A 3 Day Itinerary for Winter Adventure in Colorado’s West End
For visitors on a long weekend we have prepared an itinerary for 3 days of fun and adventure for hearty souls wanting to explore the West End in the Winter! For your utmost enjoyment and safety, please follow these simple rules!
- Stay on designated trails and roadways – no off-trail excursions
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Find more information about Leave No Trace here.
Visit the West End Trash Free Coalition here.
Day 1
Breakfast
Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast from the 5th Avenue Grill in Nucla.
502 Main St, Nucla, CO 81424
970-864-2369
Morning Activity
Nordic Skiing in Norwood
The Norwood Nordic Association grooms and maintains the Busted Arm Draw trail system located approximately 13 miles south of Norwood off Lone Cone Road. With 2.3 miles of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and 4.9 miles of non-groomed cross country routes. Trails are accessible from Busted Arm Draw Trailhead.
Lunch
Visit The Divid Restaurant for a lunch break.
Afternoon Activity
Take a Winter Sleigh Ride
Dash through the woods, and fields of snow pulled by Roudy’s Belgian draft horses, Clyde and Frank at Telluride Horseback Adventures. This ride is perfect for the whole family. The sleigh holds up to 10 people so bring your friends and family and book early during the holidays to secure your seats.
Evening Activity
Norwood is the first International Dark-Sky Association Dark-Sky Community on the Western Slope of Colorado and the second Dark-Sky Community in Colorado. Head to Wrights Mesa on the south side of town and look into the dark sky for the best stars of all time.
Day 2
Morning Activity
Ice Fishing at Miramonte Reservoir
Miramonte Reservoir is ideal for angles looking for solitude and cold enough temperatures to allow for ice fishing.
This southwestern reservoir is the cornerstone of the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area. While hunting and fishing are major draws, other recreational activities include boating, water skiing, wildlife watching, and camping. Amenities include three designated camping areas, picnic shelters, toilets, drinking water, fire rings, dump stations, trash barrels, and boat ramps.
Lunch
Visit The Divid Restaurant for a lunch break.
Afternoon Activity
Snowshoe the Thunder Trails
The Thunder Trails are a lovely multi-loop trail system through ponderosa, pinyon, and aspen. As the largest trail system on Wright’s Mesa, it offers four loops and 19 miles of unlimited outdoor fun. The four loops that make up the Thunder Trails system each range from 3.5 to 4.5 miles in length.
Evening Activity
Nucla is an International Dark-Sky Designated Community. Head to Pinto Mesa for unobstructed views of some of the best stars you’ve ever seen.
Day 3
Breakfast
Get caffeinated at Genesis Coffee Roasters in Nucla.
475 Main St, Nucla, CO 81424
970-864-2336
Morning Activity
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile East Naturita Winter Trailhead, about 10 miles south of Norwood. The West End Sledders Snowmobile Club maintains these trails during the winter months for all to enjoy. Expect to find stunning views, a serene landscape, and the solitude one can expect from a winter adventure in rural Colorado.
Afternoon Activity
Ice Skating
Head to Norwood for some fun times on the local ice rink located at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds. Ice rink hours are open skating unless an event is scheduled. Pick-up hockey is also welcome. For those without skates of their own, ice skates can be rented through the Norwood Park & Recreation District.
Evening Activity
Wrap up your winter adventure at the Lone Cone Restaurant & Bar, where you can celebrate your great trip over a beer.
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