Meeker is a vibrant mountain town in northwest Colorado, offering a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy all winter. Located along the White River near the base of the Flat Tops Wilderness, the opportunities for winter recreation are virtually limitless. Whether you’re a local looking for new activities to try or an out-of-town guest looking to fill your medical tourism visit with memorable adventures, we have you covered. The following roundup will provide a great starting point as you plan your trip.
The third annual Meeker skijoring competition provides a great way to bring in the New Year. The race is in the Rio Blanco Country Fair Grounds in Ute Park, just west of Meeker, from December 30th through January 1st.
If you’ve never witnessed skijoring, it’s a must-see event. Mix a classic rodeo with the Winter X Games, and the result would be skijoring. Skiers are pulled through a racecourse by riders on horseback. The skiers must deftly navigate a series of technical jumps and grab rings along the side of the track, completing the course as quickly as possible. The fast-paced action provides entertainment for the entire family.
There will also be a New Years’ Dance at the 4H Building from 9 pm to midnight on Saturday. Enjoy live music, cocktails, and good old-fashioned mountain town fun to kick off 2023.
With 178 miles of trail maintained by the White River Snowmobile Club, Meeker offers world-class snowmobiling for individuals of all ability levels. Beginner and intermediate snowmobilers can cruise along 78 miles of groomed trails, while more advanced riders can take advantage of the 100 miles of ungroomed terrain for a more significant challenge. The beautiful winter scenery delivers a tremendous adventure without the crowds typically found at other winter activities.
Snowmobile rentals and guided tours are available, or you can bring your sled into the wilderness and explore.
Meeker gives you access to hundreds of miles of trails in the White River National Forest. While these trails are primarily used for hiking and biking when the weather is warm, winter enthusiasts use them for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy spectacular views of the White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness while getting a full-body workout.
You can plan cross-country ski trips with the help of the White River Nordic Council, and free snowshoe rentals are available at the Meeker Recreation Center.
Lake Avery and Rio Blanco Lake typically remain frozen solid from December to late February, providing a long ice fishing season. Drill holes through the ice and try to catch trout, bluegill, crappie, and other fish species.
While there isn’t any skiing in Meeker, you’re not far away from world-class Colorado ski resorts. Sunlight in Glenwood Springs is about 1.25 hours away, and Steamboat is just an hour and a half away, making for a short drive to one of the best mountains in the state. If you’re willing to drive a little farther, you can easily access the top two ski resorts in Colorado. Vail is just over two hours from Meeker, and Aspen is a little under two and a half hours away.
The team at Colorado Advanced Orthopedics wants you to have a fantastic experience in Meeker, and we’re always here to help our out-of-town patients plan their stay. We can recommend hotel accommodations to address your family’s needs, and we’ll give you the scoop on the best restaurants to try while you’re in town. If you want to get adventurous and soak in some of the amazing winter activities Meeker offers, our team can provide the recommendations you need.
With world-class orthopedic surgeons and a mountain playground in our backyard, CAO has become a rapidly growing medical tourism destination in recent years. You’ll benefit from surgical outcomes that regularly exceed industry standards and enjoy the majesty of a northern Colorado mountain town.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker and throughout the White River Valley.
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