Are you looking for a unique winter experience? Do you love snapping photos of the snowy wonderland that Colorado becomes around this time of the year? Do you have kids or grandkids who are obsessed with the movie Frozen? (Let’s be honest - most of us can sing along to "Let It Go," whether or not we intended to learn it…) If you answered "yes" to any (or all) of the above, you’re going to want to take a look inside this positively surreal frozen ice cave in Colorado.

People from near and far flock to Rifle Mountain Park to hike, camp, and explore during the summertime, but if you have never visited this pretty place during the winter months, you’re missing out on one of its most amazing attractions.

The ice caves at Rifle Mountain are created each year by a natural freeze-and-thaw process that begins in December, once temperatures routinely drop below freezing.

Layer by layer, this process starts to build up.

The icy formations inside the cave continually change throughout the winter and typically stick around through late February.

As their creation depends on the weather, each one is completely unique from year to year - and even day to day.

The Upper and Lower Rifle Ice Caves are not only stunning; they are easy enough for almost anyone to access them. You’ll find them less than a mile from the parking lot!

We do suggest wearing sturdy shoes, as any trail can get slick in the wintertime and the ice caves are, of course, slippery.

It should also go without saying that exploring any cave - ice or otherwise - is incredibly dangerous. But in winter, the dangers multiply. Falling ice is always a risk, so helmets are recommended as well.

This natural phenomenon is certainly a must-see for Coloradans, but you should also consider making a return visit in the spring and summer months when the melting ice transforms into a beautiful cascade.

Rifle Mountain Park is a lovely destination any time of the year, but winter brings something especially magical to the landscape!

Drive safe on your way here, and take care in the area. Even though you'll be visiting in winter, this is still bear country!

Winter in Colorado is packed with beautiful destinations, but these ice caves are one of our favorite hidden gems! Have you ever visited this park in another season?

For more Colorado ice caves to explore, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind trail near Aspen, which features an ice cave and a waterfall! To be honest, this whole region is packed with bucket-list sights and gorgeous hikes, so stay in the know with a GPS app to help you scout them all!