How to Enjoy the Outdoors in Littleton This Winter

There’s a lot to enjoy about living in Littleton, Colorado. It is a short drive from Denver, yet it doesn’t feel like a suburb of the metropolitan area. Littleton has its own identity and a bit of a small-town vibe. Littleton real estate currently has a strong market for residential and investment properties; homes are now selling for a median price of $565,000, up 17.9% over last year. Littleton has received a few accolades for being one of the best places to live and is a beautiful city with over 7,000 flowering crabapple trees along the “crabapple route.”

The winters are typically mild, perfect for fun outdoor activities year-round. Why spend the winter cooped up in your home when there are so many fun activities to enjoy outside? Here are some of the best outdoor activities to experience this winter in Littleton.

Roxborough State Park has 4,000 acres to explore near Littleton homes for sale. Gorgeous, red rock formations dominate the landscape, where you can also find the infamous Fountain Formation. This natural landmark features red sandstone rising out of the ground at a 60-degree angle surrounded by rare plant communities, which is just one reason why the entire area is protected against campers, bikes, and pets.

Aside from viewing natural landmarks, you can also enjoy the multiple hiking trails, ranging from a half-mile to six miles long. A mix of ecosystems, grasslands, and forests with foothills and mountains make each trail enjoyable and unique. Additionally, Roxborough State Park is also open during the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Chatfield State Park has several trails available for people of different skill levels to hike, ride, or snowshoe. If you’re an animal enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to find mule deer, white-tailed deer, and coyotes on your ride. Black bears and mountain lions live in the area but are rarely close enough to the trails to be seen near your Littleton home.
 
The lake at Chatfield is one of the state's top eight locations for ice fishing. The Chatfield Dam and Reservoir is 2.3 miles wide on the South Platte River, and it is home to 212 bird species, including the bald eagle. Take advantage of the guided bird walks available monthly, even through the winter.

Touring a garden may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of outdoor activities during the winter, but Hudson Gardens has plenty of activities for you to experience. Not to mention, it’s close to Littleton residential neighborhoods for quick, outdoor access.

Be prepared to see many different bird species as you walk the grounds near the songbird garden. Grab a cup of coffee at Nixon’s Coffee House and relax at Monet’s Place with a view of the Lake and Justine’s Bridge. If you enjoy photography, you will find many areas to capture with your lens. Beekeeping classes are also offered year-round for new or experienced beekeepers.

Bundle up the kids, grab your sleds, and head over to Sledding Hill Park for a great day of family fun. The entire area is an undeveloped slope perfect for sledding. There are no designated trails, but there are a few park benches for resting at the top of the hill. A 10-acre prairie dog colony also lives on the park's eastern side, a fun sight in the outdoors of Colorado. Williamsburg Park is on South Kipling Parkway and W. Ken Caryl Avenue, with Ken Caryl neighborhood offering some of the best Littleton real estate properties in the area.

We can’t list winter activities without mentioning ice skating. Luckily, indoor rinks allow you to enjoy the rink year-round, even at the peak of summer. For example, the Ice Ranch has an NHL-size rink with hockey leagues for all ages and tournaments for all levels. They also have hockey camps during the summer.

Foothills Park and Recreation District manages the Edge Ice Area, home to endless family-friendly activities. They offer figure skating and broomball classes, space for hockey teams to practice, and feature two NHL-sized rinks with plenty of party rooms. Both locations have open public skating times and are found minutes away from homes for sale in Littleton.

If you travel out toward Aspen, Snowmass Village has the most extensive ski-in/ski-out residences anywhere in Colorado. It is about four hours from Littleton but worth the drive if you love to ski. Snowmass Resort is the largest of the four Aspen resort mountains and has the most variety of runs. From steep bowls to bunny slopes and narrow tree skiing to open cruisers, there is something for every level of skier to enjoy.
 
If you are looking for something for the whole family, snow tubing is a great option. Snowmass has multiple lanes on the tubing hill and lifts to effortlessly get you back to the top. Speaking of rides, the Silver Queen Gondola is the longest globally, transporting riders over 2.5 miles in one ride.

Just a couple of hours from Littleton residences is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, Winter Park Resort. With an elevation of 9,000 feet, you will see stunning views of the surrounding Arapaho National Forest, but the view isn’t the only great thing about this resort.

Winter Park boasts hundreds of winter activities to enjoy. Try a ski bike or snowmobile, or take a tour of the area in a heated snowcat. Go for a dog sled ride or relax at the Hot Sulfur Springs. Enjoy the astronomy tour or go tubing — the opportunities are endless!

Brian Grimm’s team of Realtors are happy to answer any questions about the best areas in Colorado to find real estate to fit your lifestyle. They have the experience you need to buy or sell your home or investment property to fit your needs.
 
If you’re ready to experience some of the best outdoor opportunities in Littleton, contact Brian Grimm to begin your real estate journey. With decades of experience, Brian Grimm offers expert advice and an unparalleled real estate experience. Contact him today to find your next dream home in Colorado!