What's Happening in North Park in January 2025

This year we hit the ground running with winter in December. All sorts of things were happening in North Park during the holidays, but you’d be wrong if you thought they had slowed down all that much. January in North Park means the fun has just begun, with solid ice, deep snowfall, and frosty temperatures that make Jackson County a winter destination spot in Colorado—far away from all the traffic and crowds of resort towns.

This January you’ll see why North Park is a haven for outdoor winter recreation. From ice fishing to snowmobiling, races, tournaments, cook-offs, and nothing but white mountain views and blue skies for miles. Let’s get into all the great things we’ve got going on in North Park this month!

Ice Fishing 

With a mild fall and early winter, it took a while to get good ice coverage on the lakes this year. Now that we are deep into winter, the ice is thick and the weather is perfect for a day of ice fishing. Ice fishing is one of those outdoor recreation activities that leave a lot of people scratching their heads. But for those who love it, there is simply nothing better to do on the ice all winter. 

Visitors come from all around the country to fish our gold medal waters at Delaney Lakes, as well as Lake John—one of the most well-known lakes for trout fishing in the Colorado Rocky Mountains! With ease of access, you can drive right up to the shore and take your gear to wherever you want to fish. All you need is an ice auger, a bucket to sit on, and an ice fishing pole. Whatever portable hut, sleds, snacks, and beverages are up to you. 

Ice Fishing Tournament

The first Ice Fishing Tournament of the year in North Park is happening on the weekend of Jan 11-12. The window for early registration has ended, but there’s still time to enter and compete against other ice anglers from all over the state and the US. 

Entry Fees are $60 per adult and $20 for kids. Hourly door prizes include fishing gear, heaters, power stations, and a $100 catch of the hour for biggest fish. The top anglers will take home cash prizes of up to $1500. To Register online go to www.northparkchamber.org

This year’s event will only be happening at Lake John, and the General Store at Lake John Resort will be base camp for those competing. It’s a great way to spend a day on the Lake in January that you won’t want to miss! Check out last month’s article to learn more details about the 2025 Ice Fishing Tournament at Lake John and get signed up today!

Snowmobiling

Jackson County has some of the most beautiful conditions for snowmobiling in Colorado. Not only do we have fantastic 360 degree views of the Medicine Bow, Neversummer, and Park Ranges, but we are also at the sweet spot for altitude, snowfall, and sunshine that draw thousands of riders and their sleds to our high country and flatlands.

North Park is the gateway to some areas for anybody who loves to cut through powder or packed snow on a high-octane snowmachine. Buffalo Pass, Gould, Rabbit Ears Pass, Big Creek Lakes are just some of the best trails you’ve always wanted to ride. The trail system at the State Forest State Park is one of the best in the state, connecting up with an extensive trail system in Grand County for hundreds of miles of groomed trails.

Bring your sleds to North Park for all sorts of fun in the snow, including a Poker Run on February 22nd in Gould, CO sponsored by the North Park Snow Snakes snowmobile club. More details to follow, or subscribe to the Newsletter on substack for regular updates in your email inbox.

XMR Racing 

When: Jan 18, 2025 (and dates following in February and March!)

Where: Walden Reservoir; Walden, CO

If you ride or just enjoy watching how the pros get it done, North Park is still the place for you. Last year, Xtreme Mountain Racing tried to crack the ice at Walden Reservoir. This year they are back and better than ever. XMR holds several races throughout the winter, featuring vintage snowmobiles, stock, pro-stock, and modified builds with sleds, side-by-sides, minis, and bikes. It’s a great way to spend the day on the ice, watching these racers run this 3/8 mile oval track.

Hundreds of spectators are expected, so be sure to show up early to pick out a good spot. Just about a mile west of Walden, take HWY 125 south out of Walden and follow the rumble of thunder on the ice to Co. Road 12 and make a right at the reservoir turnoff. Check out www.xmr-racing.com for more information. Parking and admission is free!

Competing for a Good Cause

Poker Night!

When: Jan 4, 6pm

Where: Wattenberg Center, Jackson County Fairgrounds; Walden, CO

Want to test your luck and skill of strategy while supporting a good cause? $50 (with an option for repeated buy-ins) buys you into the Poker Game Night on Saturday, Jan 4 at 6pm, at the Wattenberg Center, Jackson County Fairgrounds) in Walden, CO. Proceeds go to support the after prom fundraiser for North Park School’s. Give the kids a safe night to remember for 2025! And don’t forget to bring your poker face. 

3rd Annual Pete’s Pies Pie Auction and Chili Dinner

When: Jan 19 at 1pm. 

Where: NPHS Cafeteria, Walden, CO

January is packed with competitions this year. From poker to pie…? This is the third helping of Pete’s Pies Pie Auction and Chili Dinner, which was built to support the North Park School Booster club in memory of Pete Vanvalkenberg. Proceeds from entries and pie auction go to the North Park Booster Club to help out the students and athletes at North Park Schools. 

Desert drop offs begin at 1pm and pie auction and chili tasting (red and green chile) begin at 4pm. Go Cats!

Ron Sessions Memorial Ice Golf Tournament 

When: Jan 25th 

Where: Walden Reservoir; Walden, CO

One of the most anticipated events of winter in North Park, there’s still some time to get your team together for the Ron Sessions Memorial Ice Golf Tournament. When XMR isn’t trying to crack the ice, the Ron Sessions Memorial Ice Golf Tournament is drilling holes into it for a crazy golf course you won’t forget. Proceeds go towards a scholarship and other philanthropic work from the local Lions Club chapter. Winners will get a $500 cash prize. Last year a total of $1500 in prizes were given during the event. Check out last year’s article on the Ron Sessions Memorial Ice Golf Tournament to learn more..

Tee-off time is 10 a.m. Reservations for the tournament will be taken no later than 5pm on Jan 20. “Greens" fees are $150 for each three-member golf team. Payments will be accepted in cash or check ONLY, and must be sent through the U.S. Mail ONLY. Interested players can contact Jim Dustin at [email protected], and entries should be sent to:

Ron Sessions Golf
Box 307
Walden, CO 80480

Places to Stay in North Park

Book your lodging in a hotel, VRBO, or AirBnB vacation rental property in Walden, CO. 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
• Yonder Yurts 
• Powderhorn Lodge (970) 723-4359
• Check out these listings for other places in Jackson County!

Come Play in the Snow Like a Local

There’s so much going on in North Park in January. From outdoor winter recreation to races and tournaments to cook-off challenges, you won’t want to miss any of the excitement. Be sure to book your accommodations now! These events are some of the biggest draws to North Park throughout the year and space is limited and fill up quickly!

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