A Winter Park summer
Long days in the high country — alpine hikes, a Rocky Mountain National Park road trip, rodeo nights, Gold Medal fishing and afternoons on the lake.
Hiking
Columbine Lake
A glittering alpine lake tucked beneath the Continental Divide. The climb is a real one, but the payoff is huge — wildflower meadows, marmots and a tarn above 11,000 feet. Start early to beat the afternoon storms.
Easier local hikes
Closer to home, the paved Fraser River Trail runs right from downtown, while Monarch Lake and the lower Jim Creek Trail offer gentle, scenic miles for all ages — perfect for an easy morning or a sunset stroll.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The park's quiet west entrance is under an hour away at Grand Lake. Here's a full day, start to finish.
Old Fall River Road
The park's original route to the high country — a one-way, gravel, switchbacking climb to the Alpine Visitor Center. Slow and unforgettable, with waterfalls and wildlife around every bend. Opens early summer once the snow clears.
A short park hike
Stretch your legs on something gentle — Adams Falls near Grand Lake or the flat Coyote Valley Trail along the Colorado River. Both are short, stroller-friendly and prime moose territory in the early evening.
Trail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the country, cresting above 12,000 feet. Drive it across the tundra toward Estes Park for endless overlooks, elk and snowfields that linger into July. Pack a layer — it's cool up top.
Dinner at Grand Lake Lodge
Cap the day at the historic Grand Lake Lodge, perched above the water with a porch-side view and classic Colorado fare. The perfect place to watch the light fade before the drive home.
Rodeo, rivers & lakes
The Fraser rodeo
The High Country Stampede Rodeo runs Saturday nights all summer at the arena just west of Fraser — bull riding, barrel racing and a true Colorado evening under the peaks.
Fishing the Colorado River
Gold Medal water runs minutes away. Wade or float the upper Colorado near Parshall and Byers Canyon for wild rainbows and browns, or cast the Fraser right in town. Local guides will put you on fish.
A day on Lake Granby
Colorado's third-largest reservoir is 15 minutes north. Rent a pontoon or ski boat, fish for trout and kokanee, and spend the day on the water beneath the Divide.