While travel plans might be on pause, there are no rules stopping us from daydreaming or planning a trip in the near future. Don’t be afraid to give you and your family something to look forward to. Only 90 miles from the Denver International Airport and 70 miles west of Denver, Winter Park makes for a quick weekend getaway. Once you’ve driven and experienced the breathtaking views from Berthoud Pass, you’ll start to descend into the quaint and cozy town of Winter Park. Throw on your tennis shoes and get your cameras ready, it’s going to be a fun & picturesque weekend!
Friday Afternoon
Start off by soaking up the great outdoors with a hike at Creekside Trail (for all ability levels) around St. Louis Creek Campground which is just four miles southwest of Fraser in the Experimental Forest. This is a very easy hiking and biking trail with great views of Byers Peak in the distance. Make sure to check out the wildflowers in the meadows and areas along the creek to explore!
On your way back into town be sure to check out Cooper Creek Square for a quick bite at Restaurant Row or some light shopping. Choose from seven unique restaurants that blend the atmosphere of a friendly mountain town with savory flavors from around the world including Italian, Asian, Nepalese & Indian, Mexican and Contemporary American.
Friday Night
We love a good Happy Hour at Idlewild Distillery! Enjoy $4-$6 cocktails and beers and $5 small plates every day until 6 p.m.! Our tip, relish in handcrafted spirits by the fireplace. Take a leisurely stroll down main street and make sure to work up an appetite. Stop in to Strip & Tail for some all you can eat crab legs or prime rib. Don’t forget to wear your stretchy pants for a little extra room!
Saturday Morning
Wake up and treat yourself to a chimney cake and cone, quiche or apfelstrudel from Rollin’ Street Bakery. Work off those calories by walking/biking along the Fraser River Trail all the way to the Winter Park Resort. This paved trail winds along the river, but keep your eyes peeled for lots of wildlife on your adventure.
Need a little pick me up before hitting some activities? Check out Winter Park Wellness Center for their unique oxygen bar to have you feeling energized and rejuvenated in no time! After getting rid of that jet lag, now you’re ready to hop on Colorado’s longest alpine slide at the Winter Park Resort. Cruise up the mountain on a scenic chairlift ride and enjoy the excitement as the track winds down to the base of the resort. If you don’t want to ride twice, there are plenty of other activities and games to engage in at the base. When you are ready for a break, grab a tasty margarita and devour some Mexican food at Lime or a slice to go at PizzaPedal’r.
Saturday Afternoon
Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, grab your bathing suit and towel and head 30 miles northwest of Winter Park to Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa. This natural attraction is the perfect place to help you relax and unwind. More than 200,000 gallons of natural hot mineral-rich water flow through over 20 mineral pools and baths every day at controlled temperatures ranging from 95º to 112ºF.
After a fun day in the sun it will feel nice to cool off at The Foundry, Winter Park’s only movie theater and bowling alley. Make sure to grab a pizza and cocktail to take with you into the matinee. Make sure to check the movie times and what’s showing before you go. You can also lounge on the luxury leather sofas while playing a friendly game of bowling with the family. It’s a great place to make you feel right at home and everything the serve is really tasty.
Saturday Night
Hungry again? Belly on up to the bar at Fraser Valley Distilling where you can try some savory apps and entrees. They are known for their gin and whiskey craft cocktails made by a local family in the valley. Thursdays-Saturdays you can enjoy a tour or tasting from 12-4 p.m. to expand your knowledge and quench your thirst. Don’t forget to take a bottle of your favorite liquor home with you to share your experience with friends.
Sunday Morning
Rise and shine and don’t miss that extraordinary Winter Park sunrise. Head downtown to The Perk and grab yourself some coffee or bring a bag of craft coffee home with you or swing by Sharkey’s Eatery for a burrito and some homemade jam on the go.
Take in the views of the surrounding peaks and crisp, mountain air while you drive 45 minutes northeast to Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 350 miles of trails, some favorite hikes include Adams Falls, a brief 0.3-mile stroll to beautiful waterfalls; the Big Meadows Trail, that weaves through fields of wildflowers and grasslands; and Coyote Valley Trail hike in the Kawuneeche Valley. There are over 100 peaks that rise above 11,000 ft in elevation, including Longs Peak at 14,259 ft. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its wildlife. Moose can often be spotted, along with deer, elk and antelope grazing in the plains. Come back in the fall and experience elk in rut and those stunning fall leaves changing colors!
They don’t call Winter Park the “Top Adventure Town” for no reason. You can make some unforgettable mountain memories in just a short time. Come back and visit us again anytime!
Please Note: Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing a pilot timed entry permit reservation system again for 2022. The system will begin on May 27, 2022. There will be two types of reservations available.
- Option 1 will be for Park Access Plus the Bear Lake Road Corridor (from the junction of Trail Ridge Road to the Bear Lake Trailhead), which will include the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Option 2 is for Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road. This permit provides access to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, not including destinations along the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.
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