Coloradans have mixed emotions about winter. On the one hand, winter means fresh powder and epic skiing for all, but on the other hand, Colorado in winter means cold and worse traffic and road conditions than ever before. No matter which camp you fall in, there is one thing that we can all agree on — winter in Colorado is magical, as demonstrated by such phenomena as these frozen ice waves. Let’s take a closer look at the frozen ice waves in Colorado.

Happening across Rocky Mountain National Park and other parts of Colorado, frozen ice waves are an unbelievable wintertime phenomenon that can be caused by freezing temperatures and strong winds. 
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How can these two seemingly regular weather occurrences cause such a unique phenomenon? In the case of the iconic Great Lakes (pictured), where ice waves are even more common, it happens when freezing temperatures, strong winds, and water combine, which form literal waves of chunky ice.
Flickr/Gary Paakkonen
Is this the case for Colorado's ice waves? According to Meteorologist Greg Hanson (who spoke with The Denver Channel), the cause for Colorado's waves is more likely melted snowdrifts that re-froze, resulting in these all-natural art-like sculptures. 
Alvin Huang/Moment via Getty Images

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Seriously... is this real life?!
Colorado_Chris/Flickr
Do you want to get out and see the incredible ice waves for yourself? There are several places around Colorado where you might catch a glimpse of this must-see occurrence including the Lake of Glass at Rocky Mountain National Park and The Loch in the Glacier Gorge (pictured).
Carson Armstrong32/AllTrails
If you are wondering if you will see this phenomenon close to home, you just may, as there is still a lot more winter to be had.
darekm101/RooM via Getty Images

Find out about more fun things to do during winter in Colorado:

Have you seen any ice waves in Colorado? Let us know where in the comments! For even more Only in Colorado wintertime fun, check out these things to do in Colorado in winter.

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Natural Attractions in Colorado

Will Suphan | January 09, 2024

What are the best bucket-list natural attractions in Colorado?

The best bucket-list natural attractions in Colorado include:

  • Maroon Bells. This area is perhaps the most photographed place in Colorado and if you come here you’ll see why.
  • Garden of the Gods. Perhaps one of the most popular natural sites in the state, it’s for a good reason. This place is one of the most stunning things you’ll see.
  • Paradise Cove. A gorgeous swimming hole that’s a summer favorite and you can’t beat the views.
  • Lizard Lake. This is a place that seems to jump right out of a Bob Ross painting and into the world. It’s that beautiful.

Learn more about the best bucket-list natural attractions in Colorado. 

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Colorado?

The most incredible natural attractions in Colorado include:

  • Island Lake. The vibrant turquoise waters here are like something from another planet.
  • West Maroon Pass. If you’ve ever wanted to see vast fields of colorful wildflowers, this is certainly the place to go.
  • Manitou Incline. It’s a heck of a workout to get to the top, but once you do, the views are a wondrous payoff.
  • San Isabel National Forest. There is a natural rock waterslide here that is great fun for the entire family and is in beautiful surroundings.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in Colorado. 

What are some hidden-gem natural wonders in Colorado?

Some hidden-gem natural wonders in Colorado include:

  • Book Cliffs. These Cretaceous-era sandstone cliffs and mountains stretch on for 200 miles!
  • Mount Evans. Take a drive up the highest-elevation paved road to some of the most amazing views you’ll ever see.
  • Wheeler Geologic Area. Spires of petrified volcanic ash make you wonder if you’re still on Earth or maybe one of the moons of Jupiter.
  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. You can find insect and leaf fossils here that date back 34 million years!

Discover more about these and other hidden-gem natural wonders in Colorado. 

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