10 Things to Do in Winter Park this Summer
Colorado is known for its sense of adventure and outdoor fun. But did you know that Winter Park, CO was voted Colorado’s Top Adventure Town? This picturesque area has something to offer for anyone visiting whether it’s events, shopping, outdoor activities or dining.
Spend your summer months with the best Colorado has to offer. Check out a complete list of to-dos you should consider for your vacation to Winter Park this summer.
1. Bike
They don’t call Winter Park, Colorado “Mountain Bike Capital U.S.A.” for no reason.
Grand County is home to over 600 miles of mountain bike trails and two lift-served bike parks, Trestle Bike Park and Bike Granby Ranch.
Granby Ranch even has free cross-county trails and lift-served cross-country trails. There is plenty to explore on two wheels in Grand County this summer and fall! Check out mtbcapitalusa.com for maps and biking ideas!
2. Hike
Winter Park is a hiker’s dream world, with countless trails of all different lengths and difficulties.
The fresh Rocky Mountain air is something you’ll want to experience firsthand. Winter Park is a dream-spot for anyone seeking an outdoor walk or a vigorous climb. From the challenging Byer’s Peak Trail, which takes hikers up past the tree line to Fraser River Trail, which is an easier hike that can be done with the whole family. Winter Park has no shortage of great trails to explore and endless mountain scenery.
For hikers this town and neighboring Fraser Valley make an endless summer entertainment destination.
3. White Water Rafting
The Colorado River and the Eagle River are both accessible from Winter Park and offer great thrills for all levels of white water river rafters.
People travel from all of the world to explore the Colorado River which starts out at over 10,000 feet above sea level and makes a 1,450 mile journey from the high peaks of the Rocky Mountain National Park ultimately forging the Grand Canyon.
There is almost nothing more thrilling than plunging down a river on a raft. Working as a team with your fellow rafters, water splashing, stomach dropping as you head over the rapids, and then the calm as you hit smooth water. It’s an adventure and an escape wrapped in one.
Winter Park offers a wide variety of rafting companies and options for you to chose but for you convenience here are a couple of our favorites below:
4. Balloon Rides
Fly high above the mountains and see them from a new perspective. At lower level flying you can watch moose, elk, and other wildlife from above while you glide over lakes, rivers, and ponds.
While at higher altitudes view some of the most awe inspiring peaks of all of the Colorado Rockies such as Grand, Routt, Summit, Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Boulder Counties of Colorado.
The balloon flights launch in Fraser Colorado in the heart of the Colorado Rockies – contact Grand Adventure for details. Grand Adventure offers rides for all ages 4 – 100, plus it has a perfect safety record, and it’s only about a 10-minute car ride from Winter Park resort.
5. Bowling/Movies
Need a break from the sun? Head to The Foundry Cinema and Bowling Alley.
This unique and retro stop serves delicious brick oven pizza, offers a full service bar, 8 bowling lanes, billiards and has the most unique and beautiful bathrooms this side of the Mississippi.
Catch the latest movie hitting the box office and make it a relaxing night for the whole family. Winter Park definitely has something for everyone.
6. Rollins Pass Road Drive the Divide
This summer if you do one thing, do this. Jump in a car with 4-wheel drive and higher suspension and head up Rollins Pass.
This road takes you on an adventure up to the top of the Divide, providing stunning views of Winter Park Resort, the Fraser Valley, the Front Range, Alpine Lakes and More.
Once on top, take a hike along the ridge to Devil’s Thumb, or on the old railroad tracks. Bring warm cloths and a full tank of gas. Note that this pass isn’t exactly for the faint of heart as it is Dangers Roads!
7. Music in the Park
Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer you’ll be able to enjoy free music in the park.
Tuesdays head to Fraser and Thursdays head to Winter Park. These family and dog-friendly concerts are relaxed and fun for all. So pack a picnic some beers, and head to the park!
8. Fishing
If you are into fishing, then you will be in heaven here in Winter Park! Between the Fraser River, the Grand Park pond, and the Lion’s Club pond by Safeway, you’ve got plenty of spin fishing options! Also just right around the corner is Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Lake which are all located right outside the Rocky Mountain National Park.
If that isn’t enough two most well-known rivers in all of America, the Colorado and Fraser, as well as countless lakes and streams offer miles of some of the best fly fishing in all of Colorado.
9. Explore Lake Granby and Grand Lake
In our slightly biased opinion Grand Lake is one of the best lakes in Colorado topping the list as the 4th biggest lake in of Colorado at 7,256 acres!
This summer take a drive to Grand Lake and explore Lake Granby on the way. The views are amazing! The giant blue lake meeting the mountains and the blue sky. It is surreal and you might feel as if you aren’t in Grand County anymore. Once in Grand Lake, take a stroll down the boardwalk exploring local shops and restaurants.
10. Hideaway Park Brewery
Nothing is better on a warm day than a cold, locally brewed beer.
Stop by Hideaway Park Brewery in downtown Winter Park, Colorado and enjoy the local flavors of high elevation brewing.
11. Houses in Grand Park (Bonus)
With all of the activities and beautiful scenery Winter Park has to offer, you may not want to leave. In fact, this mountain community is an ideal place to live for families of all sizes. If you’re looking for a quaint home in or near Winter Park, browse from our selection.
Be apart of our new mountain community, Grand Park. Our homes feature high-end finishes and Built Green™ values.
Our properties boast the comfort and scenery while still being within close proximity to bustling Denver. Additionally, our homes are affordable in comparison with high-priced destinations like Aspen, Breckenridge and Vail.
