From the name, you might think that it’s best to visit Winter Park during the winter, but this small town actually offers endless opportunities for every season. Anyone who has ever visited knows about the great snowboarding of winter and the amazing hiking of summer, but this place has much more to offer. The following are three off the beaten path Winter Park attractions only the locals know about.
Devil’s Thumb Hike
When a hike this beautiful is considered off the beaten path, it is safe to assume it is a bit more difficult than the rest. Still, this hike is adored by the locals for the great exercise it provides along with its amazing payoff of beauty. This hike is 1.9 miles each way and boasts incredible scenery, beginning within the forest, working through meadows, and eventually emerging above the tree line, where you can get an incredible view of Devil’s Thumb Pass. Find the trailhead by taking County Road 8 east until it becomes USFR 128, upon which time you turn left, travel for one mile, then take a right, where the road will end at the trailhead.
Visit Summerland Park
This secret spot is about 20 miles north of Winter Park and it is always worth the trip. You can expect many people to gravitate toward the shores of Grand Lake just a short trip away, so you will likely have this spot all to yourself. You will find a vibrant scene here with wide open meadows, willow trees, and wildflowers. This is a great place for a picnic and chances are good you will see some moose or elk. You can get to Summerland Park after hiking under a mile along the North Inlet Trail from the end of CR 663 just north of Grand Lake.
Fish in the Fraser River
This beautiful river is one of the main tributaries of the young Colorado River. It is relatively flat with some deep pools providing for the perfect opportunity to catch fish averaging around 15 inches long. The best access point is found through Fraser River Trail, the trailhead of which you can find at the Winter Park and Fraser Chamber. Taking this trail gets you to a beautifully secluded shore where you can enjoy the amazing fishing opportunity.
The Best Vacation Rentals in Town
Along with so many great things to do in Winter Park, there are so many great vacation rentals to stay in. Whether you are looking for gorgeous condos within the town’s most luxurious resorts or beautiful mountain homes, Winter Park Escapes has exactly what you are looking for. Whether you fancy their single bedroom condos or their 5-bedroom mansions, you can expect all the comforts of home wrapped in a high-end mountain getaway. Enjoy stone-accented fireplaces, wide-open spaces, beautiful wood features soaked in natural light, flat screen TVs, quality furnishings, granite countertops, and so much more. Contact us today to book your dream vacation rental and to learn more about Winter Park attractions!