Do you have a case of the winter blues? While the Centennial State often shines its brightest during these cold winter months, it is still normal to feel blah from the dreariness of the season and crave some outings, like winter day trips to up your mood. To help change your mood and get you back to enjoying the winter, we have researched and compiled a list of 10 of the best winter day trips in Colorado:

1. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, 415 E 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Springs is a beaut in the warm weather months, but have you had the pleasure of seeing it in the winter? The historic town is absolutely stunning under a blanket of snow and even boasts creative ways to keep you warm, a la the Glenwood Hot Springs (the largest hot springs pool in the world!). Thanks to its location smack dab in the heart of the state, Glenwood Springs also offers easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation in Colorado.

2. Palisade

Palisade, CO 81526, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Greg Tally
If you are a foodie, this one is for you, as Palisade is not only Colorado wine country but your one-stop-shop for delicious and unique food! From classic bar favorites to Italian cuisine to world-class French, Mexican, and farm-to-table fare, if you crave it, you will find it (and so much more) in Palisade.

3. Frisco Adventure Park (Frisco)

Frisco Adventure Park, 621 Recreation Way, Frisco, CO 80443, USA
TripAdvisor/Management
If your winter could use a little oomph, we invite you to the always fun and exciting Frisco Adventure Park. Located in - you guessed it - Frisco, this namesake attraction has everything you need to keep your family entertained in the cold, including tubing, sledding, sleigh rides, and beginning ski hills.

4. Black Hawk

Black Hawk, CO, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Matthew Trump
If being outside in the cold isn't your thing, you're in luck (we hope!), as Colorado is home to its own mini Las Vegas! Located 45 minutes from Denver, Black Hawk is home to world-class casinos, resorts, and buffets, making for a perfect adults-only day trip! (If you enjoy history, be sure also to check out the town's museums and nearby mines.)

5. Old Town Fort Collins

Old Town, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
Downtown Fort Collins Facebook
If you haven't visited Old Town recently (or have never visited), what are you waiting for? Billed as the place where "arts, history, culture, and business come together," there is always something to see and do around Old Town, thanks to unique shopping and boutiques, restaurants, and special events galore.

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6. Ouray

Ouray, CO, USA
Flickr/Laurel F
Two words: ice climbing. Are you not an ice climber yourself? Consider watching others make the ascent at the Ouray Ice Park, which is free and open from late December through mid-March.

7. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA
Flickr/Kelly Burkhart
No matter what you enjoy doing, you are sure to find it in Steamboat: A popular Colorado destination that offers a little bit of everything. What will you do? Hit the slopes? Soak in the Strawberry Hot Springs? Enjoy dinner and a romantic sleigh ride? You can find all of the above (and so much more) in Steamboat!

8. Art District on Santa Fe (Denver)

Art District on Santa Fe, 858 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Art District on Santa Fe Facebook
Can't escape the city? What if there was a way to feel like you did without ever even leaving? Enter the Santa Fe Art District: a nationally known and recognized area that houses hundreds of galleries, art exhibits, theaters, studios, and more, making for a perfect day trip! (Psst... If you visit on the first Friday of the month, you can even participate in the aptly-named First Friday Art Walk, which consists of food and drink, vendors, and unique art exhibits.)

9. Montrose

Montrose, CO, USA
Visit Montrose Facebook
Skiing and snowboarding. Snowmobiling. Hiking. Climbing. If the great outdoors is your thing, Montrose is the day trip destination for you!

10. La Junta

La Junta, CO 81050, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall
If you hail from the Eastern Plains and are looking for a fun and easy day trip, we give you La Junta! Whether you want to shop (the thrifting and antiquing here is AMAZING), explore historic sites (Bent's Old Fort, for instance), or hike around, you will never be short on new things to see and do.

Now there’s no more need to search “winter day trips near me!” For even more wintertime fun, check out these 11 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Colorado Winter.

If you’re looking for the perfect accommodations in Colorado for after your winter day trips, we recommend taking a look at the many different options available on Vrbo. You can stay in a bustling city apartment, a charming ski chalet, or anywhere in between.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things To Do In Colorado

Sara Dager | November 30, 2023

What are some fun road trips in Colorado that I can go on? 

Pack up the car and hop on the road for these fun road trips through Colorado:

Which hikes in Colorado should I do? 

Get some fresh air and enjoy the gorgeous sites of the Centennial state on these fun hikes in Colorado:

  • Roxborough State Park offers up stunning views within city limits and trails that are easy to trek no matter the weather.
  • Lily Lake is only a 1.1-mile hike but the views of the frozen lake are charming and the short distance is perfect for that chilly winter weather.
  • Manitou Incline offers up an over 2,000-step incline that is sure to warm up your legs on even the coldest days. Just be sure to wear good boots!

Are there any fun hidden gems in Colorado that I need to see? 

There are tons of exciting hidden gems in Colorado to check out, such as:

  • Zapata Falls, which is a hidden waterfall you'll find after a short hike, it's even prettier in winter when it freezes over.
  • The Space Foundation Discover Center is the perfect spot to spend a rainy day learning all about the stars and what lies beyond them.
  • Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area, which looks straight out of a painting with crystal blue waters, rich greenery, and breathtaking mountain peaks.

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