Summer already feels so far away in the Colorado mountains. The last of the fall leaves are dropping as North Park begins its long journey into winter. As much as we enjoy the long days and lush forests, rodeo weekend, and lazy days at Lake John, Jackson county is a year round destination. If you are looking for a reason to come up and visit us throughout the year, here’s your checklist!

Colorado’s Most Underrated Mountain Experience

The central Rockies are perhaps Colorado’s most characteristic trait. From the die hard hikers and their growing lists of 14ers to the skiers who nearly wear out their Ikon pass every ski season, all this topography is all some people need to get their blood racing. North Park isn’t graced with the 14,000 ft mountains like other spots in Colorado, but what our mountains lack in maybe a couple hundred feet (our tallest mountain is Clark Peak at 12,955) they more than make up for in quintessential Colorado mountain vibes and grandeur.

Jackson County is surrounded on all sides by mountains, and this intermountain basin or “park” is what gives the region its name, as it is the northern most park in the state. To the east is the Medicine Bow Range, to the south you’ll find the Never Summer Mountains, and to the west stands the Park Range and Mount Zirkel. Up north, just beyond the Wyoming border, you can see the Snowy Range Mountains. 

Unobstructed Views and Long Stretches of Lonely Roads

The biggest differences between North Park’s mountains and the rest of the state has to be the clear views our geography provides. Other mountains in Colorado are often just glimpsed on a busy interstate or seen along a winding highway from a scenic overlook. Our mountains stand like a majestic wall surrounding Jackson County, which is easily seen as soon as you drop down from the passes and enter the basin.

With so much public land, there’s a good chance you can summit just about every mountain you can see through a system of trails, whether it is the Medicine Bow trail, or the Continental Divide Trail. Our wide open, panoramic views give great ease of access to sightseers, outdoorsmen, hikers, campers, and photographers.

Quiet country roads let you take your time to experience these incredible views. Very little traffic means you can usually pull over to take that photo of a moose grazing in a stand of willows or watch a herd of elk cross the highway without a long line of tourists honking at you for their turn. Life here moves at a different pace. Slower. Mindful and contemplative. You might even agree that North Park has some of the most underrated mountain views in Colorado. A closely kept secret.

The mountains here take on a different personality from season to season. In winter they are gleaming white and intimidating against sharp blue skies, while in summer they are green and inviting. In spring the struggle between winter and summer are played out as the snow comes and goes as the months warm up. Wild creeks awaken with the spring runoff, carving ancient cuts into the slope from snow melt. Rain and snow storms crash against the mountainsides like waves. Fall is when they stand out with hints of gold and red from the turning aspens, finally yielding to the return of winter.

Autumn

North Park is one of the best places in Colorado for leaf viewing. With thousands of acres of aspen trees, you’ll get the golds and reds that make leaf peeping some of the best in the west. All without the long lines of traffic to obstruct your view.

The fall is a great time of year for mountain road trips. As long as the weather holds, North Park is a great place to cruise along, feeling the turns, and enjoying the scenery. Even if Walden isn’t your destination, HWY 14 and 125 are great alternatives to use for bypassing the busy interstates if you want to explore the real Colorado.

Fall is best known in North Park for its wealth of great hunting spots during hunting season. (Check out last week’s article for anything you wanted to know about where to get hunting and fishing supplies on your visit). Even though water levels drop as we get closer to the winter months, you won’t find better fishing anywhere else in northern Colorado. Whether you use flies and lures or worms and powerbait, there’s a place you’ll be able to drop a line and reel in some trophy-worthy sport fish.

Originating from our deep agricultural roots, Fall is the time of year to honor the harvest and prepare for the long winter ahead. After Halloween, check out the Harvest Craft Festival in Walden on November 15th. Among our locals you’ll find a lot of truly talented people who have been working all year to bring you the cream of the crop of what they have been making. From soaps and lotions to blown glassware, clothing, horse tack, and plenty of unique gifts for your holiday season needs, you’ll find it at the Harvest Craft Festival.

Closing out the fall season, the Stockman Bar and Grill is open on Thanksgiving for a potluck style dinner. Bring a dish if you wish! The Stockman has been bringing the community together for over 40 years now, giving travelers, residents, and anybody else who would otherwise be spending the holidays alone a place to get out of the cold. Celebrate everything to feel grateful for on this holiday night, starting at 4pm on Thanksgiving at the Stockman on Main Street in Walden. Stop by if you are just passing through or if you are a local for the celebration.

Winter

As the nights get longer, the town of Walden is illuminated by the glow of Christmas cheer. Each year a North Park Christmas brings out the holiday spirit in everyone with a festival to kick off the season in early December. From reindeer petting zoos, a variety of Christmas themed shops, and festive events in historical locations throughout town, it’s a great way to warm up with some holiday cheer around Walden on a chilly winter night.

Start a new family tradition by coming to North Park for the annual State Forest State Park Christmas tree cutting days at the Moose Visitor Center in Gould, CO (HWY 14 between Walden and Fort Collins, just west of Cameron Pass). 

There’s plenty of places for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice golf, and even dog sled racing. The mountains provide plenty of snow at higher altitudes in the latter months of winter and plummeting temperatures freeze over the lakes for some of the best ice fishing in the Rockies. 

Plan a trip with any number of cozy mountain getaways to choose from. Rent a rustic cabin at 22 West, the Old Homestead, or the Powderhorn Cabins among many other  VRBO or AirBnB vacation rentals. Just take your pick! Yonder Yurts gives you a unique approach to glamping year round, with access to Colorado State Forest State Park right at your back door.

Note on Winter safety: Winter weather conditions can be very unpredictable, so be sure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires, chains, 4WD, and safety equipment. Whiteout conditions and road closures might mean you’ll experience delays in your travel. Check out this article on winter driving safety.

Spring

Spring is when North Park begins to reawaken. Along with spectacular views and ever-changing scenery, you’ll get a chance to witness the migration of wildlife in the area, especially the moose! Starting in April, our most famous residents, the moose, come through Walden on their search for green willow shoots and grasses. It’s not uncommon to see a moose lounging in someone’s front yard or standing in a hay field munching away at water plants during runoff.

In April, the Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual sage grouse viewing event, which takes visitors on a curated tour of some of the best breeding grounds—or leks—in the US. Fulfill your dream of photographing an event only the likes of a National Geographic photographer would get to see on a guided tour of several remote locations in Jackson County.

Find Your Own Perfect Time of Year!

North Park is a four seasons destination, with plenty to do throughout the year for a wide range of tastes. Stop by in Walden, Gould, or Rand for food, unique gifts, or experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The mountains will always be here, but put on different appearances depending on the time of year. No matter if it's summer, winter, spring or fall, they are always breathtaking. Discover your favorite time of year in North Park, starting with a visit today!