Sure, pretty much every season in the Centennial State is pretty great, but we’re big fans of all the fun things you can do in the winter. Case in point? Sledding in Colorado might be some of the best in the country thanks to the state’s hilly topography and thrillseeking opportunities.
Whether you’re the type of person who likes to tailgate while your kids take endless laps at the neighborhood park or you’d prefer to be right in the action and get towed up a ski hill in a snow tube, there’s lots of epic sledding to be had in and around Denver.
Here are our recommendations for the best spots for sled riding and snow tubing throughout the state, broken down by proximity to the Mile High City. Remember: be sure to bring lots of warm, waterproof clothing and shoes, and pack the sunscreen!
Best Sledding in Denver, Colorado
Cherry Knolls Park
7077 S. Elizabeth St., Centennial
- Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Little kids and parents who love to tailgate
This park in the south suburbs often tops the “where to go sledding in Denver” lists. No, there aren’t necessarily epic views, and it’s not even the biggest sledding hill in the region, but it nevertheless checks all the boxes. To start, the hill is super wide, meaning kids and families have no excuse to be on top of each other as they brave the incline. Secondly, there’s a huge runway at the end, meaning no matter how fast you go, it’s very hard to run into anything. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the hill is right off the parking lot, so it’s easy to swap layers and snag snacks/drinks from coolers in your car.
Ruby Hill Park
1200 W. Florida Ave., Denver
- Hours: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Families and people who want to try a terrain park without buying a lift ticket
This park is pretty much synonymous with the concept of sledding in Denver, Colorado. That’s thanks to its long, steep slope that offers pretty epic views of the Mile High City’s skyline (we recommend visiting at sunset, if you can). And outside of the traditional, free sledding hill, you can test out your skills at the park’s urban railyard (if you dare). You don’t even have to worry about lugging your skis and snowboards with you, since the park offers free rentals for kids and adults on Saturdays and Sundays. There’s lots of dedicated parking and spots alongside the road, but be warned: Like any good hill, it could be a little bit busy on powder days.
Sagebrush Park
4744 S. Evanston Way, Aurora
- Hours: 5 a.m.-11 p.m daily
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Families
Who says the east Denver suburbs don’t have killer sledding? No one who has visited this park near East Smoky Hill and South Chambers roads, that’s who. Snag the kids and watch them bomb down this park’s expansive hill. Let’s be real: you’ll probably want to join them.
Sledding Hill Park
Littleton, at the northwest corner of South Kipling Parkway and West Ken Caryl Avenue
- Hours: All day
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Families and those who like very literal geographical names
The name alone is a pretty good indicator that this is a top pick for where to go sledding in Denver. Seriously: Winter is the only time this park is in use — otherwise it’s just a nondescript grassy hill off Kipling. But on snowy days when it’s popping off, Sledding Hill Park is truly the place to be. Snag a spot in the lot (get there early) and be prepared for lap after lap of this stunning hill at the base of the foothills. A pro tip for mom and dad: Since your car is at the bottom of the hill, make sure to have hot chocolate and snacks in hand to help the kids fuel up for a long day in the snow.
Best Sledding in Colorado Within an Hour of Denver
Echo Mountain
19285 Colorado 103, Idaho Springs
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $25-$45/person
- Best for: Getting a resort experience without spending hours trapped on I-70 with your kids
This is definitely the spot if you’re looking for snowtubing near Denver. In addition to being close to the Mile High City, it offers epic views of the Continental Divide. Unlike normal sledding, snow tubing enthusiasts here will get a ride up a covered conveyor lift to the top of the hill. From there, they can choose from six lanes, which offer opportunities like racing friends in solo chutes or creating chains with family for an extra adventure!
Hoedown Hill
1781 RainDance National Dr., Windsor
- Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Cost: $35 for a one-hour reservation
- Best for: Kids and people impressed by the notion of tubing on the plains
A few years ago, we would have had serious questions if someone told us that Windsor had some of the best snowtubing near Denver. But thanks to Hoedown Hill, this northern Colorado town off the edge of the prairie is a winter sports destination. Snag the kids and enjoy the journey down 1,200 feet of trails ranging from the relatively tame Greenhorn to the supersized adventure on the Bushwhacker. No matter what, you’ll want to fit as many laps as you can into your one-hour reservation.
Meyer Ranch Park
10490 S. Turkey Creek Rd., Morrison
- Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free
- Best for: A mountain adventure that won’t break the bank
Sure, you can pay big bucks for tubing passes at a major resort, but at its core, sledding in Colorado is all about lugging your gear up and down a mountain and enjoying gorgeous views in the process. Meyer Ranch is easily one of the best spots to do just that around Denver, and perhaps most importantly, it’s free! Snag a spot in the open space’s relatively large parking lot, take a short talk up the trail, and bomb down a relatively long slope. Since this hill is just off U.S. 285, it’s relatively easy to get access, and it’s quite popular (so arrive early if you can!).
Tantra Park
4500 Hanover Ave., Boulder
- Hours: 5 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Brave kids and aspiring snowboarders
If you’re looking for an epic spot for sled riding in Boulder, look no farther than Tantra Park. This spot is home to one of the largest hills in Boulder at more than a football field long and 60 feet wide (plus, it has a nearly perfect slope). The sledding is epic, and it’s also a great spot for kids who want to try snowboarding without going to a resort. Our only tip? Be sure to brake near the bottom, since there isn’t a huge runway until you hit the fence.
Best Sledding in Colorado Within Two Hours of Denver
Copper Mountain
Frisco; East Village of Copper Mountain at the base of the Super Bee Lift
- Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Cost: Prices will be released later this year
- Best for: Everyone (especially if you have FOMO about skiing)
If you’re figuring out where to go sledding in Colorado, it’s hard not to find an awesome spot in Summit County. Still, this is one of our favorites. Let your ski bum friends have an epic day on Copper Mountain while you enjoy the much more affordable (but, one would argue, equally thrilling) pastime of snow tubing down a steep groomed slope. Once you’re finished, catch up with your skier friends and snag some apres in the East Village. You both deserve it.
Coca-Cola Tube Hill
Winter Park, behind the Vintage Hotel
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Cost: Varies by date and time, with one-hour slots starting at $49 (discounts are available)
- Best for: Enjoying an empirically fun mountain town
Skiing in this quintessential mountain community is fun, but dare we say sledding in Winter Park is just as delightful? That’s thanks to this thrilling tubing hill with plenty of steep drops, banked turns, and chances to catch a little air, along with a fast conveyor belt that will help you enjoy the thrill again as soon as possible. This might make sledding in Winter Park one of the highlights of your winter!
Frisco Adventure Park
621 Recreation Way, Frisco
- Hours: 9:15 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Cost: Base rates start at $40/hour
- Best for: Adventure seekers who want to be in the center of the action
This relatively unassuming park in the center of Frisco (meaning it’s in the middle of Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper) is one of the top spots for anyone researching where to go sledding in Colorado. That’s thanks to its amazing views of the surrounding valley and multiple lanes of epic tubing hills that will make you want to take lap after lap. Like other hills in the area, you won’t want a Colorado sled rental for this; instead, all the gear (except your warm clothes) is provided.
Hidden Valley
Estes Park; in Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road, seven miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance
- Hours: 24 hours/day
- Cost: $30 for a one-day pass
- Best for: Anyone who wants to sled in a national park!
Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing place to visit during any season, so it’s a no -brainer that it would be one of the top spots for sledding in Colorado! The Hidden Valley sledding area (formerly a ski hill) offers an amazing slope for sled riding (and for those who want to practice their backcountry skiing). One thing to note? This is a popular spot, but you won’t find a Colorado sled rental facility at the hill. The good news is, there are lots of spots where you can rent and buy sleds in Estes Park. Trust us: It’s worth the investment. Another cool thing that makes this one of the top spots for sledding Colorado has to offer? The bathrooms. You can find flush toilets year round, as well as a warming hut during the weekend.
Best Sledding in Colorado More Than Two Hours From Denver
Aspen Snowmass
Aspen; Elk Camp at Snowmass Village
- Hours: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: Rates start at $54
- Best for: Doing something adventurous in Aspen without paying celebrity prices
Sledding in Aspen is honestly one of the most affordable things you can do in this historically ritzy mountain community … and honestly, it might be one of the most fun! While there are plenty of great free sledding hills scattered around the city, we’re partial to this spot for snow tubing. Take in the sights and sounds of Snowmass as you bomb down an epic hill with views of the surrounding Elk Mountains. Sure, you might not be able to afford luxury shopping, but at least you can say you were able to go sledding in Aspen!
Firecracker Hill
Telluride; southern side of Telluride Town Park
- Hours: 24 hours/day
- Cost: Free
- Best for: Amazing views without paying for admission
Sledding in Colorado is pretty much one of the best things to do during the winter, and this scenic spot in one of the state’s top mountain towns is one of the greatest ways to experience the season. Grab the kids and dog and bomb down this hill surrounded by the cascading San Juan Mountains. If you don’t have your own sled, fear not: You can snag a rental in the nearby Nordic Center.
Purgatory Resort
1 Skier Pl., Durango
- Hours: 4-8 p.m. daily
- Cost: Around $15/hour per person
- Best for: Scenic views of the San Juans
Purgatory is one of the best small, under-the-radar ski areas in Colorado, so it makes sense that it would also have a pretty cool tubing hill. This one is rugged in that visitors have to drag their own tubes to the top, but honestly, who doesn’t love a nice workout? The reward is a fun journey back to the bottom, and the views of the surrounding mountains ensure there are lots of reasons to be grateful even if you push yourself to take another lap.
Saddleback Ranch
37350 Co. Rd 179, Steamboat Springs
- Hours: Sessions at 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. daily
- Cost: Admission starts at $28/hour
- Best for: An Old West tubing experience
Between its rodeo and ubiquitous ads for its westernwear store, Steamboat Springs doesn’t shy away from its cowboy heritage. That western flair makes it one of the most unique locales for sledding that Colorado has to offer. What’s known as Yee-Haw Hill at Saddleback Ranch offers one of the best spots for sledding in Steamboat Springs thanks to its three groomed hills, fast conveyor belt system, and bar and warming hut that provide the perfect locales for warming up. Since this is sledding in Steamboat, expect some epic views, champagne powder, and chances to bond with the fun locals who call the Yampa Valley home.