Winter is a time to be outside. The cold temperatures and snow allow for activities that can't be done during the summer months. Visitors and residents of Denver, Colorado can take advantage of the winter temperatures and seasonal delights with many outdoor activities. You may have to travel a little bit outside the city to enjoy some of these activities, but the experience makes the driving worthwhile.
Speeding down hills isn't the only way to enjoy a pair of skis. Cross-country skiing is a low-impact, highly aerobic snow sport that's been around for thousands of years. Unless you're travelling in a group, cross-country skiing is a solitary adventure that lets you get away from everything and everyone while exploring the backcountry around Denver. It's an easy sport to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The month of December is the most brightly lit month of the year. All around the city of Denver Christmas lights twinkle during the night. The Denver Zoo is no different. In December, the zoo is lit up nightly with over 1 million small lights for a festival called Zoo Lights that plays host to over 110, 000 guests. The trees seem to sparkle and light sculptures move about while people wandering through enjoying warm refreshments and other holiday entertainment. It's the largest special event at the Denver Zoo and has become a tradition for residents and visitors alike.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205-4899
303-376-4800
denverzoo.org
To the west of Denver is Two Below Zero, a company that takes its visitors on scenic sleigh rides through the Colorado wilderness. Drawn by mules, the sleighs are replicas of those found in the 1850's, made of handcrafted oak. The sleigh ride takes guests along trails that lead to a forest camp where they're treated to a warm homemade dinner. The sleighs seat 14 people so there's plenty of room for a group. You don't have to worry about getting cold during the ride because Two Below Zero has blankets at the ready for all passengers.
Two Below Zero
18454 Highway 9
Frisco, CO 80443
970-453-1520
dinnersleighrides.com
Another Denver daytrip is to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Guests can enjoy the 104 degree mineral hot springs year round, but they're especially relaxing after a long day spent out in the cold. Strawberry Hot Springs is kept as natural as possible with calming forest views and large, snow-topped boulders surrounding the pools. After nightfall, only visitors over 18 years old are allowed into the pools. To add to the day's relaxation, massages are also offered to complete a day of pampering.
Strawberry Hot Springs
44200 County road #36
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970-879-0342
strawberryhotsprings.com
