If you aren’t enjoying the slopes, wintertime in Colorado can drag on and on, leading to the seasonal blues we all seem to experience. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way, as wintertime in Colorado is downright gorgeous, thanks to places like this little-known Colorado park that transforms into an ice palace:

Welcome to the criminally overlooked State Forest State Park.

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

Located in north central Colorado, State Forest State Park is a 71,000-acre oasis complete with picturesque forests and alpine lakes, the latter of which transforms into a winter wonderland via dazzling and sparkly ice.

Google/Robby Mendoza

Seriously - is there anywhere else you want to be this winter?

Google/Michael Garcia

To experience this seasonal magic, grab your coat and hike (or ride!) along one of State Forest State Park’s many trails, which span from the Medicine Bow Mountains to the Never Summer Range.

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

As if this ice, snow, and forest setting weren’t reason enough to visit, the animal sightings certainly are!

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

While you can see birds, foxes, and other 4-legged animals, our favorite part are the moose, as State Forest State Park is home to a whopping 600 that can be seen year-round. 

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

To learn more about State Forest State Park - including camping, fees, and current conditions - please visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s website.

Google/Kroum Kouzmanov

Do you have a favorite attraction (seasonal or otherwise), event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Remember to tell us about it via our nomination form! For even more to see and do during your visit to north-central Colorado, you will want to check out You May Be Surprised To Learn That This Town In Colorado Is One Of The World’s Craziest Party Towns.

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Address: State Forest State Park, 56750 CO-14, Walden, CO 80480, USA

Welcome to the criminally overlooked State Forest State Park.

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

Located in north central Colorado, State Forest State Park is a 71,000-acre oasis complete with picturesque forests and alpine lakes, the latter of which transforms into a winter wonderland via dazzling and sparkly ice.

Google/Robby Mendoza

Seriously - is there anywhere else you want to be this winter?

Google/Michael Garcia

To experience this seasonal magic, grab your coat and hike (or ride!) along one of State Forest State Park’s many trails, which span from the Medicine Bow Mountains to the Never Summer Range.

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

As if this ice, snow, and forest setting weren’t reason enough to visit, the animal sightings certainly are!

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

While you can see birds, foxes, and other 4-legged animals, our favorite part are the moose, as State Forest State Park is home to a whopping 600 that can be seen year-round. 

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

To learn more about State Forest State Park - including camping, fees, and current conditions - please visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s website.

Google/Kroum Kouzmanov

Do you have a favorite attraction (seasonal or otherwise), event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Remember to tell us about it via our nomination form! For even more to see and do during your visit to north-central Colorado, you will want to check out You May Be Surprised To Learn That This Town In Colorado Is One Of The World’s Craziest Party Towns.

State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Facebook

Google/Robby Mendoza

Google/Michael Garcia

Google/Kroum Kouzmanov