7 Colo. state parks for winter bucket list

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Colorado’s state parks might get more visitors in the summer, but they’re known for offering up a wide range of opportunity for winter recreation, too.

Visitors can buy daily passes for $10 Colorado’s state parks.

Without further ado, here are some of Colorado’s best state parks for outdoor recreation during the winter season:

1. Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Springs is known around the country as a hub for winter recreation, and Steamboat Lake State Park certainly delivers. The park offers plenty of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as opportunities for snowmobiling and ice fishing.

2. Pearl Lake State Park

In addition to cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, Pearl Lake State Park includes two yurts that offer a backcountry experience (but they’re only half a mile off the beaten path).

3. Vega State Park

This state park is located on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest. During the winter, Vega State Park offers cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snow tubing. The park also has five year-round cabins available for overnight trips.

4. State Forest State Park

Located in the “ultimate rugged Colorado,” State Forest State Park features forest, alpine lakes, wildlife and miles of trails. In the winter, visitors can go cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

5. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

All of Golden Gate Canyon State Park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. According to the park’s website, the best trails for winter activities are Horseshoe Trail to Frazer Meadow, Raccoon Trail Loop and Mule Deer Trail. The website also says that many roads and camping loops in the park are closed and not plowed in the winter, with some of these spaces having potential to serve as a good practice zone for beginners to work on their skills before heading out into more complicated terrain.

6. Mueller State Park

In the winter months, Mueller State Park’s trails are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and guests can go sledding at the park too. For overnight trips, Mueller offers year-round camping, including three fully furnished cabins.

7. Ridgway State Park

Located only 15 miles from Ouray, the “Switzerland of America,” Ridgway State Park is a great destination for cross-country skiing and winter hikes. Ridgway also has heated yurts available year-round by reservation only. Those planning a trip to Ouray for the ice climbing should make sure to add a stop at Ridgway State Park to their list.