From snowy sleigh rides and natural hot springs to private fly-fishing outings, luxury ranch stays, and the landscapes of southern Colorado, discover what makes Colorado a year-round destination—even if you never put on skis.
You don’t need to ski to fall in love with Colorado.
Imagine taking your children on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a snowy valley, soaking in a natural hot spring while snow falls around you, or traveling through the mountains aboard a festive holiday train.
Return in summer, and those same mountains offer horseback riding, fly fishing, rafting, and long evenings spent outdoors with family and friends.
My husband, Tyler, has lived in Colorado for 35 years. We both spent nearly six years in the Aspen and Snowmass area and also lived and worked in the Vail Valley. Our time here has shown us that some of Colorado’s most memorable experiences happen well beyond the ski slopes.
At JWs Travel, we use that firsthand knowledge and our relationships with local partners to create private vacations around the activities you actually enjoy.
Here are the experiences I would consider throughout the year.
Winter: Snowy Adventures Without Skis
Colorado’s snow-covered mountains and festive villages offer plenty to enjoy without skiing. The key is choosing activities that suit your group’s ages, interests, and comfort with winter weather.
Snowmobiling through the mountains
For travelers who want adventure, a guided snowmobile excursion can be an exciting way to explore snowy forests and mountain landscapes.
Some outings are suitable for first-time riders, while others involve more demanding terrain. For families, we would select an appropriate route based on the children’s ages, the operator’s requirements, and everyone’s experience.
For guests seeking a more adventurous outing, we could explore longer or more challenging routes when conditions and operator requirements permit.
Dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides
Dog sledding offers a distinctive way to experience Colorado’s winter scenery. Depending on the operator, guests may also learn about the sled dogs, how the teams work together, and the care involved in running the operation.
We would review the operator’s animal-welfare practices, age requirements, seating arrangements, and current conditions before recommending an experience.
For a gentler winter outing, consider a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
We could explore seasonal options in the Vail Valley, Breckenridge, the Aspen area, or Steamboat Springs. Some rides focus on the snowy scenery, while others may include dinner or time at a mountain lodge.
For families with young children, a sleigh ride can be a wonderful shared experience without requiring everyone to participate in a strenuous activity. For a couple celebrating an anniversary, an evening ride followed by a memorable dinner could be equally appealing.
Colorado’s Hot Springs: Which Experience Fits Your Trip?
Colorado’s hot springs are among Tyler’s favorite things about the state, particularly in winter.
But not all hot springs offer the same experience. Some are intimate soaking retreats, others are large pool complexes suited to families, and some place you much closer to the surrounding natural landscape.
Here are four destinations we would compare.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort: Creekside soaking
Nathrop, near Buena Vista
Mount Princeton is known for its mountain setting and creekside soaking area along Chalk Creek.
When water levels and conditions allow, guests can enjoy naturally heated water mixing with the cooler creek in designated areas. The resort also has developed pools for those who prefer a more conventional soaking experience.
For families, we would consider which facilities are appropriate for the children’s ages. For couples, Mount Princeton could be part of a relaxing overnight stay in the surrounding mountain region.
Creekside access depends on conditions, so we would confirm its availability before planning a visit around it.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs: A rustic mountain setting
Steamboat Springs
Strawberry Park offers stone-lined mineral pools in a forested setting. The contrast between the warm water and cold mountain air is particularly memorable during winter.
Its atmosphere differs considerably from a large resort pool complex, making it worth considering for travelers who prefer a more natural setting.
Winter transportation, reservations, age restrictions, and evening-access rules require particular attention. We would confirm the current policies and arrange suitable transportation when needed.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs: A relaxing couples’ escape
Glenwood Springs
Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers multiple mineral soaking pools with different temperatures and views overlooking the Colorado River.
For an anniversary or couples’ getaway, we would consider setting aside an afternoon to enjoy the pools rather than squeezing the visit between other activities.
The property offers different admission and facility options, so we would compare the current choices and age policies before selecting the experience.
Glenwood Hot Springs: A family-friendly classic
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool offers a different experience from Iron Mountain.
Its enormous historic mineral pool and additional aquatic attractions make it worth considering for families whose children want room to swim and play.
For a couple seeking a quieter soaking experience, we might explore Iron Mountain instead.
Glenwood Springs also has the separate Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves, where adult travelers can experience natural geothermal steam caves.
Our planning tip: If hot springs are a major part of your vacation, choose the property and experience first. Two attractions in the same town can offer very different afternoons.
Scenic Train Journeys and Holiday Experiences
Colorado’s railways provide another way to enjoy the mountains without skiing. Some are festive family attractions; others make the journey itself part of the vacation.
The Polar Express Train Ride in Golden: During the holiday season, the Colorado Railroad Museum offers a themed experience inspired by the familiar Christmas story. We could combine it with time exploring Golden’s walkable downtown, subject to event dates and ticket availability.
Georgetown Loop Railroad: This historic railroad offers scenic rides and seasonal programming. During the holidays, certain departures may include illuminated displays or Christmas-themed activities. Georgetown can make a worthwhile stop when traveling west toward the mountain resorts, provided the schedule and route fit your trip.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr: For travelers who enjoy a longer rail journey, we would consider the route between Denver and Glenwood Springs. The train passes through remarkable mountain scenery, including the Colorado River corridor and Glenwood Canyon.
A train journey requires more planning than a scenic drive. We would account for schedules, potential delays, luggage, and transportation at both ends before incorporating it into your itinerary.
Spring: Waterfalls, Hot Springs and the Start of Rafting Season
Spring in Colorado is beautiful, but conditions can vary dramatically by elevation.
A warm afternoon in Denver may coincide with snow, freezing nights, or muddy trails in the mountains. March and late June can feel like entirely different seasons.
As snow begins to melt, streams and waterfalls become especially impressive. We could arrange a scenic walk or guided outing suited to the conditions, rather than assume a high-elevation trail is accessible because spring has arrived.
Late spring and early summer also bring snowmelt-fed flows to Colorado’s rivers.
For adventurous guests, this can create exciting rafting and kayaking opportunities. Higher water, however, can mean colder temperatures, faster currents, and more demanding conditions.
We would work with an experienced operator to choose a suitable river section based on current flows, the ages and abilities of your group, and the level of adventure you want.
For travelers who prefer relaxation, spring can also be a lovely time for hot springs and evenings around a fire at a mountain resort or private residence.
Summer: Ranch Stays, Horseback Riding and Fly Fishing
Summer opens up an entirely different side of Colorado.
The mountains become green, wildflowers appear across the high country, and rivers and trails offer opportunities ranging from gentle family outings to demanding adventures.
Horseback riding and luxury ranch stays
Horseback riding is one of Tyler’s favorite ways to experience Colorado’s mountain landscapes.
We could explore guided rides in the Aspen area, Vail Valley, Breckenridge, or Glenwood Springs, selecting a route based on your experience, the ages of your group, and the operator’s access arrangements.
For guests who want a more immersive Western experience, I would consider a stay at C Lazy U Ranch near Granby or Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa near Tabernash.
These properties offer different ranch and mountain-resort experiences. We would compare their accommodations, riding programs, dining, seasonal activities, and amenities based on your group.
A ranch stay can be particularly appealing for multigenerational families. Children, parents, and grandparents may enjoy different activities while still spending much of the vacation together.
For couples, we might place greater emphasis on scenic riding, spa time, dining, and the property’s setting.
Private fly fishing: Where would I send you?
Colorado has remarkable trout waters, but the right fishing destination depends on your experience and the kind of day you want.
For a first-time angler, a scenic outing with patient instruction may be ideal. An experienced fly fisher might prefer technical water that requires more precise casting, fly selection, and knowledge of the river.
For guests staying in Aspen or Snowmass, the Roaring Fork River is a natural option, with guided float trips available on suitable sections of the river. Nearby, the Fryingpan River near Basalt is a well-known trout fishery and can be particularly appealing for travelers interested in guided wade fishing.
More experienced anglers may want to consider Cheesman Canyon on the South Platte River, where more technical fishing and demanding access can make for a challenging day on the water.
The Arkansas River offers another option, particularly for travelers exploring Buena Vista, Salida, or Cañon City. Its location also makes it possible to incorporate fishing into a larger Colorado itinerary that includes activities such as whitewater rafting.
For travelers who want to make fishing a more focused part of their vacation, we could also consider the Taylor River, where the appropriate section would depend on current access, regulations, conditions, and the type of fishing experience you are seeking.
Rather than choosing a river simply because it is famous, we would work with an experienced local guide to determine which water makes the most sense for your ability level, itinerary, and conditions during your stay.
Some Colorado waters carry a Gold Medal designation based on standards for trout abundance and size. That designation can help identify a fishery’s potential, but it does not guarantee a particular catch.
We would select the specific water with an experienced guide, taking into account current conditions, regulations, access, and your skill level.
For us, the value of a private fishing experience is not simply visiting a famous river. It is having a guide who knows where and how to fish it on the day you are there.
Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River
The Arkansas River offers different rafting experiences depending on the section and current water levels.
For experienced guests seeking a demanding outing, we could explore the Royal Gorge section near Cañon City with a qualified operator.
For families and first-time rafters, we might investigate an appropriate Browns Canyon trip near Buena Vista and Salida or another gentler section recommended by the operator.
Browns Canyon is not automatically an easy beginner trip at every water level. We would consider ages, swimming ability, experience, and current conditions before choosing the route.
And after a full day on the river, we would leave time for a relaxed evening. A fire pit, mountain views, and s’mores with the family can be just as memorable as another scheduled excursion.
Fall: Golden Aspens and Scenic Mountain Escapes
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to explore Colorado.
Aspen groves turn brilliant shades of gold, and cooler temperatures make scenic drives, photography, and suitable hikes particularly enjoyable.
For guests staying in Aspen, Vail, or other mountain communities, we would choose routes based on the timing of the color change and current conditions.
Peak foliage varies by elevation and weather, so we would not promise a particular date months in advance.
Fall is also a season when some mountain attractions and restaurants reduce their hours between summer and winter operations. We would confirm what is open before finalizing your itinerary.
For a couple, a fall vacation might combine a scenic drive, a gentle hike, memorable dining, and time at a luxury mountain hotel.
For a family, we could explore outdoor activities and a spacious private residence where everyone can enjoy the cooler evenings together.
Beyond the Famous Resorts: Southern Colorado and the San Juan Mountains
Aspen and Vail are wonderful destinations, but they are not the only places to experience Colorado’s remarkable scenery.
For adventurous families interested in natural landscapes and history, we would consider a separate itinerary through southern and southwestern Colorado.
This journey could include Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pagosa Springs, Mesa Verde National Park, and the San Juan Mountains.
These destinations are spread across a substantial area, so we would plan them as a multiday journey rather than quick excursions from Denver or Aspen.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers an extraordinary landscape of enormous sand dunes rising against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
For families, sand sledding and sandboarding can be memorable experiences when suitable equipment and conditions are available.
During part of spring and early summer, seasonal Medano Creek may flow along the base of the dunes, creating an unusual place for children to play in shallow water. Its flow varies from year to year, so we would confirm conditions rather than promise it will be running.
Summer sand temperatures can become extremely hot. We would plan around the time of day, sun exposure, and changing weather.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs offers an opportunity to relax in geothermal waters while exploring the San Juan region.
Depending on your preferences, we could select suitable accommodations and incorporate time at the hot springs before continuing through the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde preserves remarkable Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings built and inhabited centuries ago.
We would explore current ranger-led tour offerings and select an experience appropriate for your group. Some tours involve ladders, steep steps, or confined passages, while other available viewpoints and interpretive experiences may suit guests who prefer a less physically demanding visit.
Mesa Verde offers an opportunity to learn about the people who lived in this region and the descendant communities that maintain connections to its history today.
An unusual family stop near Alamosa
For families particularly interested in reptiles, Colorado Gators Reptile Park near Alamosa may be an optional stop.
We would review its current visitor programs and animal-welfare practices before considering any interactive activity. The Great Sand Dunes and surrounding landscape would remain the central reason to visit this part of the San Luis Valley.
What to know about accommodations
Southern Colorado offers a different lodging landscape from Aspen and Vail.
For guests who want luxury throughout their trip, we would select the strongest available accommodations in each destination while being clear that smaller communities may not offer the same range of five-star hotels and services as Colorado’s major resorts.
The appeal of this journey is the combination of landscapes, cultural history, and experiences that you cannot find in a single mountain resort.
Plan Your Colorado Vacation Beyond Skiing With JWs Travel
A memorable Colorado vacation might include a winter sleigh ride, a day at the hot springs, private fly fishing, a ranch stay, or a journey through the landscapes and history of southern Colorado.
You can combine adventure with beautiful accommodations, memorable dining, and time to relax. You can also spend an entire vacation enjoying the mountains without setting foot on a ski slope.
At JWs Travel, we use our firsthand Colorado knowledge and relationships with local partners to create private itineraries around your interests, preferred accommodations, travel style, and budget.
Tell us what you would love to experience in Colorado—even if skiing isn’t on your list—and we’ll design a vacation around it.