Last year, I did a blog on this topic and covered many of my favorite outdoor Loveland activities during the winter. And while I mentioned some local trails that are great for hiking and local running clubs, this year I wanted to expand the scope a little bit, both in the types of activities and the distance from Loveland to include more of the surrounding areas.
Ice Fishing
Now, ice fishing isn’t personally my cup of tea, but many people love it here. And there are lots of great places nearby to do it. You can even see people ice fishing on Lake Loveland when the ice gets thick enough. Another Loveland hot spot for ice fishing is Boyd Lake State Park. Both lakes are stocked every year and walleye is one of the main catches that is worth eating. And if you happen to catch a walleye and aren’t sure what to do with it, here is a really tasty recipe for fried walleye that will have you hoping for more fresh fish in the near future.
If you want more of a mountain ice fishing experience, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great destination for ice fishing. And in the park, you’re likely to catch some delicious trout! Just make sure you have the appropriate fishing licenses and know which lakes are open and closed to ice fishing before you go.
Sledding
In our section of the Front Range, finding a great sledding hill can be a little tricky. Loveland, Fort Collins, and Windsor all tend to be pretty flat. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. You might find your own little treasure in your neighborhood. Or if you have to hop in your car and head down the road, you might be able to find some steeper slopes. In Loveland, Mehaffey Park is a go-to place for local sledding. Kroh Park is another in-town favorite.
If you don’t mind driving a bit further and making a day of it, Rocky Mountain National Park has a very beloved place for sledding called Hidden Valley. Families drive up there with tubes and sleds and trudge up an epic hill to come flying back down it.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you love cross-country skiing, or even if you’ve never tried it before, there are plenty of places to do it in Estes Park. As I keep mentioning, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hotspot for so many of Colorado’s best winter recreation. If you want to get some miles in without heading to the mountains though, you can find people cross-country skiing at City Park in Fort Collins, Spring Canyon Park, and actually any of the golf courses in Fort Collins.
So, if you get the winter blues, maybe here is your remedy! Try something outside—something new, something with the family, or a favorite winter hobby! There are plenty of places to take advantage of our sunny, mild winters.
And if you’re looking for a way to get your pups out in the winter, check out my past post about the best dog parks in Loveland.
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