5 Amazing Colorado Parks to See in Winter
There are states that never see snow and Colorado is not one of them! Known as the “High State” and not just for a particular herb.
The mean elevation of Colorado is 6,800 feet making it the highest average altitude out 50 U.S. States. Where there’s high altitude you can also expect some rain and even snow. Colorado has an average of 68 inches of snow a year, while the national average is 39 inches. So-now you know a little bit more about Colorado and why our interest was peaked when we planned a road trip here!
Shelby and I traveled for 8 days through Colorado exploring several of it’s hottest (or coldest?) nature spots to see during winter. In this post I’m going to share with you 5 locations you’re going to have to see during your next winter visit.
If you want to keep warm while visiting these Colorado parks in winter make sure to pack these 12 Articles of Cold Weather Clothing.
Now let’s jump in!
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Straight from NPS, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is “Deep, Steep, and Narrow.” We couldn’t have said it any better. It’s so deep and narrow that sunlight rarely penetrates it’s walls leaving it dark or “black.”
The “Painted Wall” is 2,250 feet, almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building. This canyon was and is still is being shaped by the Gunnison River starting millions of years ago.
So old that it shows some of the world’s oldest Precambrian rock in it’s walls.
Surprisingly this is one of the United States’ youngest National Parks, established October 21, 1999. Prior it was dubbed a National Monument back on March 2nd, 1933.
In this Colorado park we did a short and sweet hike called the Rim Rock Trail. It took us along the rim showcasing the canyon and it’s surrounding natural features. Oh, and while it was all under snow.
Rim Rock Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation: 187 feet
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Watching pure white snow flurries get lost out into the distance of the nearly black canyon created a sense of danger, isolation, and intimate curiosity.
We probably also felt this way because we were the only ones in the park during a government shutdown.
2. Colorado National Monument
To maximize our time in this Colorado park, we stayed the night in Grand Junction just outside of Colorado National Monument. This place is perfect for short to long hikes and miles of scenic driving along Rim Rock Drive.
It’s only fair we make mention of John Otto, the first surveyor and tireless advocate for the creation of Colorado National Monument which was eventually established May 24, 1911.
We only had a day to see the park so a short hike was in order and it only made sense that we keep our contract with the Devil.
Devil’s Kitchen Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation: 225 feet
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
We often describe landscapes as being on a different planet. Well this was yet another instance as we climbed over red rock into a mind blowing rock grotto. It felt like a map you find in an alien first person shooter video game.
You’re made to feel so small next to these million year old rock formations.
After this hike we spent the rest of the day doing a scenic drive, pulling off the road every so often to do some quick hikes along the various view points.
We highly recommend the following: Balanced Rock, Book Cliffs View, Window Rock, and Otto’s Trail.
It is here that you can hike above and below ancient canyons and view incredible red rock monoliths. Now dust this landscape in snow and you have a view that is guaranteed to produce at least a few “WOW” moments.
Looking to visit soon? Check out our post on 8 Incredible Things to do at Colorado National Monument!
3. Ice Caves at Rifle Mountain Park
The title almost says it all! But how do ice caves form in Colorado parks? Waterfalls. Wouldn’t it be crazy to watch a time lapse of this actually occurring? Two waterfalls in Rifle Mountain Park literally freeze over into towering walls of ice.
Once you pay the *cash only* fee and enter the park the first parking lot has the initial trailhead that will take you along the cliff side that features both the lower and upper waterfalls.
Koper’s Trail – Ice Cave (Lower and Upper)
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation: 20 feet
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
Trekking down and around the falls you’ll find yourself in a seasonal cave of ice and rock.
We recommend hiking boots with crampons to avoid slips and falls when walking directly over the ice. And you will be trekking directly over ice if you want to see both ice caves.
If you don’t already own a pair of hiking boots you can start your research with these 9 Expert Steps to Choosing the Right Hiking Shoes.
This short hike is only about a mile or so round trip to reach both falls out and back. To see these in person leaves you trying to catch your breathe and not just because it’s cold outside!
Bonus: Rifle Falls State Park
If you’re on your way to the Ice Caves in Rifle Mountain Park then you best hit Rifle Falls State Park as it’s right next door! It features a triple water fall and some accessible rock caves. Both of these parks provide instant gratification.
You simply park and in just a few minutes you’re presented with some of the most beautiful ice formations you’ve ever seen!
During our visit here we saw all 3 of the waterfalls covered in ice while water continued to fall.
Pair that with the snow and ice covered ground around the falls and you have a post card worthy winter wonderland.
Once you’ve marveled at the falls you can take a quick trek just past the falls to do some spelunking!
Okay, these aren’t ball room size caves, but you can still physically crawl into these rock spaces where you’ll find yourself with the complete absence of light and sound.
The smells were unique and at times we had to fight the oncoming sense of confusion and claustrophobia. Definitely bring a flashlight or 2 and watch your head!
For an in depth review of these 2 spots, check out our blog post on the Ice Caves of Rifle Mountain Park and Rifle Falls State Park.
4. Hanging Lake
We drove in east, about 7 miles from Glenwood Springs, with high anticipation for this quick, scenic hike. Only 3 miles out and back? No problem! Well that was until we read the sign at the start of the hike, “1,135 Feet Elevation – Equivalent to 80 Flights of Stairs.”
When you put it that way this all of the sudden seems like a pretty daunting hike!
Hanging Lake Trail
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation: 1,135 feet
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
The first half mile is a flat road that leads to the actual trailhead. From here you have a mile ascending 1,135 feet into the mountain where you will find Hanging Lake.
During winter you MUST wear crampons or you will end up like one of the several people we saw struggling to climb up and many slipping, sliding, and falling down the mountain.
We took several breaks on our way up due to the altitude, gain in elevation, and frigid temperatures. Despite these conditions, this is a very popular hike for all types of people including many tourists.
Be smart and pack the 10 Essentials for Hiking. Food, water, and proper shoes/clothing being the most pertinent.
Even during winter you should be staying hydrated while hiking.
The last stretch to the lake requires some careful maneuvering up a steep rock face with the help of a seemingly insecure handrail.
Be cautious as you ascend and descend as the rocks are covered in snow and ice.
Once at the top the pain is all worth while! You’re greeted with an amazing view of the Glenwood Canyon behind you and just ahead, a beautiful waterfall that stretches across the width of Hanging Lake with dozens of icicles.
For a full breakdown of this trail, read our detailed blog post on how to hike to Hanging Lake.
5. Roxborough State Park
Shelby and I wrapped up our Colorado Winter Road Trip with the incredible Roxborough State Park. Enormous red sandstone rock formations stand erected from the Earth and can be seen long before you find yourself in the parking lot just outside the visitor center.
We jumped right into a simple scenic loop which took us through subtle incline and decline showcasing the magnificent formations powdered in white snow.
Fountain Valley Trail
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: 365 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
All along the trail were native plants, trees, and even wild animals. We saw rabbits, lizards, a mule deer, and a variety of birds.
Along this trail you’ll get the opportunity to see Lyon’s Overlook as well as a historic building. A house that was actually built on the land by Henry S. Persse at the turn of the century in 1903.
Henry believed that this land was too beautiful to be private and actually wanted a resort established here. Fast forward to 1975, the Colorado Division of State Parks purchased 500 acres of Persse’s land to form the Roxborough State Park.
5 New Places to See in Colorado During Winter
If you count the bonus, it’s actually 6 awesome places in Colorado to see under snow! We hope you find the beauty in all of these places like we did. Winter is like a paint brush and it’s incredible how dramatic the canvas changes with each stroke. Be sure to add any variety of these places to your next itinerary in Colorado.
If you’re like us and want to make a road trip out of these Colorado parks you’ll want to know the 6 Steps to Surviving a Winter Road Trip as well as these 30 Road Trip Essentials.
While some of these parks are free to visit others charge a nominal fee, typically cash, to keep them protected and looking pretty. So keep some cash on you when heading out to any of these places!
Have you been to any of these parks during winter? What’d ya think of them? We’d love to know in a comment below!
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