Late Winter Outdoor Fun in the Colorado High Country

In Spite of a Mild Year, Winter is Still Out in Force in North Park

This year, an especially mild winter has hit Colorado, with much of the usual white landscape looking more like early spring. In the high country of Colorado, however, as mild as the weather has been, it’s still very much winter. 

With recent snowfall and some existing snowpack in the mountains, you can still get out and get your winter outdoor activities while they last. And possibly with much more to come! If you enjoy nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor winter activities. North Park is the place to visit this winter!

Still Lots of Winter Left in the High Country

Even though winter weather typically starts in November or December, some unseasonably warm winters are not out of the ordinary. This year’s El Nino weather cycle has played havoc with usual weather conditions. In spite of the lack of heavy snowfalls, the Colorado mountains often get the brunt of their snowfall not in the long nights of cold winter months, but more commonly in late winter and early spring. March is one of the biggest months for snow in Colorado. Part of that is due to our topography.

Cold air, especially at higher elevations, has a hard time retaining moisture. At around 12,000 feet above sea level, the mountains tend to draw out most of the moisture. There’s a reason people in the high country say that it is “too cold to snow.” The change in temperature and elevation cause storm systems to lose much of their water. 

During the wintertime, snowfalls are significantly drier than warmer months. Rain gauges are used to measure official snowfall amounts but also the percentage of water held in snow. The frigid temperatures cause snowflakes to form with massive crystalline structures, making a dry, airy snow: more commonly known as “champagne powder.” Skiers love it!

 The main difference is the snowpack. The drier snow of winter just doesn’t melt as quickly, or run off into creeks and rivers. In spring, however, a massive front can easily lay down feet of very heavy, wet snow. The obvious difference is it melts quicker without sub-freezing temps to keep it around. With the ground still frozen, it might have a harder time to leach down into the water table as well, with much of the runoff winding up somewhere downriver.

Go Out and Play in the Snow

Snow changes with the seasons, and North Park is no stranger to having snowstorms all year long. The further away from the depths of winter, the greater the potential for heavy, water-dense snowfall. For many outdoor recreation enthusiasts, February and March are the sweet spots for winter recreation in the Colorado mountains. With a mild winter, it’s also a great chance to see wildlife that are more active this time of year than usual.

Cross-country skiing

Though North Park doesn’t have any alpine ski resorts, it does have hundreds of miles of groomed and wild nordic ski and snowhoeing trails. The Gould Loop, located at the Colorado State Forest State Park is one of the most popular, with a 5.5 mile loop perfect for a wide range of skill levels. On full moon nights in the wintertime, the Gould Loop has been hosted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife crews for Moonlight Skiing, where you can enjoy a hot beverage, ski in the pristine stillness of the pine forest and warm up in front of a fire.

Snowshoeing

If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing, strap on a set of snowshoes. They can take you just about anywhere. Perfect for backpacking or just trudging through the snowpack, snowshoes are some of mankind’s oldest inventions for getting around in the snow. Today’s technology makes them durable and lightweight and ready to take on any task.

Ice Fishing

Lake John and Delaney Lakes are still holding out for what looks to be a great season of ice fishing. These aren’t the only spots for ice fishing in Jackson County. Check out Michigan Reservoir, Hidden Lakes, and Big Creek Lakes for some great ice fishing. Lake John Resort and North Park Anglers feature a current ice fishing conditions report that will help you prepare for landing a big fish this winter.

From ice fishing tournaments to just enjoying a quiet weekend on the ice by yourself or with friends, the ice fishing in North Park is known among anglers as some of the best places to fish in Colorado. Whether you have an ice fishing shelter or an auger and a five gallon bucket, the fish are still biting. Here’s your chance to reel in the big ones before the season ends!

Snowmobiling

Hikers and skiers aren’t the only ones who get to have fun in the snow. All over North Park you’ll find plenty of places to explore. Run your motor flat out on open trails or tour the forests and take in the sights with your friends on snow mobiles. 

Unfortunately due to lack of snow around the usual trails, the annual Poker Run has been canceled for 2026, but hopefully it will be back next year. Check out the North Park Snow Snakes Facebook page for upcoming dates and other information as it becomes available.

Great spots for snowmobiling

Some of the most popular spots for riding your sled in North Park are listed below. If you have questions about snow conditions, check with the North Park Chamber of Commerce for information. If you would like to read more about winter activities in Jackson County, check out this post, also from our blog! 

• Big Creek Lakes
• Colorado State Forest State Park
• Routt-Arapaho National Forest (Gould and Rand)
• Owl Mountain
• Buffalo Pass
• Rabbit Ears Pass
• Wyo-Colo

Avalanche Warning!

One of the biggest hazards for hikers, skiers, and motorsports are avalanches. Especially dangerous during times where new heavy snow falls on dense, frozen snowpack, the new snow can often roll off suddenly and without much warning. If you are a backwoods hiker or rider, always carry an avalanche kit. You can find more information with CO Avalanche Info by checking out their Facebook page.

Unpredictable Weather

Though winter seems very mild right now, the mountains often ignore what the weather reports have to say. Sudden snowstorms can be very dangerous. Quickly moving storms and drops in temperature can result in hypothermia, stranded vehicles, poor visibility, and getting lost. Always dress for a wide range of weather situations, particularly in layers. Shedding a layer when you feel hot or begin to sweat can help regulate your temperature. Sweat can cause hypothermia and even frostbite. 

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, add or remove layers of clothing, and always use a waterproof shell to protect against wind and rain or snow. The aim is to have fun in the outdoors, not find yourself in a dire situation. There is no bad weather, as they say, only poor choices in how you dress for it.

When driving in the mountains, be prepared and drive safely. One of the leading causes of serious injury in North Park happens on our highways. Extreme weather conditions and inexperienced drivers are a rough combination that can sometimes lead to tragedy. We want our visitors to be safe and come back year after year. So drive safely!

Apres Ski or Stay the Weekend!

After you are done playing in the snow, you’ll want to come in out of the cold and warm up with a hot meal, tasty beverage, or some adult libations to take the chill off. Here are some local restaurants you need to add to your checklist for good times, cheerful folks, and a great excuse to shed some layers and get warm inside.

• Rita’s Cafe, Walden, CO
• Mis Tres Reyes, Walden, CO
• Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant, Gould, CO
• River Rock, Walden, CO
• Stockman Bar and Grill, Walden, CO
• Zirkel Mountain Pies, Walden, CO

Make a Big Deal Out of Your Weekend Travel Plans

Why fight traffic to get back to the city? Book a hotel, VRBO, or AirBnB vacation rental property for your stay. Make a long weekend out of it! Check out this article on rental cabins, or these articles on the Old Homestead and Powderhorn Cabins for some ideas on some truly unique and iconic North Park places to stay.

Some of our most popular accommodations:

• Antlers Inn Call: (970) 723-8690
• Caribou Crossing Motel: (970) 501-6076
• Sleepy Moose Inn: (970) 440-1614
• North Park Inn and Suites: (970) 723-4271
• Chedsey Motel Call: (970) 723-8201
• Lake John Resort (970) 723-8201

Come Up and See Us This Winter!

Though it feels like winter has passed us by, late winter and early spring are usually the heavy snowfall months for Colorado. With any luck you’ll have a chance to play hard in the snow before spring really arrives. There’s no telling just how much snow will fall or when (or if!) it will stop. There’s plenty of winter left in the high country and North Park is a great, out of the way destination to make your new favorite place for winter adventures.

Let’s Get Social!

Be sure to check out the Visit North Park Blog to plan your next visit to Jackson County, CO. If there has been a favorite article that caught your attention, or if you would like to know more about something in North Park we haven’t covered, please let us know on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack in the comments! Subscribe to the newsletter and receive regular posts, contests, and important announcements through email or your Substack app. It costs nothing to sign up!