Ski, Hike, Fish, Ride and Enjoy Great Food and Entertainment

The Thirst Colorado Team

Frenzied shoppers, impatient drivers, parking lots with no parking – not this Black Friday, people. The Thirst Colorado team is hoping to lead you to a land of enjoyment, where no one is risking life and limb for a discounted TV. We’ve compiled a list of possibilities that range from calm to thrilling to … filling.

Photo: courtesy Copper Mountain Facebook page

SKIING

Colorado had a stellar October as far as snow accumulation goes, and with a few light storms blowing in throughout the week of Thanksgiving, skiing conditions on Black Friday should be great. Copper Mountain, in particular, has a good amount of terrain open for this time of the season and is boasting a 121 percent snowpack (compared to the 30-year average). Or, if working off that Thanksgiving meal coma is needed, head on over to Arapahoe Basin for a little human-powered skiing! Uphill access at the Basin is officially open and is a great opportunity to get some exercise. Skin up during a brisk Black Friday morning. Get away from the crowds and in the silence of nature, find some post-Thanksgiving bliss. Make sure to arrange for an Uphill-Access pass from A-Basin. You can find out more on their website here.

MOUNTAIN/FAT BIKING

It may be winter, but that won't stop some from getting after it on two wheels! In the western part of the state, the Fruita area provides ample mountain biking opportunities for much of the year. Check out the 18 Road or Kokopelli trail systems for some excellent Black Friday/weekend shred sessions. Due to desert conditions, the trails are often dry, yet snow is not out of the question, so plan accordingly. MTB Project is often updated with current conditions.

ANGLING

Yes, hardcore anglers don’t let a little snow and cold weather affect their plans to float a fly or wet a worm. We’ve received word from anglers at Steamboat Lake that 16-inch rainbow trout are still the norm – at least until the lake freezes solid. Portions of the South Platte River are open from the Denver area up through Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir. Conditions are changing daily, so be smart before you start and check the weather reports in the area you hope to fish.

HIKING

Open trails are available all over the state, especially areas below 8,000 feet. Along the Front Range, Boulder Open Space , Jeffco Open Space and the Denver Mountain Parks offer excellent opportunities to explore a natural setting free of concrete and crazed shoppers. For added adventure, head to Garden of the Gods for the No Moon Hike the evening of Nov. 29. Another one of the state’s best chances to extend fall is the Grand Junction area, where the climate is more conducive for outdoor fun. From the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction to the area’s awesome national forests, the opportunities are vast. Check out the Grand Mesa National Forest, the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and the Uncompahgre National Forest for extensive hiking adventures.

MUSEUMS

For a more mellow Black Friday, check out Denver's plethora of museums, which provide the perfect opportunity to walk off any leftover turkey and decompress from the hours of family time. The Denver Art Museum's Monet exhibit is still in town and is well worth your time. Over 120 art pieces are included in the most comprehensive U.S. exhibition of Monet paintings in more than two decades. Or bring along the kiddos and head to the Museum of Nature and Science for their new exhibit: The Science of Pixar. According to the museum, "Guests will enjoy more than 50 interactive elements, hear first-hand from the studio’s production teams in video profiles, and come face-to-face with re-creations of popular characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, and WALL•E."

ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS ACROSS COLORADO

The Grand Illumination at Union Station, Denver

The whole family will feel merry and bright in a kick-off to the holiday season from 5-8 p.m. at Denver’s Union Station for The Grand Illumination. While the ceremonious lighting of the 40-foot-tall plaza Christmas tree will begin at around 6 p.m., there is also an entire evening of excitement to be expected, including performances by the Denver Dolls, the Denver Bronze and a special appearance from Santa Claus.

Glen Eyrie Castle Tour, Colorado Springs

Spend your Black Friday traveling back in time to Glen Eyrie. This guided historical tour will take you on a journey involving rival, turn-of-the-century railroad wars and oil tycoons. While the typical tours only feature a select handful of rooms, on Black Friday, every single one of the castle rooms will be available for viewing and all four floors of the castle will be open to explore with your tour guide. Be sure to check out the website for tour times and reservations.

Bluegrass Jam at Edgewater Brewery, Grand Junction

Enjoy a bluegrass jam at Edgewater Brewery from 7-10 p.m., where you can take the open-mic stage to pick and sing or dance along to the tunes while enjoying a craft beer or two.

Giving Tap ─ The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District at Après Handcrafted Libations

All month long and especially for Black Friday, Après Handcrafted Libations will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from their tap line to Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, a non-profit dedicated to outdoor stewardship organizations.

Winter Wonderlights, Loveland

Through New Year’s Day at the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland, visitors can walk through the park and enjoy 80,000 holiday lights illuminating the sculptures. Additionally, look and listen for 30-minute music and light shows. Special programming, local vendors and of course, the alleged “largest inflatable igloo in Colorado” will be onsite during Winter Wonderlights for an altogether magical celebration of winter.