Norwood Colorado is a mecca when it comes to winter recreational activities.
Situated on Wright’s Mesa between the San Juan Mountains and Colorado’s canyon country, Norwood is perfectly poised as a winter wonderland that just so happens to receive plentiful dousings of snow. What does that mean for winter lovers alike? For all you fitness gurus, gear heads, adrenaline junkies, casual recreationalists and snow lovers, Norwood has plenty of activities to keep you busy and your heart happy, all winter long.
Snowmobiling Around “The Cone”
Tips and photo courtesy of Clayton Armstrong
Wright’s Mesa offers riding for everyone! If you’re looking for wide open spaces, expansive meadows and rolling hills, miles upon miles of groomed trails, deep powder and face shots, you will love snowmobiling around the Lone Cone and Beaver Park areas. The area offers approximately 124 miles of groomed trails in the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests.
The main parking area is approximately 13 miles south of Norwood at the intersection of County Road 44ZS (Lone Cone Road) and County Road M44 (Beef Trail Road). Lone Cone Road is well maintained making access to parking easy. Once you’re unloaded and ready to ride, proceed East on Beef Trail Road until it’s intersection with Forest Service Road 611. From there, turn right (South) onto Forest Service Road 611 and proceed for a couple of miles until you cross the National Forest boundary. From there it’s game on! Once you’ve crossed over into National Forest Service, you can continue to ride on the groomed trail which will take you up The Galloway Road, this will put you very close to tree line and “The Cone.” This is a great trail for novice through expert sledders alike. The areas along the groomed trails offer numerous opportunities for backcountry sledding. There are multiple areas for thrill seekers and intermediate/advanced riders to bail off the trail for an ultimate backcountry riding experience.
If it’s a machine you’re lacking, or you’re just visiting the area and looking for a fun experience, we recommend booking a guided snowmobile tour through Telluride Outside. With their Fall Creek snow base located just 30 minutes from Norwood, Telluride Outside offers half day, advanced half day and full day snowmobile tours in the Beaver Park area. Trails traverse glades, forests and meadows with soaring views of the Wilson Range, Dolores peaks, Little Cone, Lone Cone, the Sneffels Range and the La Sal Mountains of eastern Utah.
For trail maps and more information on snowmobiling around Norwood, please visit the GMUG National Forest or Hi-Country Motor Sports in Norwood, or check out the the West End Sledders website.
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing at Busted Arm Draw
The Norwood Nordic Association grooms and maintains the Busted Arm Draw trail system which is 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, the Busted Arm Draw trails make for the perfect outing for the whole family, as well as for those looking get their fitness on. For trail maps and more information on cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Norwood’s Busted Arm Draw trails, please visit https://norwoodnordic.com
Sleigh Rides with Telluride Horseback Adventures
Photo courtesy of Ride with Roudy: Telluride Horseback Adventures and the Telluride Tourism Board
Dash through the woods, and fields of snow pulled by Roudy Roudabush’s Belgian draft horses, Clyde and Frank. Get cozy under warm blankets and take in the surrounding mountain views. The sleigh holds up to 10 people and is perfect for friends and family. Be sure to book early during the holidays to secure your seats. To reserve your sleigh ride in Norwood, please call (970) 728-9611 or visit https://www.ridewithroudy.com/sleigh-rides/
Ice Skating in Norwood
Get it while it’s frozen! Norwood’s ice rink, located at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds is the perfect place for you and your friends to hone in your skate or hockey skills. Ice rink hours are open skate unless an event is scheduled and pick-up hockey is welcome. For those without skates of their own, ice skates can be rented through the Norwood Park & Recreation District. Email [email protected] for ice skate rentals or visit https://norwoodparkandrec.org/ for more information on ice skating in Norwood.