Every season is destined to be your favorite one in which to enjoy the wonders of Winter Park, Colorado, but when your summer escape or your winter sojourn brings you to our favorite mountain town, do you REALLY know the best way to have fun? Your bucket list is probably all about skiing in the winter months, and in the summer, you know you want to hike and play, but surely there are other ways to explore and enjoy Winter Park. Our answer to that age-old question is a resounding yes, and this guide to our top Winter Park tours will ensure that every minute of your stay in one of our Visit Winter Park Lodging seasonal sanctuaries will be ones that you wish could go on forever!
Winter Wonderland
As the Christmas spirit brightens up the streets of town, one of our favorite tour companies, Grand Adventures, begins to offer snowy adventures guaranteed to keep that sparkle in your eye. As you speed over the landscape atop a zippy snowmobile, you will soon think that winter is your favorite season! Lasting two hours, their guided tour is the only local one that explores the breathtaking beauty of the Continental Divide, giving your children a geography lesson that will be much more appreciated than the ones they learn in school. Perfect for families with children no younger than 4, they also offer a Trailblazer tour that examines the Continental Divide from afar, but the Continental Divide Tour is the only one offering an up close and personal escape! Both last between two to three hours and never fail to please. Once you have learned the area and learned how to control the snowmobile, you can come back at any time to rent the machines without tour guides if you please. As a bonus, guests of Visit Winter Park Lodging can get 10% off their Grand Adventures snowmobile trip!
Sky High Adventures
Grand Adventures offers more than just snowmobile adventures in the winter, however; their year-round Hot Air balloon Winter Park tours are breathtaking, and that is not just because of the weather! Soaring above the rocky landscape, looking down on the mountain as skiers look like colorful ants and the trees add a desolate look to the countryside, this unique tour is available all year, so don’t feel sad if you are visiting in the fall or spring—just visit Grand Adventures and prepare to fly! The balloon rides take you over the Continental Divide, as well, offering another perspective, so why not spend one day on the ground snowmobiling and the next flying, creating a well-rounded adventure that you will never forget.
Summer Delights
Summer ends all too quickly, in our eyes, and as we near the final days of the warmest season, we still wanted to give you some options for your next summer journey! Horseback riding at Snow Mountain Stables, located in nearby Granby, is one of our favorite summer adventures, and as we ride beneath the full canopy of green trees and the countryside spreads out before us in all its glory, we realize just how blessed we are to be able to call this area our home. As you clip clop along the trails we love so well, astride nature’s most gentlest of beasts, you may wish you could call Winter Park your home as well. Snow Mountain Stables offers guided trail rides that last two hours, and if you are traveling with young children between the ages of 3 and 8, why not bring them by for a pony ride? Led by responsible adults, your child will experience the thrill of a lifetime as he or she explores the beauty of the Snow Mountain Stables Ranch. Although you may not be able to ride off into the sunset on your own, the look on your child’s face will be magical as they make friends with their pony!
Off the Road Again
Grand Adventures is where we are heading for our next summer adventure, only this time it will be aboard all-terrain vehicles determined to bring you to an exciting tour of the landscape, including the Continental Divide! Riders can be as young as 4 and drivers must be licensed and at least 18. If your family fits these qualifications, this tour might be the perfect summer experience, giving you another opportunity to see all that Winter Park has to offer! Feed the hunger of your inner daredevil with the speed of these well-oiled machines and feel safe if your child or children need a child seat, as they follow all the state laws.
Every Season Is the Best Season to Explore Winter Park
Whether you spend your day flying through the sky, speeding across land, or galloping along trails atop magnificent steeds, your evenings will be all the better when you spend them with Visit Winter Park Lodging. Reserve your stay with us today!
In case you were wondering, there are 420 national park sites in the United States, with 63 of those sites being considered elite; Rocky Mountain National Park rolls in at #3! Offering a serene beauty and a peaceful ambience, your Colorado vacation will be enhanced with a visit to our favorite national park, and when you are seeking a place to rest your head, our Visit Winter Park Lodging sanctuaries promise to give you the comfort you require after many hours spent exploring the rugged landscape of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This guide to the best Colorado attraction and all its wonders will ensure that your Colorado escape will be more than just another vacation—it will be the trip you have dreamed of taking your entire life!
Rocky Mountain High
When you want to feel as if you are on top of the world, a visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park is the best way to get the “high” you are seeking! One of the highest national parks in the country, it offers over 75 mountain peaks that reach at least 12,000 feet high in the sky. Becoming a part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the mountains in the park (especially Pikes Peak) became an integral part of the Gold Rush in 1859, drawing fortune hunters from all over the country to seek fame and fortune. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson created the national park in an attempt to preserve the wildlife and natural landscape that was quickly being destroyed by travelers who did not yet realize the damage they were causing. Today, the 415 square miles that encompasses the Rocky National Mountain Park are amongst the most visited spots in the United States, and although the park is popular year-round, it is during the winter months that it comes to life, making it a popular winter destination spot.
Trail Ridge Road
There are a lot of things you can do in Rocky Mountain National Park, including hiking, biking, and boating, but perhaps the most awe-inspiring activity is also the easiest in which to participate. A drive along the Trail Ridge Road, once known as the “scenic wonder road of the world” and still inspiring awe from anyone who drives it, will be an experience you will never forget. Lasting 48 miles and reaching heights of 4000 feet, the views along Trail Ridge Road never fail to please as they include the rugged beauty of the mountains, the clear tranquility of lakes, and the colorful trees, bushes, and plants that make up the landscape alongside the road. Pull into the scenic overlook and take the pictures that will later hang on your wall, reminding you of these moments of sheer delight. Pack a picnic to enjoy as you take in the views at the scenic overlooks and discover that no matter how long you stay, it will never be long enough to experience all the beauty the national park has to offer! This is definitely one of the best Colorado attractions.
Reservations Required
The park can get crowded over the summer and fall months, undoing all the protections the National Park Service has put in place, so from May 28th through October 11th, reservations are required to enter the park and your timed entry permit will be limited. This can be done by calling the Reservation Line at 877-444-6777 or by using the Recreation.gov app on your mobile phone. You can make your reservations in advance, ensuring that there will be no hindrances to your explorations of the park during your stay in beautiful Winter Park, but if you are just planning to bike ride through the park and are not going to be driving, no pass or permit is needed.
What to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
As we discussed earlier, a drive along the Trail Ridge Road is the most popular activity in Rocky Mountain National Park, but there is so much more to do! Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bighorn sheep or elk as you hike, bike, or drive through the park. There are 355 miles of hiking trails that run through some of the most beautiful country you have ever seen, and they range from short and easy (Alpine Ridge Trail is just over half a mile long) to strenuous and extremely difficult (Longs Peak is 15 miles long and ascends over 14000 feet). If you plan on taking the latter trail, you might want to spend a few days in the park first, getting used to the altitude; altitude sickness is a thing that should be avoided at all costs! The park is home to rivers, lakes, falls, and more than a few historic sites, including Holzwarth Historic Site where the Holzwarth family built a cabin as one of the early homesteaders in the region.
Come Home to Comfort
No matter how you spend your days, coming home to the comforts found in our Visit Winter Park Lodging sanctuaries promises to be the highlight of your Colorado adventures. Reserve your stay with us today!
When we go on vacation, we are often looking to try new things and really be wowed so that we have stories to tell about upon returning home and memories to look back on in the future. However, if one goes deeper then that, what we are looking for even more is the chance to spend time with those with whom we cherish enough to travel. Well, what better way to truly connect with your loved ones then at a casual dining spot where you can lean back, enjoy some good food, maybe a beer or two, and converse with everyone late into the night. If you agree with this, or are even searching for a place currently, then join us as we explore the wide range of casual spots for dining in Winter Park!
The Flavors of the Southwest and Border
While you may find yourself in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, it wouldn’t be odd if you were to suddenly have a huge craving for the spices of Mexico, or even the mix of hot and savory that is Southwestern cuisine. Well, if you do find yourself with a hunger only a taco can satisfy, seek no further than Pepe Osaka’s Fish Taco Tequila Bar and Grill! You can find your usual tacos here, but while you’re at it you might as well try one of their award-winning Latin and Asian fusion items which were voted Best of Grand 2018! Embrace the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a bit of kick added for good measure, with their Spicy Tuna Nachos, or perhaps their Chipotle Calamari Salad. If you are really looking to be adventurous, try some octopus with their Pulpo A la Diaba! However, it truly wouldn’t be a taste of the Latin world without a wide selection of specialty margaritas, such as their Coconut Sake-ita, which will have you trying to unique combination of tequila and sake!
However, if you are wanting to come north a bit with the unique cuisine of the Southwest, look no further than the family-run The Ditch on 40, which was named by National Geographic as the “Best Eats” in Winter Park and Fraser! Dive into their delectable and authentic New Mexican food by digging into to their Sloppy Jose Nachos, or perhaps grab a juicy and dripping burger smothered in cheese and topped with bacon, egg, and a chili relleno! Perhaps you are looking for some good nibbles while you drink and converse with your group; in that case, make sure you try their sliders or quesadillas. No matter what you decide to try, you are guaranteed to have some of the best of the best, as all their items are made from scratch!
If you still haven’t gotten your fix, then head on down to Sharky’s Eatery, which hosts a variety of Southwestern dishes and often has $5 lunch specials for those looking to dine on a budget. You’ll find such favorites as chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, green chili burger, and even a queso burger loaded with Fritos! At Sharky’s, you aren’t just getting a laid-back establishment, but one that warmly welcomes you into their dining area where you can laugh, talk, drink, and dine on truly authentic Southwestern cuisine!
A Taste of Italy and Beyond
Now that we have discussed the surprisingly vast amount of Southwestern and Latin cuisine, let’s go to the other side of the world with the creamy, buttery, and mouthwatering dishes of Italy! Of course, with pizza being one of the classic American comfort foods, you’ll have a large selection of pizzerias from which to choose. However, few have been in business as long as Hernando’s Pizza Pub, whose doors have been wide open for hungry and weary travelers since 1967! Here you won’t find boring frozen dough carted in from some far away factory, but instead you’ll be dining on pizza made with fresh, hand tossed dough. You’ll see your usual toppings such as pepperoni, chicken, spinach, and anchovy (if that’s your thing); however, you’ll also see a selection of rather unusual ones you’d never think to place upon the fine surface of a pizza such as almonds, sauerkraut, and shrimp! If you don’t feel like making your own, they also offer a wide selection of specialty pizzas which are sure to make your stomach growl and eyes glimmer in anticipation at the scrumptious meal awaiting you.
While pizza is one of the best culinary inventions—at least, it feels that way—when you dig into one that has been expertly made, there are many other comfort foods that warm the heart and soul. If you’re looking for something extra to go with your pizza, make sure you check out Pizza Pedal’r, who not only offers a selection of delectable freshly made pizzas, but also has a selection of equally tantalizing comfort foods including wings and chicken tenders. However, what truly makes them stand out is that after your delicious pie has been consumed, you are free to go and select from a large array of ice creams (What is better than pizza and ice cream together?) ranging from salted caramel to Snickers, cookie dough, and Oreos and cream. This truly makes Pizza Pedal’r a go-to spot for all the classics that are sure to not only fill a grumbling stomach, but a great place if you are looking to relax and grab a bite.
Enjoy a Classic Bistro
Let’s continue our journey by stopping at a good old fashion bistro which is sure to add an additional fond memory to your quickly growing collection. At Deno’s Mountain Bistro, you will have your selection of a wide range of different cuisines to try from a variety of cultures. Here you will find the coastal and tropical tuna poke, the good old American chicken wings, the classic Italian baked eggplant parmesan, or the savory Korean beef tacos. If the inner carnivore in you is calling, make sure to try their 12 oz. Black Angus New York Strip, and don’t forget their selection of pizzas and even gyros! If you are looking for that perfect pairing to go with your meal, then feel free to chose from over 300 labels from the best of the best all around the world. Wine Spectator even awarded them the award of excellence in 2019!
A Stop at the Pub
Perhaps you’re not looking for a nice glass of wine, but rather are looking to grab a pint and enjoy some good old fashioned pub food. If that is your fancy, you are still covered by Randi’s Grill & Pub! They truly take pride in their “field to fork” approach which has them sourcing from only local farms and ranches to ensure you are only receiving the freshest of the fresh. As well, almost everything you taste will have been made by hand. You’ll find a variety of different meals such as loaded fries (Who doesn’t enjoy drinking a beer while digging into cheese covered fries?), lamb sliders which are sure to send an eruption of flavor the moment you bite into them, bangers and mash (mashed potatoes and sausage), as well as fish and chips! Whether you are looking for something a bit fancier like elk sausage or are hankering for some classics like a juicy Reuben, Randi’s is sure to have it.
Taste Your Way Through Dining in Winter Park
As you can see, while you may find your self deep within the Colorado mountains, there is a surprisingly wide variety of different options for you to choose from. No matter which of these you try, or even if you go off the beaten path and explore on your own, you are sure to find a cozy atmosphere, welcoming staff, and food which is sure to satisfy both your stomach and soul. If you’d like to find out more about these spots for dining in Winter Park, or even more options available to you, make sure you contact Visit Winter Park Lodging today at 970-363-7458 and book your very own rental property in the area!
With a name like Winter Park, you might expect that summers would be pretty dead, but the opposite is true! Our small winter town is truly an all-seasons vacation destination, and as much as you will love the cold and snow in the winter, the cool and fiery colors of fall, and the promise that spring offers, your summer journey to Winter Park promises to make you fall even deeper in love with the beauty that is an essential part of the town! This guide to the top summer outdoor things to do in Winter Park will give you a new appreciation of the season as you play as hard as children on a jungle gym!
Fore!
Summer offers the perfect weather for a round of golf, and the Granby Ranch Golf Course located at 2579 County Road 894 in our neighbor town of Granby is the first place you should unpack your clubs! Offering a course that is built to be challenging without intimidating novice golfers, the beautiful views and glimpses of wildlife that occasionally will stroll across the greens will make you forget the shot you are trying to make and have you reaching for a camera instead! The Fraser River runs through this landscape of lush and verdant green adding to its charm, and if you feel as if you need some extra tips on your swing, their PGA professional staff offers lessons; just make an appointment!
The Not So Wild West
Every Western you have watched has a four-legged supporting cast, and although Winter Park is not really considered the Wild West any longer, you can have your own four-legged supporting cast when you check out the horseback riding tours offered by Snow Mountain Stables at 1101 County Road, also in Granby. Enjoy a two-hour guided horseback ride through the Colorado countryside, or if you really want to give your youngest child (between the age of 3 and 8) a thrill they will never forget, let them ride atop their own gentle “giant,” a pony being led by a responsible adult!
Cast a Line or Two
Perhaps the only sport more frustrating than golf and more loved as well, fly fishing is a popular activity in the summer in Winter Park. Whether you stand alone on the side of the river in hip waders, casting your line into the waters in the eternal battle of man versus fish or you sign up for a fly fishing trip with the amazing guides at Mo Henry’s Trout Shop, 78902 US Highway 40, every minute of your fishing adventures will be memory makers you will never forget! If you did not happen to bring along your own fishing gear, Mo Henry’s has everything you need and is located right here in Winter Park.
Bob Sledding in the Summer?
No, we aren’t crazy, we are just extremely excited about the Winter Park Alpine Slide! Located at 85 Parsenn Road, this exclusively summer activity begins with a touch of the winter season as you take the Arrow Chair Lift to the top and glide down over 3000 feet of “slide” perched atop your own “bobsled.” This is Colorado’s longest alpine sled, but no matter how long it takes you to get to the bottom, it is never long enough, so be sure to purchase an Activity Day Pass and ride it as many times as you wish! Tickets must be purchased online at least 48 hours in advance, so plan accordingly or risk missing out on this super fun summer activity!
No Special Equipment Needed
Sometimes the simplest things to do in Winter Park end up being the most impactful, and a hike along the Winter Park trails can be the perfect example. Grab a water bottle, a hat and sunglasses to block out the sun, and your most supportive shoes, and just walk! The Fraser River Trail is one of the easiest, offering very little altitude gain and a scenic amble along the Fraser River and continuing on for about 5 miles (round trip). If you are looking for something a little more, the Yankee Doodle Trail is also 5 miles long but offers a little more challenge to experienced hikers as you climb higher, seeking the most beautiful views!
Ride the Waves
For the ultimate in summer outdoor adventures, you need look no further than MAD Adventures, 78311 US Highway 40 Suite 200, for a white water rafting trip that promises to make your heart beat a little faster! Offering a variety of classes of rapids, photo opportunities, and the chance to get a little wet and cool on a beautiful summer day in Winter Park, this daredevil activity will give you bragging rights with your family back home.
Summer Nights with Visit Winter Park Lodging
When the sun sets and the sky lights up with the twinkling of a million stars, you will be snug, cozy, and comfortable in our Visit Winter Park Lodging sanctuaries. Reserve yours today! Contact us now.
There is nothing we love more than a good rainstorm here in Winter Park—except maybe a good snowstorm—and when the skies turn a gloomy gray and that wet stuff falls from the clouds during your Winter Park vacation, we can promise that you too will soon feel the same way! Yes, even if it dares to rain during YOUR vacation, these fun activities in Winter Park will keep you warm, dry, and entertained as you shop, explore, and dash between the raindrops as you come in and out of museums, restaurants, and whatever else we find for to do. This guide to rainy day activities in Winter Park in our favorite mountain village will ensure that EVERY minute of your getaway, not just the dry ones, will be even better than you imagined!
A Step Back in Time
As the rains fall, you will stay dry as you spend the hours exploring the Cozens Ranch Museum, 77849 US-40, learning how life was so much different for the early settlers who made their home in this area. Times were rough, especially during the winter, but when Cozens Ranch Museum was simply another stop on the stage coach trail, visitors could always count on a hot meal and a warm place to relax before continuing on with their travels. Today, the buildings that make up the museum have been restored to their former glory, bringing to life the days when travel was by stagecoach, heat was provided by fireplaces, and air conditioning wasn’t even a glimmer in anyone’s eyes. Take a step back in time and enjoy the simpler life for a few quiet hours during your Colorado vacation.
The Heart of Downtown
Serious shoppers never let anything like a few raindrops interfere with their habit—er, we mean hobby—and the downtown area of Winter Park will definitely be your new happy place, rain or shine! Pick up a new tee shirt or some cool souvenirs at Moose Hollow Trading Company in Cooper Creek Square or find a sweet gift for your sweet mom who is babysitting her sweet grand puppies at the General Store, also in Cooper Creek Square. Your children are being relative angels as they splash in mud puddles while you rush them from store to store, so we think a stop at Imaginations would be a worthy reward. Also located in Cooper Creek Square, this fun toy store has a great collection of board games, so pick up a few of your favorites and get competitive in your Visit Winter Park Lodging rainy day sanctuary after you have finished with your shopping expedition! Looking for some winter clothing, ski gear, or other outdoor accessories but don’t think you will use them enough to pay full price? Winter Park Trading has a fantastic selection of gently used clothing and equipment that won’t break your bank and is located next to Cooper Creek Square!
Taste-FULL Adventures
Our favorite part of any vacation is the food; being able to try out new restaurants, new foods, and yes, new beverages makes our hearts beat a little faster, and on a rainy Colorado day, trying out a new restaurant can be a great way to stay dry! Sip and snack at Adventures Decanted, where wine, cocktails, charcuterie boards, pastries, and small plates will make you forget about the dreary weather outside. Located in Cooper Creek Square, their menu changes with the seasons, but is surprisingly well rounded for an establishment that is mainly there for the wine! Paella’s Restaurant and Bakery has a fantastic seafood selection, but we want to be 100% honest with you: We go there for the bakery treats, because how can you go wrong with chocolate and ice cream and sweet cakes? Although we have had a simply wonderful time in Cooper Creek Square, it is time to venture out of its boundaries as we choose a nice Italian dinner from Volario’s, located at 78786 US Highway 40. Offering the best of Northern Italy cuisine, you could spend hours here, sipping red wine and enjoying your favorite dishes; pizza, pasta, and veal Milanese are what’s on their menu! Their dessert menu offers a twist to our favorite Italian sweet, serving strawberry mint cannolis and their ricotta cheesecake will make you wonder why every cheesecake isn’t made with ricotta!
Keep It Cozy with Visit Winter Park Lodging
The rainiest of days offer a sweet comfort when spent under the protective roof of our homes and condos, so unwrap the games you just bought, light a fire in the fireplace, and brew yourself a fresh pot of coffee. We can’t predict when the rain is going to stop, but we can predict you will have the time of your life when you choose Visit Winter Park Lodging for your rainy day adventures. Reserve your stay with us today!
The summer of 2021 is starting to look a whole lot more fun than pretty much all of 2020, and as you begin to make your summer plans, you may be excited to realize that this year you potentially have a bonus long weekend to enjoy! The Winter Park 4th of July falls on a Sunday this year, and many employers across the nation have given their hard-working employees the Monday that follows off. If you are one of the lucky ones, there may be some travel in your forecast, especially if you think ahead and use that week for your annual vacation! Not everyone enjoys the heat and humidity that often accompanies this most patriotic of celebrations, and you may have your sights turned in the direction of our favorite mountain town of Winter Park, Colorado, where the weather is destined to be absolutely perfect, and the celebrations are guaranteed to offer small-town charm and cheer! When it comes time to pick your vacation accommodations, the homes we offer at Visit Winter Park promise to add, comfort, luxury, and a heaping pinch of perfection to your Independence Day. This guide to the most fabulous 4th and our luxury properties will help you have the extraordinary getaway you so richly deserve!
The Lead-in to Fun for the Winter Park 4th of July
The best part of any celebration can be the lead-in to the fun, and Winter Park has a few ways to ensure that your ENTIRE stay is filled with fun and excitement! July 1st is when our free summer concert series starts, held at the Rendezvous Event Center. The Welcome Back Winter Park concert goes from 6-8 PM and promises to be a relaxing and entertaining way to lead off the Independence Day party! Looking for the perfect painting to hang over your fireplace in the den? The Winter Park Art Trail also begins this holiday weekend, starting on Friday, July 2nd, and although it continues on until the fall, it makes a great addition to the Independence Day weekend festivities! Located along the Fraser River Trail, viewing the works of the nation’s most talented artists as you walk, run, or jog along the trail adds an extra touch of wonderful to the already perfect day you are having. On July 3rd, the most American of all events, the High Country Stamped Rodeo, takes place in nearby Fraser! Grab your cowboy hat, slip into your favorite pair of boots, and prepare for a day filled with one of America’s favorite pastimes. The rodeo will take place every Saturday through August, so if you are staying through the weekend after July 4th, you can watch it twice!
Simple Pleasures
After you have unpacked your bags and finished your explorations of your home away from home, your time in Winter Park stretches out before you, filled with an infinite array of possibilities. Should you hike along the trails that traverse the area, reveling in the nearly perfect weather and the absolutely perfect views? Or should you, being the overachiever you are, start out the holiday with a 5K run/walk that takes you through some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes? The Rendezvous Run for Independence begins at 7:30 AM at the Winter Park Resort and leads runners (and walkers) along wooded trails and through green pastures, giving participants something other than the pain of running to contemplate during their journey. Ending at the Rendezvous Event Center in Winter Park, participating in this challenge allows you to not feel guilty over all the sinfully delicious food you plan on indulging in throughout the course of the day!
Of course, even a 5K walk can feel a little too much like work, and yet you still may have the need to start the day with a bit of activity, so how does some time spent doing Yoga in the Park sound? Winter Park 4th of July is the jumping-off point for Winter Park’s Fitness in the Park Series that will take place on Sundays through August 29th, and as the classes do not start until 9 AM, you can sleep in a bit and wander off towards Confluence Park, ready to greet the day with a few sun salutations before starting the real celebrations in earnest!
The Good Times Continue
Your time in Colorado is guaranteed to be filled with fun and excitement, and because you chose Visit Winter Park for your holiday hideaway, the good times will continue every minute of your stay! Designed to pamper and spoil, our properties become home when you and your family first step inside, and even though it is only a temporary escape, we are happy we could be a part of your adventure. Contact us to reserve your stay with us today!