Winter Recreation

Clear Creek County features a wide range of winter recreation options from developed ski areas to quiet backcountry trails, many of which are some of the state’s more popular for their easy access and options for all abilities. While this guide points out many things to do and see, it should only be considered a jumping off point for discovering all the cold-weather activities the county has to offer. No matter how you plan to enjoy the region, always consult avalanche data at avalanche.state.co.us or 303-499-9650 before heading to the backcountry. ALPINE SKIING/SNOWBOARDING

Clear Creek County is home to two downhill ski and snowboard areas, Loveland Ski Area at Exit 216 and Echo Mountain at Exit 240. Also, Arapahoe Basin is just across Loveland Pass at Exit 216 and Winter Park is on the other side of Berthoud Pass at Exit 232. All are local favorites. Several more popular resorts can be found nearby in Summit, Grand and Boulder counties. Visit coloradoski.com to learn more.

CROSS-COUNTRY/TELEMARK SKIING

A range of options for all abilities of Nordic and telemark skiers exist in the National Forest lands of Clear Creek County. Also, former railroad grades and nearly-flat developed routes provide excellent conditions for beginners. Most options include breathtaking views and consistently excellent conditions. Also, several Nordic ski centers with groomed trails can be found nearby in Summit, Grand and Boulder counties.

FAT BIKING Be sure to check, but most trails open to biking in summer are also open to fat bikes in the winter. There are numerous options across the county, including hundreds of miles of mining and summer roads closed to motorized traffic in winter months.

FITNESS & SWIMMING Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District’s Idaho Springs Recreation Center, 1130 Idaho St. at Exit 240, offers low-priced day-use passes to its pool, hot tub, fitness center and classes. Call 303-567-4822 or visit clearcreekrecreation.com for information.

HUNTING A variety of hunting is available in select areas of Clear Creek County. Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/hunt.aspx, for complete information about hunting, regulations, licenses, open areas and seasons.

ICE CLIMBING Several fun, easily accessible ice climbs can be found in Clear Creek Canyon along U.S. 6 near Exit 244. They are some of the most popular and crowded on the Front Range, so be patient and considerate of other parties on the ice. Wear a helmet, belay out of the way of the path of icefall, call for falling ice, and always be aware of other parties. Details can be found at mountainproject.com.

ICE FISHING Georgetown Lake at Exit 228 provides an easy way to ice fish in a top spot from December to late February when the ice is solid. Bring equipment. There’s a warming hut and rest rooms. A license is required for anyone 16 and older. State laws and regulations apply, so check with Colorado Parks & Wildlife at cpw.state.co.us or download the CPW Fishing App for details. The Lawson Adventure Park, 3440 Alvarado Road, at Exit 234 offers guided ice fishing.

ICE RACING Our Gang 4 Wheelers holds ice racing events on Georgetown Lake on most weekends in January and February, weather permitting. Spectators can watch for free. Races start at 9:30 a.m. View a schedule for a particular day and find more information, including how to participate, at ourgangiceracing.com.

ICE SKATING The Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District hosts free ice skating in Georgetown at Exit 228 in Werlin Park at 11th and Taos streets and on a synthetic ice rink at the Ball Field Complex in Idaho Springs at Exit 241. Evergreen Park & Recreation District provides ice skating on Buchanan Ponds and Evergreen Lake at Exit 251 or 252.

MINE TOURS Several mine tours can be found in Clear Creek County in winter and spring including Capital Prize Gold Mine at Exit 228; the Phoenix Gold Mine at Exit 238 or 239; Edgar Experimental Mine at Exit 239 or 240; the ARGO Gold Mill, Tunnel & Museum in Idaho Springs at Exit 240 or 241; and the Hidee Gold Mine near Central City at Exit 243.

SNOWMOBILING Clear Creek County offers popular snowmobiling locations including Stevens Gulch at Bakerville, Exit 221; Jones Pass Road Trail at U.S. 40, Exit 232; and Fall River Reservoir Road at Fall River Road, Exit 238. Pay special attention to all avalanche warnings. Snowmobiles operated on public land or trails must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Visit Selfsponsored, 291 C.R. 308 in Dumont at Exit 235 for snowmobile repair, supplies and rental.

SNOWSHOEING Clear Creek County’s National Forest lands provide countless places to explore the backcountry on snowshoes. Most of Clear Creek County’s best summer hiking trails transform into amazing snowshoeing treks during winter. Pay attention to access, as some roads are closed in winter. The Lawson Adventure Park, 3440 Alvarado Road, at Exit 234 offers guided snowshoe trips.

SNOW TUBING Echo Mountain on Colo. Hwy. 103 at Exit 240 offers six lanes of snow tubing with views of the Continental Divide and a covered conveyor lift. The course is also fully lit for night time use. Online reservations for onehour time slots are required.

WILDLIFE VIEWING Colorado wildlife including big horn sheep, mountain goats, elk, black bear, bobcats, beaver, pika, fox, mountain lions, eagles and more can be seen throughout Clear Creek County. Avoid unwanted encounters by never approaching or feeding any wild animal. The Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Station on Alvarado Road next to Georgetown Lake and Gateway Visitor Center at Exit 228 offer scopes for safe viewing of bighorn sheep and other wildlife.