Winter Activities Near Southshore
January 17, 2017
Living lakeside at Southshore gives you access to paved trails around the Aurora Reservoir spelling WINTER FUN that goes on for miles! Nearly eight, to be exact. That means that every time it really snows, you can grab a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis and tour your corner of Colorado’s winter wonderland!
And, yes, without a hill to aid your momentum, “back country skiing” relies on your own locomotion and has more cardio effort than a downhill run. A moderate pace burns about 500 calories per hour! It’s also a low impact, total body winter workout with physical and mental health benefits that can’t be beat.
The closest place to rent cross-country ski equipment and snow shoes is Lenny’s Golf and Ski Shop on 2601 S. Parker Rd. in Aurora. Snow shoes are $15 a day and for cross country, you’ll pay $17.
There’s also the High Line Canal Trail, a popular stretch winding 71 miles between Aurora and Roxborough State Park. The trail starts in Aurora at the Spring Hill Golf Course, at E. 14th Street.
Winter Hiking
Now for more of an incline, some say Colorado is the best winter hiking destination in the world. And most hikers agree that there are a couple of hikes just over 30 minutes from Aurora that are just better in the winter! Roxborough State Park is only 36 miles away in Littleton. The contrast of massive red rock formations against the soft, white snow makes winter hikes in Roxborough feel a little fantastical. There is a State Park fee of $7.
The Mt. Falcon Castle and Tower Hike is about 30 miles from Aurora and this winter trek will give you views of Colorado’s snow-flanked Front Range and of the city of Denver fanning out below.
Emerald Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is about 90 minutes away from Aurora via US-36 W. It’s a hike you’ll probably need snowshoes for but you can rent them at the Estes Park Mountain Shop, for only $5 a day! You’ll weave past three lakes to a jaw-dropping view of frozen Emerald Lake and Hallet Peak.
Outdoor Ice Skating
If you haven’t been there yet, The Pond at Southlands Mall, sponsored by Southshore, is just five minutes from our master-planned community by the lake and offers an afternoon or evening of fun sliding and gliding around in front of the movie theaters.
The Pond is the biggest outdoor skating rink southeast of Denver and is open every day. Admission is $8.50 for ages 4 and up and $3.50 for kiddos 3 and under. There’s a $2.50 skate rental fee and active military personnel get a discount.
Southshore in the Winter!
Residents of the master-planned community of Southshore enjoy year-round access to recreational activities and attractions. Walk through one of the beautiful models at Village Homes, check out the new collection designs from Richmond American Homes, and watch for Century Communities, which opens soon, offering both ranch and two-story models. All three builders’ offerings are priced from the $400s to the $700s.