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Top Spots For Winter Outdoor Adventures Near Denver

Snowmobiling(credit: CBS)

Sure, Colorado is known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, however that crisp, cool air and the fresh powder is also good for a variety of other outdoor activities. From snowmobiling to ice fishing, you have so many wonderful activities to choose from that there is really no reason to stay home and you don't have to drive that far away from the city to participate. If you are looking for a few other great outdoor winter activities, here are some ideas to keep you physically active and having a blast all winter long.

Snowmobiling in Meeker
White River Snowmobile Club
233 6th St.
Meeker, CO 81641
(970) 878-3320
www.meekerchamber.com

If you own a snowmobile or need to rent one, you'll want to take that fun ride up to the city of Meeker for 178 miles of trails in Rio Blanco County. The trails are all well groomed and maintained by the White River Snowmobile Club, with 78 of the miles left natural, so you'll find a challenge for the most experienced riders. You'll love cruising through the rolling hills and the open parks on your snowmobile as you take in all of the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you. Plus, this city is definitely on the quiet side during the winter, so you won't have to deal with all of the crowds to enjoy your time riding. Check out the White River Snowmobile Club for more information and join them for the fun winter activities they host all season long.

Dog Sledding in Steamboat Springs
Grizzle-T Dog Sledding
(970) 870-1782
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
www.steamboatdogsledding.com

Ride through the pristine trails of one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado as your own team of Alaskan Huskies powers through all of the fresh powder, taking you on the ride of your life. The team at Grizzle-T Dog Sledding has several different ways for you to enjoy the winter in Steamboat Springs, with lots of beautiful dogs just waiting to give you a ride. There are two different tour options to take, one that even lets you drive the team yourself for those that are more experienced with the dogs. All of the instruction you need is included, and after the tour you'll enjoy hot chocolate, cider and cookies as you warm up and discuss your amazing Colorado winter experience.

Related: Top Spots For Winter Outdoor Fun In And Around Denver

Ice Fishing on Chatfield Reservoir
11500 N. Roxborough Park Road
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-7275
www.cpw.state.co.us

Chatfield Reservoir is always a popular spot for water lovers in Colorado. Year-round you'll find boating, waterskiing and canoeing on the stunning waters. During the winter, however, the frozen lake is perfect for ice fishing, depending on the weather conditions, of course. If you love to cast a line and see what you can catch, then this spot is for you. Ice fishing enthusiasts love to visit Chatfield during the cold winter months, and you'll see plenty of thick ice for you to make your hole, drop your line and enjoy the scenery. Permits are required here, and it's crucial that you know how to judge the thickness of the ice before you head out. Ice fishing can be dangerous if you don't know what you are in for, so get some lessons or take an experienced friend with you on this one.

Tubing on Copper Mountain
509 Copper Road
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
(970) 968-2318
www.coppercolorado.com

Copper Mountain is known for skiing, and you can find hundreds of bundled-up ski bunnies waiting in those long lift lines for their time on the slopes. However, you can also take the hills a different way.  Copper Mountain's Tubing Hill has been a popular spot for tubers since 1997. If you have already spent a day skiing on the slopes, or if you just want to grab a tube and hit the hills, this is a great place to visit. The whole family will love it as you slide downhill on the perfect tube, with lots of curves, jumps and banks to enjoy. You can even tube in larger groups and there is a lift that takes you to the top for another run at the hill.

Snowshoe Hiking at Elk River Guest Ranch
29840 Route County Road 64
Clark, CO 80428
(970) 879-1946
www.elkrivergr.com

Coloradoans love to hike, and the snow and cold weather certainly doesn't stop them. If you've never tried snowshoe hiking, here is a great spot to get all of the equipment, training and guided help you need to hike like a pro. The team at Elk River Guest Ranch offers transportation to and from the Ranch as well as all of the equipment you need as you set out on foot for one of the fun snowshoe packages. You can take the Snowshoe and Fondue Lunch, which includes a one-hour hike, all of your equipment and a cheese fondue lunch, or one of the many other packages like the Hot Chocolate Showshoe or other guided hikes. These outings are perfect for groups of up to four people, and they really are the best way to appreciate the stunning beauty of this area.

Related: Top Ski Areas For Kids In Colorado

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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