Spring Into Winter Park

Meadow Meg

Spring is in the air and things are happening in and around Winter Park.  Rivers and lakes are opening up to raft, fish, and paddle board, the mountain bike trails are drying out, the restaurants are re-opening from their off-season hiatus, and locals are returning from their desert/beach getaways excited and eager to get back to working and playing in Winter Park.

Although not every trail and restaurant are open in Winter Park during the Spring months, there is plenty to do and see while you are here (and usually it’s cheaper and less crowded, too).  Follow our guide below to turn your spring trip into an annual vacation!

Activities:

Spend the afternoon at Grand Lake

Just a 30 minute drive from Winter Park and on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, local Paddle Boarding Company Rocky Mountain SUP is open for business offering SUP rentals and lessons, SUP Yoga, and even Kayak rentals.

Take on the Aerial Adventure Park

Winter Park Adventure Quest aerial adventure park sprang up last summer and is a hit with families. Take your shot at the 24 separate challenge elements of the Aerial Adventure Park or sign up for their off-site rock climbing tour.  Winter Park Lodging Company guests save 10% on their next climbing adventure.

White Water Rafting

The water is running hard from late May through early June and this is the time when white water rafting offers the most thrills, although tame trips are still available.  Click here to find out what whitewater trip is right for you and save 10% with MAD adventures.

Mountain Bike Trails:

Dry trails await down the Fraser Valley towards Tabernash and Granby and even some in the Winter Park area.

Granby Ranch Summit
Popping Wheelies at Granby Ranch
Fraser River Trail:

The perfect trail to breathe the fresh spring air, take in the sights and get your legs warmed up for the biking season.  The Fraser river trail is a five-mile paved trail that gains 772 gradual feet in elevation and winds along the rushing Fraser river from Fraser to Winter Park Resort. This trail is also popular with walkers and rollerbladers.

Deadhorse/Saint Louis Creek:

Located west of Fraser and offers single track and dirt road riding all with Grand County’s highest peak in plain view, Byers Peak.  For a family friendly 7.5 mile ride, click here. Creekside, Zoom, Flume, and Chainsaw are all trails that will get the heart going and the smiles growing.  See the trail map here.

Granby Ranch:

Opens May 25th for lift access downhill biking offering trails from beginner to expert.  Granby Ranch also offers 20+ miles of single track trails through sun-soaked hillsides.  Ride Vista Ridge to the top for incredible views overlooking the Fraser Canyon.  Other local pics: Cabin Trail for the intermediate rider and Sidewinder/Out of Gas for the aggressive rider.  See the full trail map here

Mountain Biking can be intimidating, read our two-part series on Mountain Biking in Winter Park to gain a little knowledge and confidence to try it out.  It’s fun! Mountain Biking Tips From Winter Park, Colorado:

Part One, Gear up

Part Two, Building Your Skills

Dining:

It’s time to cash in those burned calories and fill your bellies on the town.  Most restaurants will be back open for memorial day weekend.

Local Spring Hot Spots

-Rest your bones on the deck and grab a locally brewed beer at Hideaway Park Brewery. They have a constantly rotating tap system so you are guaranteed something new and fresh.

-Hit Deno’s Happy Hour from 3-6 and try their legendary pork slider appetizer.

-Settle into Pepe Osaka’s Fish Tacos and Tequila Bar for an unforgettable Latian Asian fusion dining experience.  We strongly recommend the ahi poke ceviche tacos.

For more Winter park Dining info Check out our Belly Stuffer awards. Winter Park Dining

 970.722.0707

Need some spring mountain air?

Get your third night free now through Memorial Day, 2018 at Winter Park Lodging Company.

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