One of a Kind Weekend Getaways in North Park

With Valentines just around the corner, lots of couples are looking for ways to spend time with each other that go beyond the typical date night of flowers, candy, and trying to book reservations at some uninspiring restaurant. A weekend getaway is a great experience that couples will remember for years to come, and might even be an experience they can recollect with their own kids one day.

But the drives up to resort towns are often nerve-wracking, with bumper to bumper traffic, expensive hotels (if you can find a room), and crowds of people posing for their Instagram stories. If hearing about a weekend like that is enough to give you hives, a weekend getaway to North Park might be more to your liking.

What Is Going on in North Park?

This time of year is often a sweet spot in weather, sitting between the bone chilling January snowstorms and the warmer weather of March with heavy snowfalls. In the first half of February, a drive up to Walden, CO might be a very pleasant experience, with clear roads, decent weather, and clear blue skies. Not too far from the I-70 corridor and all of those resort towns with their high-rise condos and crazy traffic, you’ll find a place with a much slower pace. 

North Park has beautiful 360 degree mountain vistas, with the Medicine Bow, Park Range, and Never Summer mountains on all sides. Wind sculpted snowfields lend themselves to the majesty of the scenery, with herds of pronghorn, deer, and the occasional moose plodding through open fields. 

It’s the land of stunning mountain views, wide open spaces, family-owned ranches and ghost towns that go back to the beginning of the last century. Walden, Gould, Cowdrey, Rand, and other towns on the map are places where the spirit of rural Colorado lives on. Where people work and play and live their lives everyday. (Image below is just an example of something you won't see everyday in a curated resort town).

What Do You Want to Do?

Just because North Park doesn’t have a downhill skiing mountain resort doesn’t mean there isn’t anything going on. If you want to fight lift lines, roundabouts, and parking lots there are plenty of other places to go in Colorado. The vibe in North Park is totally different.

Here’s just some of the things waiting for you in North Park in winter:

Sight-seeing: From the turn of the 20th Century charm of Walden’s Main Street to the lone ranch houses in the interior of North Park, it’s tough to take a bad photograph of North Park. Why not bring your camera and create some art on your visit? 

Take a road trip: The winding mountain roads and forests of the main highways coming into North Park give visitors some spectacular views. There’s simply no better way to detox from social media than a North Park road trip. From the Nokhu Crags near Cameron Pass to the volcanic peak of Rabbit Ears, the majesty of the Park Range and Red Canyon to the warmth and charm of our businesses and where to eat; it’s the journey that counts on an epic road trip. North Park is here to accommodate.

Ice Fishing: Check out any number of our lakes for world-class ice fishing. Lake John, Big Creek Lakes, Delaney Lakes (a Gold Medal water), and the Michigan Reservoir are just a few of the ice fishing hot spots. If you are one of the lucky couples who thinks an ice fishing trip sounds like the perfect romantic getaway, you are in for a treat. Check out Lake John Resort for accommodations just a short walk from the ice, with rooms as well as RV hookups!

Outdoor Adventure: Not all who wander are lost! Hikers are a different breed of animal, and some snow isn’t going to stop them. Especially with a set of nordic skis or snowshoes strapped to their feet. Skiing and snowshoeing have been around since the pioneers and you’ll be delighted at the sights you’ll see. The Gould trail system even connects to hundreds of miles of trail in Grand County and RMNP!

Snowmobiling: Winter motorsports are a big thing in North Park. From vintage snowmobile races to Poker Runs, or simply riding any number of groomed trails in Jackson County, you are welcome to try out the best snowmobiling in Colorado.

Stargazing: North Park is one of those rare spots in Colorado that is minimally affected by light pollution from large population centers. You’ll be astounded by the stars and galaxies that fill the sky. The Milky Way, planets, the Moon, and countless stars are all just within reach up here.

One of a Kind Romantic Getaways

After you have been out in the snow, you’ll want to come inside and warm your bones by the fire or indulge in a delicious meal. There are plenty of places to stay in Jackson County, whether it is Walden or even more remote locations. 

Check out our listing of places to stay in North Park for ideas of how to plan your romantic getaway to the mountains. Here are just a few places to consider.

• Yonder yurts: Located in the State Forest State Park near Gould, Yonder Yurts is perfect for a weekend of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling in Colorado’s only State Forest.
• 22 West: These cozy mountain cabins at the base of the Park Range offer modern convenience with a rustic experience. At your back door, you’ll find some of the most pristine trail systems in North Park. Even better, the owners support their wildlife rehabilitation center from these cabins!

Cozy Cabins and Vacation Rentals

Book your lodging in a hotel, VRBO, or AirBnB vacation rental property in Walden, CO, Gould, and beyond! Choose from a wide selection of vacation rentals, ranging from quaint to unique, and anywhere between single occupancy or large groups of visitors. Rooms will sell out fast, so book your stay now!

• Antlers Inn Call: (970) 723-8690
• North Park Inn and Suites Call: (970) 723-4271
• Chedsey Motel Call: (970) 723-8201
• Lake John Resort (970) 723-8201
• Powderhorn Lodge (970) 723-4359
• Check out these listings for other places in Jackson County!

The Big Experience of Visiting a Small Mountain Town

While in town you are within walking distance of small shops, the local bar and grill, bowling, restaurants, and places to stock up on adult beverages. Have a drink and a sit down dinner at one of our places to eat. See wildlife in their natural habitat and incredible views of the mountains all around. 

North Park is far from your typical Colorado mountain experience. We aren’t a built up tourist trap, but a community where people live and indulge themselves in the best parts of a simple life. Our rustic charm and slower pace are much different from the furry boots and private jets of celebrity-packed resort towns. We know that sort of life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so why not visit a place where others appreciate the lived-in feel of a place on the edge of the wilderness?

Even if you aren’t visiting for a romantic getaway, a trip to North Park is a great way to escape the cabin fever of frustrating rush hour traffic, the endless cycle of retail therapy and work, and those winter days of wishing there was something to do. Whether it’s outdoor recreation, small town nightlife, or simply taking in the sights of this rugged and untamed land, visiting North Park is good for your mind, body, and soul. It’s something that truly has to be experienced to be believed.