed to utility poles with elements — such as swinging logs, rope bridges, cargo nets, and other fun challenge elements — connecting each platform.
No matter your activity, plan to enjoy breathtaking views and to stay awhile!
4) Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
There is more than one way to get down a mountain in winter, and not all require skis. There are a variety of trails that are snowshoe and cross-country friendly throughout Fraser.
Whether enjoying classes at the Nordic Center, groomed trails such as the Fraser River Trail, or a day in the wilderness, snowshoeing and cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors.
5) Fraser Rodeo
It’s hard to compete with an old fashioned Colorado rodeo, and it doesn’t get much better than The High Country Stampede Rodeo. An annual summer event, this Fraser rodeo packs enough excitement that locals as much as tourists love it.
The rodeo features barrel racing, bull riding, goat tying, team roping, and more. It also features crowd favorites including rodeo clowns and mutton bustin’ (if you don’t know, we encourage you to watch a video!).
Tickets are only $10/adult and $8/child.
6) Hiking and Mountain Biking
When the snow is melted and spring has long rolled around, Fraser knows no limits of things to enjoy. The summer doesn’t cease to provide this quaint town with plenty of activities.
Fraser is heavily invested in outdoor sports, especially mountain biking, with good reason. Nearly 600 miles of hiking, biking, and horseriding trails can be found in the area, and Fraser is just a 30-minute drive from the Rocky Mountain National Park west entrance.
Trails offer something for the whole family to love: from hard-core enthusiasts to beginners, from technical circuits to gentle winding dirt ribbons.
7) Area Nightlife
Fraser may seem like a sleepy, small-town community but there are plenty of things to do after dark.
Enjoy a drink or live music at the Hideaway Park Brewery. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Fraser Valley Distillery, which offers local liquor, food and even a behind-the-scenes tour. Nearby Winter Park also affords visitors plenty of nightlife and attractions like the Winter Park Winery.
From the plethora of things to do in Fraser Colorado, one of the best aspects is Fraser’s proximity to other well known Rocky Mountain Towns. Fraser, Colorado is still one of the most affordable mountain towns and offers a quick commute to Winter Park, Breckenridge, Granby, Vail, and more. Enjoy nightlife in a variety of settings and make Fraser, Colorado your home away from home!
8) Rafting, Fishing and Water Sports
If you’re a nature appreciator, this small town is placed well enough in the valley that hiking trails are everywhere you look!
If you’re feeling adventurous, a short trip north of Fraser will take you up to Grand Lake for some water-side enjoyment. Grand Lake offers options ranging from rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and even boating. Vendors from around the area offer full and half-day rentals so you can find the match for your family. If you’re up to the challenge of stand-up paddling, then prepare yourself for the most intense core workout of your life!
And if all that adventuring has worn you down, or maybe you’re looking to just enjoy nature for what it offers, Fraser is a great place to do some fly fishing in the summer.
The technicolor beauties living in the Fraser or Colorado river are a great reward at the end of a long day. Stand in the river, listen to the bubbling waters and the light breeze. Take the moment to appreciate the beauty Fraser has to offer.
9) Elizabeth Kurtak Art Gallery
A lifelong Fraser resident and watercolor, Elizabeth Kurtak’s gallery is a sight to behold (no pun intended). It makes a great spot to stop during or after a long bike ride.
The gallery was established in 1998 in the historic Fraser Mercantile Building and features her original artwork on the local landscape, flowers, animals and anything else catching Elizabeth’s fancy. Elizabeth herself is often on site, sometimes found gardening or working on a piece.
Artwork ranges from $20 limited edition prints to framed originals under $100, to giant gallery-sized originals around $3000.Hours are 1–6 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday.
10) Grand Park Rec Center
Whether you’re visiting in the winter and feeling a little snowed out or looking for an escape from the summer heat, the Grand Park Rec Center has a plethora of activities to enjoy.
If you feel like climbing, they’ve got a rock climbing wall. If you feel like swimming, they have an indoor lap pool, waterslide, and a lazy river. Perhaps you’re looking to unwind and relax after a cold day in the snow, then you have the choice between a hot and dry sauna or the warm comfort of the steam room.
There’s no shortage of things to enjoy at the Grand Park Rec Center, and it’s open year-round to ensure you have every opportunity to enjoy it.
11. Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park
This local business in Fraser, CO offers a different sort of adventure for family fun. Wondering about the things to do in Fraser Colorado? Enjoy a day out on the snow on a sled with dogs!
Update: Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park is closed for the season! Check back for the 2020/2021 season.
Are you still looking for dog sledding fun? A quick drive to Granby (about 20 minutes away from Fraser) offers all of the wonderful aspects of sledding with dogs. Snow Mountain Ranch offers a day out in open meadows in beautiful Colorado outdoors. Select from a short 2-mile ride or rides up to an hour-long. You can ride as an individual or in a group/family setting.
Be sure to reserve your “seats” ahead of time as space is always limited.
12. Grand Adventure Hot Air Balloons
Fraser Colorado offers a wonderful adventure for any visitor, year-round! Check out hot air balloon rides in Fraser, Colorado with local company Grand Adventure.
Voted one of the top 10 best ballooning in the US! Fly high over areas near Rocky Mountain National Park. With an impeccable safety record, this is one of the things you must try if you’re visiting Fraser.
Get mesmerizing panoramic views just at the ridge of the Continental Divide. The best part is that these hot air balloons fly throughout Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring! Celebrate a special occasion, group gathering, or vacation up in the air. Hot air balloon rides are one of the best things to do in Fraser Colorado. Reserve your ride any day, 7 days a week.
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