15 Best Things to Do in Fraser, Colorado

By VI Staff on July 1, 2020 - Updated

ipivorje/stock.adobe.com

Fraser, CO is sure to make for an unforgettable vacation destination as you play outdoors while hiking through meadows, swimming in streams, and going skiing or snowboarding. Some of the best places to visit include the Colorado Adventure Park, the Fraser River Trail, and the Walk Through History Park.

1.Winter Park Adventure Quest

Winter Park Adventure Quest is an aerial adventure park that offers a thrilling climbing experience in a fun and safe environment. The experience starts with a brief safety orientation that will get you familiar with the gear - not that no prior experience or major skill is necessary to challenge yourself at Winter Park. There are 24 separate challenges on the course and it usually takes between an hour or two to complete them. Visitors do not have to overcome all of the challenges; you can pick and choose which routes you would like to try. The park also houses a sports complex complete with baseball and soccer fields, designated picnic areas, a pond, an award-winning playground, and more.

Fraser Valley Sports Complex: 220 County Road 522, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-531-4143

2.Colorado Adventure Park

Locally owned and operated, Colorado Adventure Park is the largest, fastest, and safest place in Grand Country to enjoy outdoor activities such as tubing, double tubing, and snow scoots. Grab a tube and catch a ride to the top of the hills on their Magic Carpet Lift. Once you’re at the top you can choose from a variety of terrain, whether you’re looking for slow and easy or fast and wild. This ensures that all visitors ages 3 and older will have an exciting and memorable time at Colorado Adventure Park. Afterwards, head over to the Warming Hut for a break with drinks and snacks such as hot cocoa, beer, and wine.

566 County Road 721, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-5779

3.Fraser Tubing Hill

Offering one of the best tubing experiences in the state of Colorado, Fraser Tubing Hill is a family owned and operated business that has been a part of the community since 1971. It’s a great place for an exciting afternoon excursion as you’re sure to love sliding down the slippery slopes at full speed. The slopes are also suitable for younger kids, so you can make it a family outing as well. Nothing makes a good time better than food and drink and Fraser Tubing Hill has everything from hot chocolate and apple cider to BBQ rib sandwiches and slices of pizza.

455 Co Rd 72, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-5954

4.The Foundry Cinema & Bowl

The Foundry Cinema & Bowl is Winter Park’s only combination movie theater and bowling alley. The entire family can head over there and have completely different experiences; for example, adults may spend their time drinking cocktails at the bar or watching a romantic movie for date night while kids may be chowing down on delicious handcrafted pizza and playing a game of bowling in their entertaining bowling alley. They also have other games such as shuffleboard and professional sized billiards tables. Combine the experience and take your drink and pizza to the oversized luxury stadium seats so that you can dine and enjoy your movie at the same time.

22 Second St, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-363-7161

5.Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park

Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park is a fun and unique experience that you should definitely partake in while visiting Fraser, Colorado. The park offers both sled and cart rides through designated trails. Rides are pulled by several sled dogs, many of whom you can meet and play with before or after your ride. Most of them are Alaskan and Siberian Huskies and you can request visiting the kennels and hanging out with the pups after the rides are finished for the day. Other animals that you might see during your adventure include pronghorns, coyotes, porcupines, foxes, moose, and several species of birds.

1410 County Rd 5, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-8326

6.The Fraser River Trail

The Fraser River Trail is a short, family-friendly trail that is perfect for beginner mountain bikers and hikers as well as those who are more skilled but looking for a laid back experience. The trail is paved and goes all the way from Fraser to Winter Park Resort; because it is paved, it is also quite popular for walking and rollerblading. Walking the beautiful and scenic trail will take your through meadows, parks, and campgrounds that wind along the Fraser River. Additional amenities and features include educational signs, benches, and designated picnic areas. You’ll be able to see incredible wildlife along the way such as moose, deer, and beavers.

Trail Head near Murdoch’s Plaza: 601 S Zerex Street, Fraser, CO 80442

7.Winter Park Winery

Located in Downtown Fraser, the Winter Park Winery is a favored community spot that is filled with delicious wine, great atmosphere, and small town charm. Locals and visitors flock there to bask in the festive environment as they feast on bold and flavorful wine which is produced with over 20 tons of grapes. In addition to coming across the wine at local liquor stores and restaurants, you can also enjoy it in their quaint mountain side tasting room by the glass, bottle, or case. The small winery produces less than a thousand cases of wine a year so feel free to stock up or take a few bottles back as exclusive gifts.

395 Zerex St, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-4514

8.Columbine Lake Trail

Spanning 3.3 miles, the Columbine Lake Trail is one of the best ways to see what the alpine backcountry has to offer. The trail is accessible year round, though snowshoes are necessary in the winter, but is a strenuous climb even during the spring. You’ll gain 1,000 feet of elevation in no time, and though it may be tiring, the view of the heavily wooded surroundings and mountain peaks make it completely worth it. Some of the animals you may come across include beer and deer while anglers will come across brook trout and several other species of fish at Columbine Lake.

9.Dashing Thru The Snow

Enjoy an old fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride through the tranquil meadows and woods of Rocky Mountain National Park with Dashing Thru The Snow. You’ll get right in the holiday spirit as you listen to the sound of bells jingling while you’re warm under a woolen blanket. The team of gentle horses will pull your sleigh through glistening snow-covered trail while you enjoy the stunning views of your surroundings. Make it a bit more special by booking a private ride or have a completely different experience with their dog sled cart tours. Afterwards, have a cup of hot cocoa or roast s'mores for a truly unforgettable winter wonderland experience.

Phone: 970-389-2977

10.Ski Broker

Ski Broker is a ski and board rental company that has been serving the residents and visitors of Fraser since 1983. Known for the high quality skis and snowboards, Ski broker is the first place you should head to when you’re planning on spending a day outdoor. They offer a great selection of equipment, merchandise, and accessories in addition to skis and boards such as clothing, snowshoes, snow blades, mountain bikes, fat bikes, and more. Much of the equipment is available for both rent and purchase depending on your preference. Their expert technicians can bind mounts and repair snowboards and skis as well.

601 South Zerex Street, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-8882

11.Walk Through History Park

Walk Through History Park is a fun experience that will take you throughout the town of Fraser. Some of them can be seen inside Fraser Town Hall or outside of the Fraser Public Library. The works you’ll come across are by author and sculptor Jim Hoy, who created them as part of his Western Heritage Exhibit. Some of the sculptures are of Jim Bridger, a frontier scout who discovered Great Salt Lake, the Indian & Eagle which is a symbol of man’s struggle for survival, and of Dr. Susan Anderson, one of the country’s earliest female physicians. If you would like a little more detail and back story about the sculptures, you may be able to find a local guide who can walk you through them.

120 Zerex Street, Fraser, CO 80442

12.Rendezvous Bike Trails

Rendezvous Bike Trails stretches nearly 14 miles and comprises several trails that will connect downtown Fraser through to Winter Park Resort. You’ll be able to take in some stunning views of the surrounding scenery of wooded areas and towering mountain peaks. You’ll start off hiking or biking on Meadow Trail which links with other popular trails in the area such as Homestead Trail, South Fork Loop, Rollins Pass, Burnout Loop, Idlewild Trail, Ditch Trail, Hawk Trail, and Pumphouse Pass. You can make your journey as short or as long as you like but be sure to prepare in advance as some trails are much more strenuous than others.

13.Sharky's Eatery

Known for their breakfast and burgers, Sharky’s Eatery can be found in the heart of Downtown Fraser. Visitors and locals flock to the restaurant which has a homely, old-time feel. You can enjoy the atmosphere and great conversation as you feast on one of their famous southwestern breakfasts - even better, breakfast is served all day. Some of the popular items from their breakfast and lunch menu include the homemade strawberry-raspberry jam, their famous meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and their southwestern special, fuego huevos, which is a warm tortilla topped with chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, black beans, cheese, and pico de gallo.

221 Doc Susie Ave, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-8646

14.Crooked Creek Saloon

The Crooked Creek Saloon is a fine dining establishment with a casual atmosphere. The eatery is one of the top restaurants in Fraser and is often filled with their regular customers. You’re sure to have a satisfying experience as you as you feast on delicious options like their Mt. Ada nachos, Moffat Tunnel tater skins, steak and potatoes, and homemade pastries and breads. The restaurant prides themselves in using fresh, seasonal ingredients to ensure maximum flavor. All of the produce, meats, and dairy products are sourced from local farmers’ markets and tried-and-tested vendors.

401 Zerex St, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-726-9250

15.Julio's Mexican Grill

Julio’s Mexican Grill is a full service bar and restaurant that is renowned for having the biggest burritos in town. Patrons have enjoyed feasting there since it opened in 2008. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all of the dishes are made daily using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. Food that you should definitely try while there include the smothered burritos, the fish taco plate, the ribeye steak and shrimp, the BBQ bacon cheeseburger, and the shrimp fajitas. Have a real fiesta by pairing your meal with a margarita, a glass of wine, or other drinks from their bar.

Fraser Valley Shopping Center: 535 Zerex St, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-363-7083