Wild Winter Fun For The Wee Ones

3 Minute Read

 Grand Junction is a popular family-friendly playground all year long. As the seasons change, winter adds its own kind of wonder – thousands of twinkling lights glow Downtown, a soft dusting of snow on the red rocks of Colorado National Monument, and airy powder blanketing the Grand Mesa. You’ll find all the classic Colorado winter activities you expect, without the high price tag, so you can enjoy more time creating unforgettable memories.

Sledding

Grease up the saucers and pull on your bibs because Grand Junction offers some of the best sledding spots in Colorado. Just 45 minutes from Downtown Grand Junction sits the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa. A few miles past Powderhorn Mountain Resort, you'll find the Old Mesa Ski Hill, affectionately known by locals as Old Powderhorn - because that’s exactly what it is. In 1950, there were two rope tows and ski runs that thousands of skiers enjoyed until the nearby resort opened. While the ski crowds shifted, the snowy slope stayed, and today it’s a beloved spot for joy-filled sledding.

If you're looking to take the kiddos on an affordable family-friendly ski trip, Powderhorn Mountain Resort is open from early December to April. Little ones love the Magic Forest, accessed from the Easy Rider chair lift. It’s a run with wooden animals hiding on the sides to help them navigate those turns. For kids 8 and up who are just starting to learn, the Bob Beverly Program offers three FREE half-day lessons, rentals, and lift tickets to help them get the basics down.

Ice Skating

Even if you don’t know how to skate, we have all imagined sliding across an alpine lake under bluebird skies. Well, stop dreaming, and make it happen! At 10,000 feet, the Grand Mesa’s 300 lakes provide pristine ice-skating conditions. The snow melts during the day and then at night it freezes, creating a smooth layer of ice that is just waiting to be skated on. If you prefer skating indoors, stop by River City Sportsplex in Grand Junction to carve it up in the rink. Skates can be rented for only $5.00! Check out their Cosmic Skating, where night skating includes a dark rink, light show, music and fun...all while jiving out on the ice.

Snowshoeing 

Don’t let the snow stop your family from hiking some of your favorite Grand Mesa routes. Strap on the snowshoes and start exploring. The Grand Mesa Nordic Council grooms cross-country ski trails all winter long, which makes for some awesome snowshoe routes. Just remember to walk next to and not on the groomed trails so skiers can glide by with ease. You can also veer off the beaten path and explore some of the more remote areas of the Grand Mesa, like South Mesa Lake and Lost Lake.

Ice Fishing

Get ready for a reel adventure! Take the kiddos to one of the 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa and enjoy an action-packed day of catching a big kahuna. One of the most popular ice fishing spots is Sunset Lake. Bait up the poles, sit back and wait for a hungry trout to come take a bite. Don’t forget to make sure your fishing license is up to date before you go, and always remember, safety first! Ideally, wait for ice thickness to be 5 – 6 inches, and always pack an ice pick, throw rope, floating jacket and bring a fishing buddy with you. For more information, check out the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Ice Fishing page.

Colorado National Monument Winter Hiking

One of the best parts of Grand Junction in the winter is the easy access to snow-covered mountains on the Grand Mesa, and then soaking up the sun on clear trails in weather 20 degrees warmer closer to town. Grand Junction rarely accumulates snow and when it does, it only lasts for a day or two. This makes for an awesome day of hiking in Colorado National Monument, known for its accessible trails and majestic views. For an easy hike that kids and adults love, try out the Canyon Rim Trail.  You will see epic views of Colorado National Monument's vast landscape and spires. Also, a quick stop along Rim Rock Drive, as you approach the top of the Monument, is Upper Ute Canyon View - walk to the left of the "mummy" and yell cowabunga! We promise everyone will be laughing when you experience what happens.

Downtown Grand Junction

After a day of playing in the snow, warm up with hot cocoa from one of Downtown’s delicious coffee shops and wander the sculpture-lined sidewalks. As part of Art on the Corner, there are over 115 sculptures and murals in Downtown Grand Junction. Because many of the sculptures are interactive, kids can explore, climb, and burn off plenty of energy.  After all, Downtown is a designated city park, so running around and exploring is encouraged! While they play with the art, stop into some of the Downtown shops. From boutique shops and outdoor recreation outfitters to antique stores and art galleries, there is a wide variety of one-of-a-kind offerings to peruse! Also, there are plenty of cafes; and for those adulting, there are a couple of wine tasting rooms to keep you relaxed and savoring the moment.

For more outdoor adventures in Grand Junction, check out page 28 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.