Spring Hiking & Biking in Winter Park

Is your spring fever starting to kick in? Maybe you’re ready for ski season to wrap up, but know that some summer activities aren’t right around the corner. Maybe you’re in Winter Park for an extended weekend and want to ski and do another activity. Well, we’ve got some great tips for you on local hiking & biking that will be ready to go before the trails at the resort open back up for the summer season.

Some great pre-season hikes:

The Fraser River Trail – If you’ve got little one with you this is one of the best bets as the trail gains very little elevation and it’s paved! The trail takes you from Winter Park Resort all the way into the town of Fraser. There are picnic tables and benches along the way. Bonus: You can hike AND bike here.
The Creekside Trail – It’s just up County Road 73, across from Safeway, and has really well-labeled trails in case you can only do a “quick one”. Should have lots of early season sun exposure so one of the first/driest spots available.
The Little Vasquez Trail/Loop – Really easy to find! Just take Vasquez Road, off Highway 40, all the way until you can’t go any further….you’re there! Quite shaded so bring lots of layers and potentially snowshoes if you’re there in April….will likely have lots of snow still. There are a few other trails (Blue Sky, Tunnel Hill) up here too if you’d like to make it a longer hike.
YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch – This is a terrific and extensive trail system for hiking/biking. You will need to pay for a day pass to access but they have TONS of other fun activities that are included in this day pass so you can truly make a day of it here. For $25 per adult/per day and $10 per child/per day (free for kids under 5), purchased at the Program Building near the entrance. The Waterfall Trail is really cool!

Best biking:

Devil’s Thumb Ranch – Early season will have some great access in the lower areas of the Ranch that will dry out first. Keep in mind there is a$10 Trail Fee. There’s plenty of great biking/hiking here….6,000 acres worth! Plus, loads of other a la carte activities you can reserve in advance.
Grand Lake Bike Company – If you’re looking for a day trip with some adventure, check these guys out! They open in May and have stylish, comfy cruiser bikes (even uber cool tandem bikes) available to rent and jaunt through the neat town of Grand Lake (about 45 min drive from Winter Park). The tremendous sights of Rocky Mountain National Park are close too.
Grab a Fat Bike at Icebox Mountain Sports. These big guys can go anywhere your skis can so….when it’s partly muddy/partly snowy….grab a fat bike and hit whatever trail you wish! Icebox Sports will help get what you need and point you in the right direction.