Winter Itinerary
DAY 1:
Breakfast at Silver Grill Cafe
Silver Grill Café is the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado that continues to thrive for good reasons: legendary breakfasts and lunches, huge homemade cinnamon rolls, and a cozy brick-walled diner-style interior with large windows that outlook Old Town Fort Collins.
218 Walnut St.
Fort Collins,CO 80524
(970) 484-4656
www.silvergrill.com
Fat Bike Tour
Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy one of the best outdoor recreation sports Fort Collins has to offer…Mountain Biking. Fat Tire bikes allow you to cycle through the snow on the same trails that you love during the summer. Take a tour with Front Range Ride Guides and leave the stress of research and rentals behind.
www.frontrangerideguides.com
Lunch at CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewery
In the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, Coopersmith's offers a one-of-a-kind eating and drinking experience. From the excellent beer selection, flavorful and varied food selection, all the way to the cleanliness and top-notch customer service, Coopersmith's will provide a great lunch experience.
5 Old Town Square
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 498-0483
https://coopersmithspub.com/
Visit a local Fort Collins Brewery
Fort Collins is home to over a dozen craft breweries including nationally recognized New Belgium Brewery and Odell Brewing Co. Enjoy an afternoon at one of our local breweries, small or large, and wind down after your outdoor adventure. Check out our list of breweries with patios open all winter long to find the perfect spot to sip.
Explore a local Natural Area
Fort Collins has around 50 natural areas including 100 miles of trail and over 40,000 acres of preserved and protected habitat. These areas are perfect for your next recreational outing. Enjoy activities such as fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and more as you take a step into nature. These Natural Areas are open to the public and conveniently located in different areas all over town for that perfect mid-day getaway.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/
Dinner at Beau Jo’s Pizza
Set in the heart of Old Town, Beau Jo’s is legendary among Colorado outdoor enthusiasts. They have been offering award-winning Colorado Style Pizza for over 30 years. Beau Jo's is also considered one of the "Top Insider Spots in the U.S." according to Travelocity.
100 N College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 498-8898
www.beaujos.com
Drinks at Social
A locally-owned, underground cocktail bar for all to enjoy artfully crafted cocktails served by a knowledgeable staff with plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, experiencing Social is a must while visiting Fort Collins. The speakeasy atmosphere is warm and welcoming, which is particularly appreciated to escape the cold winter air. Every December 5th, Social hosts a fun 1920’s era themed annual celebration commemorating the end of prohibition. Additionally, Social hosts a memorable New Year’s Eve Party.
1 Old Town Square
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 449-5606
https://www.socialfortcollins.com/
DAY 2:
Brunch at Ginger and Baker
Enjoy brunch dining in the Café or outdoors on a beautiful heated patio open all winter long. From delicious gourmet sweet pies, biscuits, savory chicken pot pies, all-day breakfast, to fresh farm-to-table chef-prepared food options, Ginger and Baker shares a passion for food that is sure to please your morning appetite or any time of day craving for comfort food.
359 Linden St
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 223-7437
https://gingerandbaker.com/
Snowshoeing in the Poudre Canyon
The Poudre Canyon offers beautiful views during the winter season. Rent your gear in town and head up the way to a snowshoeing adventure of choice.
Mineral Spring Gulch: Located in the Poudre Canyon this trail is great for a short, mid-winter excursion. It is 4 miles long, an out-and-back trail, and great for beginners.
Directions: 149-211 Crown Point Road, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Little Beaver Creek Trail: Located in the Poudre Canyon this trail is great for early season snow and is moderate in skill level. It is 2 miles long, out-and-back, and gains 1,500 ft. in elevation.
Directions: 7311 North County Road 63E, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Big South Trail: This 6 miles trail is located within the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon and offers stunning views of frozen waterfalls. It is an out-and-back trail with moderate difficulty and gains 560ft in elevation.
Directions: 48924 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Green Ridge Road: Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon, this moderate difficulty trail offers great views from and of several frozen lakes and travels through the rolling forest. At only 3 miles long this snowshoeing trip is perfect for a quick out-and-back trip.
Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Blue Lake: As one of the most popular snowshoeing spots in the upper reaches of Poudre Canyon, this trail offers an easier short, round-trip excursion or a more challenging, all-day adventure. This trail is 4.75 miles one-way and offers beautiful views of Blue Lake surrounded by towering mountains.
Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Trap Park: Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon this moderately difficult trail follows a small canyon for 11.5 miles and offers beautiful views of the Neota Wilderness and beautiful riparian area.
Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Pick up gear from JAX Mercantile or Rocky Mountain Adventures
JAX Mercantile is a local Fort Collins sportsman shop that sells gear for all your local outdoor adventures. Rent your snowshoeing gear here before you head up the canyon and you’ll be sure to get expert advice and fitting from the staff. You can also rent gear from Rocky Mountain Adventures.
Lunch at the Mishawaka in the Poudre Canyon
The Mishawaka is a local’s favorite lunch spot to finish off a day of recreation in the Poudre Canyon. This live music amphitheater by summer is also a cozy mountain restaurant that sits atop the river. During the winter you can get tasty pub foods and hearty dishes to fuel up after your long day of winter recreation.
13714 Poudre Canyon Hwy
Bellvue, CO 80512
(970) 482-4420
www.themishawaka.com
Experience a Live Theater Performance
The Fort Collins arts scene is thriving and there is no better time to catch a live theatrical performance than during the winter season. Experience the enchantment of productions at The Lincoln Center. Take a look at the Bas Bleu Theatre and Open Stage Theatre calendars and reserve your tickets for an evening of unforgettable live entertainment.
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