Winter Wonders of Southern Colorado: Snowy Parks, Quiet Trails, and Family Adventures

Winter in southern Colorado doesn’t mean hibernation, it means adventure with a slower pace, quieter trails, and landscapes dusted in magic. From wide-open lakeshores to rugged mountain backdrops, the region’s state parks and wildlife areas offer families and solo explorers a chance to reconnect with nature when the crowds thin and the air turns crisp.

At Trinidad Lake State Park, winter transforms the shoreline into a peaceful playground. While summer boats are tucked away, the lake still shines as a destination for cold-weather fishing, wildlife watching, and lakeside picnics with thermoses of hot cocoa. Bald eagles are often spotted soaring overhead, and kids love scanning the water’s edge for animal tracks pressed into fresh snow. Easy walking paths make this park ideal for families with younger children who want a gentle introduction to winter hiking.

Just west of town, Fishers Peak State Park delivers a more rugged winter experience. Colorado’s newest state park feels vast and wild, especially when snow softens the foothills below the iconic peak. Adventurous families can bundle up for snowshoe hikes, while older kids and teens enjoy exploring trails that feel like true backcountry, without straying far from town. Winter wildlife sightings are common here, and the silence alone is worth the visit.

In Walsenburg, Lathrop State Park offers a different kind of winter charm. As Colorado’s first state park, it blends history with recreation. When the lakes freeze, the park becomes a hub for ice fishing, quiet shoreline walks, and wide-open spaces perfect for kids to run, slide, and laugh. Picnic shelters provide wind breaks, making it easier for families to linger even on colder days.

For those seeking a wilder feel, southern Colorado’s state wildlife areas are winter treasures. Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area, whose name means “Forest of the Bear”, is especially enchanting after snowfall. Cottonwood groves and river corridors become quiet sanctuaries for birds and mammals. Families can enjoy easy nature walks while learning to identify animal tracks, turning the outing into a natural scavenger hunt.

Nearby, North Lake State Wildlife Area is a peaceful winter escape centered around its namesake lake. Anglers brave the cold for ice fishing, while others simply enjoy the reflective beauty of snow-rimmed water. It’s a perfect spot for unplugged family time—no schedules, no screens, just open sky and fresh air.

Finally, the dramatic backdrop of the Spanish Peaks sets the stage at Spanish Peaks State Wildlife Area. Winter here feels cinematic. Trails wind through rolling terrain with postcard views of the twin peaks rising in the distance. It’s ideal for snowshoeing, photography, and quiet moments that remind visitors why these landscapes matter.

Together, these southern Colorado parks prove that winter isn’t something to escape—it’s something to embrace. Whether you’re building a snowman by a frozen lake, spotting wildlife with your kids, or simply walking in silence beneath wide winter skies, these parks invite everyone to slow down, explore, and rediscover the simple joy of being outside.

Get your LocalStash Card.

Use the LocalStash Map to explore participating businesses nearby.