Western Wanderlust Chronicles

To celebrate the winter solstice, Bill and I packed up and headed to Steamboat Springs for a cozy weekend getaway. Bill found us a charming Airbnb that felt like home from the moment we walked in, giving us the perfect base for a few days of winter exploration and relaxation.

We started by wandering through downtown Steamboat Springs, soaking up the holiday cheer as we explored the local shops and bakeries. Steamboat has that quintessential small-town charm with festive lights twinkling against the snowy backdrop, making each shop window even more inviting. After some delightful window shopping and treats, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a local spot, before heading back to our cozy Airbnb for a relaxing night in with a holiday movie. There’s something so comforting about curling up and watching a holiday classic, especially on a chilly winter night.

The next morning, we bundled up in our warmest layers for an adventure to Fish Creek Falls. Winter transforms this popular hiking spot into a serene, snow-draped paradise. Unlike the bustling summer months, the trail was quiet, giving us a peaceful escape to fully appreciate the scenery. The frozen waterfall, framed by trees glistening in fresh snow, was breathtaking—an ideal way to honor the winter solstice.

As we hiked through the winter wonderland around Fish Creek Falls, we were greeted by scenes straight out of a storybook. The landscape was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, with tall evergreens standing guard over the frozen creek below. The snow-covered branches sparkled in the soft sunlight filtering through, creating a peaceful glow across the forest. The quiet beauty of the trail was breathtaking, with only the occasional sound of snow crunching beneath our boots as we walked. It felt like a truly magical way to celebrate the winter solstice, surrounded by nature’s quiet elegance in this snow-draped paradise.

Reflecting on winter’s beauty, a quote by John Boswell comes to mind: “Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” Our weekend in Steamboat Springs felt like just that—a time to slow down, connect with nature, and savor simple moments together.

On our drive home, we crossed over Rabbit Ears Pass, which was an experience in itself. Winter transformed the pass into a snowy marvel, with towering pine trees cloaked in white and expansive views of the surrounding mountains dusted in fresh powder. From our vantage point, we could see snow-covered valleys and rolling hills stretching endlessly, framed by clusters of dark green pines and bare winter trees. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft, hazy light over the landscape and giving everything a peaceful glow. It was a stunning reminder of the quiet beauty of winter and a fitting end to our solstice weekend. Crossing Rabbit Ears Pass felt like a final farewell to the mountains, a moment to soak in the magic of Colorado’s winter landscape one last time before heading home.

Our little solstice getaway was just what we needed to embrace the winter season fully. From cozying up to hiking by a frozen waterfall, this weekend in Steamboat Springs was a perfect reminder of the magic and peace that winter brings.