Outdoor recreational activities are a year-round attraction for Colorado natives and out-of-staters alike. Each season here offers a divine beauty of Colorado with recreation options to suit any traveler’s seasonal preference, but for loyal recreationalists, some areas offer it all.
Lake Agnes is one such hidden Colorado gem. Located in Walden, the pristine waters and trails are an outdoor explorer’s paradise. While you may not be completely ready to grab your snowshoes in the winter for a mile hike around Lake Agnes, you can always grab a dingy and fish with friends in summer. This gorgeous lake is pet and people friendly, so grab your favorite four legged friend and enjoy Colorado scenery.
“I have participated in all kinds of recreational activities around Lake Agnes and it truly a favorite,” said Melissa Chisolm, junior engineering.
Steamboat Springs might be remembered for its snowboarding, but Strawberry Park Hot Springs can be considered Steamboat’s hidden gem. The park is out of the way of the resort, and for good reason as it offers 20 hot springs. The park is tent friendly, and clothing optional, so grab that special someone and cozy up au natural in the spring once you have tired of hiking. In the winter, lodges are available for rent, transforming the area into a winter fantasy allowing for sledding right into that warm, watery blanket.
We all know Estes Park, but Timber Creek just on the other side of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park is another year-round Colorado beauty. This amazing location offers a lake secluded by mountains on all sides. If wildlife is of interest, this area nestled inside the park is great for bird watching and wildlife sightings. In the winter, you can test your courage walking on the frozen water (after you snowshoe to it of course).
“I thought Timber Creek was a gorgeous area; it’s hard to find areas like it anymore, you know, those places that only locals would know about and aren’t full of tourists” said Drew Atkinson, sophomore business.
Another great hidden gem for those a bit more adventurous is Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. This amazing waterfall is in a great location to view the Great Plains just to the east. In the summer, you can make an intense leg day out of climbing the 224 steps alongside the gushing water. In the winter, challenge yourself with a hike around what is sure to be a frozen wall of beauty.
“Touristy areas are great but if you really want something unique, you really need to find those hidden gems that appeal to you,” said Meagan Hess, junior social work.
The seasonal changes are no match for those willing to recreation their way around one of the most beautiful states in America. Get out, grab a friend and go on adventure you will never forget. Colorado has so much to offer the adventurous at heart that it would be an insult not to explore its curiosities.
