Can you believe it’s nearly been one year since we unveiled our newest mountain haus — Gravity Haus Winter Park!? Winter Park is Grand County’s go-to high country homebase, reveling in the custom comforts of the brand new boutique motel in the heart of downtown Winter Park.
Get inspired to dive into the local scene below.
Here’s our take on top Winter Park action this summer and fall — on and off the trail.
1. Go Fly Fishing
Standing in cool flowing water, aspen trees embracing autumn, a cerulean sky above — fly fishing is a poetic dance with nature. Access Grand County’s Gold Medal Waters (read: high-quality, cold-water habitats that produce abundant, trophy-size trout) along the Fraser River, the Colorado River and Willow Creek near Granby where you’ll find brown, rainbow and brook trout ready to bite.
2. Hike to Gold
Winter Park is stacked with trails you have to see to believe. When the aspens are singing tales of red and gold, hike Meadow Creek Reservoir or follow the Creekside and Flume Loop for a mellow five-mile walk in the willows (look for moose!) For an iconic Grand County bucket-lister, hike Devil’s Thumb. The difficult trek tops out at 12,236 feet at the thumb-shaped rock on the Continental Divide.
3. Dance in the Park
Winter Park knows how to throw a party and the sprawling green in the middle of town is a gorgeous venue to lay out a blanket and kick off your flops. Frolic with locals at Hideaway Park during the Winter Park Jazz Festival and The Winter Park Beer Festival complete with live tunes and food vendors, along with national and local blues, rock and jam band acts.
4. Get on Your Bike
The terrain here is unbeatable. Climb quintessential Colorado singletrack, cross flower-soaked meadows and cruise the valley’s more than 600 miles of trails. Test your skills at the world-class Trestle downhill bike park or sign up for one of many bike races and events and call Winter Park home.
5. Take a Scenic Drive
Jaw-dropping high mountain passes spur off in every direction from Winter Park. When fall colors peak, you’ll want to point your wheels toward Cottonwood Pass, Corona Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass. For a real National Geographic treat, tour Trail Ridge Road in neighboring Rocky Mountain National Park during fall’s famous elk bugling season.
6. Sip all the Beer
What pairs best with late-summer hiking and biking? A crisp craft beer at 9,000 feet. Try the Anglers Amber or the easy drinking Hickory Hill Raspberry Wheat at locally owned and operated Big Trout Brewing. Hideaway Park Brewery is known for rotating taps of stouts, IPAs, gose and beyond, while The Peak serves up pub grub and a killer American-style cream ale called High Mountain Honey that’s made with wildflower honey from Tabernash Honey Co.
7. See Autumn From the Air
Go big and take a hot air balloon ride high above the valley. Float over the craggy Continental Divide, ski slopes, ribbons of rivers and, best of all, puffy plumes of brilliant aspen and willows exploding in a crayon box of yellows, oranges and reds.
8. Shop
Now is the time to score deep discounts on summer gear and last season’s winter goods. Local retailers are switching out seasons and the sales racks are hot. Stroll more than 45 shops and pick through ski wear, hiking boots, bikes, souvenirs, art and jewelry.
Image source: Play Winter Park
9. Giddy Up
Wild west cowboy culture lives on in Winter Park. Horseback and hayrides are on tap, along with the Saturday High Country Stampede Rodeo in Fraser. Watch barrel racing and bronc riding or hop into the saddle and book a family trail ride at a local ranch.
10. Hit the Resort
Ya gotta do it. The ski resort’s summer set up is pretty sick. No matter how old you are. Whip down Colorado’s longest alpine slide, tackle the climbing wall, play disc golf, hike around up high, ride the gondola and much more!
