Some of the greatest hikes in Colorado are right out our backdoor. You can literally walk out the backyard of many of our vacation rentals to trails and adventures year-round.
Fraser River Trail
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.5 Miles One-Way
The Fraser River Trail is an easy walking trail that you can take to Winter Park Resort or go west and it will take you all the way through Tabernash to Granby. For the above reference on the easy 2 1/2 miles we are describing the Fraser Trail starting at the Winter Park Chamber information center headed towards Winter Park Resort. You’ll start on the sidewalk through the town of Winter Park which will turn into a paved trail at Beaver Village. This paved trail will take you along the pond by Grand Adventures and through the forest along the Fraser River. It is really such a peaceful and beautiful walk that takes you under Highway along the river to the Winter Park Resort. Once you reach Winter Park Drive you will take a left to get to the ski resort and all the fun activities at the base. There’s only a slight incline as you head towards the resort, so the walk back will be easy, unless you decide to spend the day at the resort and don’t feel like walking back. You can always catch the free shuttle back to downtown Winter Park or Fraser.
Second Creek / Broome Hut
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 Mile One-Way
This hike starts at an elevation of 10,569′ and reaches 11,350′ at the Hut. To access the trailhead from downtown Winter Park, head south on highway 40 up the eastern side of Berthoud Pass. You will notice a turnout at mile marker 240 and most likely you’ll see several cars there as well. This spot is also marked by a large orange avalanche warning sign, as this is also a favorite hike for wintertime snowshoers and backcountry skiing. Follow the main trail along the creek until you reach the cirque and then you’ll see the hut. The views of James Peak, Parry Peak, and the Continental Divide are breathtaking all year long.
Adams Falls East Inlet Trail
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 Miles One-Way to the falls and 1 Mile One-Way to the glaciated valley
To get to this hike, head west on highway 40 towards Granby from Winter Park. Take a right on highway 34 and head towards Grand Lake for roughly 15 miles into the town of Grand Lake. When you reach the Mountain Food Market, take a left and follow that road to the trailhead about 2 miles down that road. This hike is a fun and enjoyable trail for all ages and the glaciated valley is just past the falls and provide unbelievable views of Mount Baldy. This trail is located in Rocky Mountain National Park and unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this hike.
Creekside / Flume Loop
Level of Dificulty: Easy
Length: 5 Miles Round Trip
To access the trail from Winter Park, head north on highway 40 towards Fraser. At the traffic light near Safeway and Wendy’s, turn left onto CR 72. Take a right on CR 721, which is Fraser Parkway, and follow that to the “T” intersection. Turn left onto CR73 and then continue past the St. Louis Creek camping area. This is definitely a hike you’ll be glad you did, as it’s a local’s favorite that follows the creek with amazing views and wildlife to explore.
Devil’s Thumb Hike
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 3.9 Miles One-Way
Head North on highway 40 from Winter Park and right after you pass the Fraser Post Office, you’ll see CR 8 on your right. Turn right onto CR 8 and head up hill about 6 miles and the road turns into FDR 128. Continue on FDR 128 to the left and you’ll see signs for Devil’s Thumb trailhead, and you’ll turn right to park at the trailhead. The trail starts out through the forest and a mile and half away is a meadow and then the trail forks into the High Lonesome trail going left and you’ll want to stay right to hit the Devil’s Thumb trail. This is a difficult trail and you will notice it in the elevation change from the trailhead at 9,609′ to the summit at 12,236′. Once you are above timberline, you will follow the path along the tundra until you see the Devil’s Thumb rock. This is an unbelievable hike you won’t want to miss. Add this to your bucket list, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll have amazing opportunities for breathtaking pictures of the Continental Divide, Devil’s Thumb Lake, Tabernash, and the Winter Park Resort Ski area.