In Winter Park, ways to explore range from an interpretive trail at the confluence of two rivers to high-altitude trails at the resort. Art along the Fraser River and the town’s history also give your trip different focal points. Which of these you combine depends on whether you’d rather hike, explore the art trail or learn about Winter Park’s history.
The Resort’s Elevation and History
Winter Park Resort is Colorado’s longest continuously operating ski area and has an 85-year history. The resort’s mountain ranges from a base elevation of 9,000 feet to a summit at 12,060 feet. The Panoramic Hike is also listed at an elevation of 12,060 feet. It offers 360-degree views of the Fraser Valley and the Continental Divide. These elevation figures give a concrete sense of this mountain area; the views also make the hike appealing to travelers who want to pair time outdoors with a distinctive landscape vista.
Art, River and Local History
The free Winter Park Art Trail runs along the Fraser River Trail, starts at Winter Park Resort and continues toward the Headwaters Center. For 2026, 35 installed works of art are listed; the number may change seasonally. The route combines outdoor art with a riverside path. The Headwaters River Journey water and wildlife museum is located on the Fraser River. Visitors can round off their museum visit with a hike or picnic along the Fraser River Trail. This lets you add time by the river to a museum visit without requiring a set itinerary.
The town’s history is also reflected in its names. The village of Hideaway Park was incorporated in 1978 and renamed Winter Park. The town’s main park is called Hideaway Park and was named in honor of the original village. Those interested in the town’s development will find two different references to the name: the former village and the park later named after it.
Trails for Different Timeframes
At Confluence Park, a 3/8-mile interpretive loop trail leads to the confluence of Vasquez River and Fraser River. Its stated loop length offers a clearly defined trail option. Hiking opportunities in Winter Park also range from day hikes to multiday backpacking trips with overnight stays. That calls for a different scale of planning: you can choose a single loop trail or a hike lasting one or several days.
Trails around Winter Park are multi-use trails for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. When choosing a route, keep in mind that these trails are used for a range of activities. Printed maps are available at the Winter Park Information Center in Downtown Winter Park. They can help you tailor your local route planning to your interests, without assuming that every trail is used in the same way.
Resort, Bike Park and Getting Around
Trestle Bike Park is located at Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado. It features more than 40 miles of lift-served mountain bike trails; the mileage may change over time. Alongside its ski area history and the Panoramic Hike, the resort also offers a dedicated focus on mountain bike trails. When planning, it’s worth treating the bike park as a separate destination alongside the art trail, museum or hiking trails, rather than assuming all the activities are part of one and the same outing.
The Lift provides free local transit year-round between Winter Park Resort, Downtown Winter Park, Fraser and Granby. Schedules and routes may vary seasonally. If you’re coordinating your lodging with the places you plan to visit, check the schedule for your travel dates before building your daily plans around it. The connections listed give you several places to consider; they don’t specify a particular route or travel time.
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