6 healthy things to do in Colorado in January

Dec. 15, 2022
people running in Rio Frio race in Colorado in January.
Events in Colorado in January are plentiful. On the last weekend of January, residents and visitors take to the outdoors for the Alamosa Rio Frio Ice Fest.  Photo: Rio Races.

January is the month for new year’s resolutions, so it’s a great time to get healthier and break bad habits. Whether you are getting in shape, quitting smoking or setting a goal to read more, we all have small steps to make 2023 a little healthier.

Following the SMART goal system, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, will ensure your goals are realistic and achievable. However, the key to long-lasting change is to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into your daily life and your fun. Here are some of our favorite events happening in Colorado in January to help you stay active, nourish your body and feed your soul.

Jan. 1: Celebrate First Day Hikes

A colorado state park, where hikes are one of things to do in Colorado in January.
Source: Getty Images.

Each New Year’s Day, America’s state parks celebrate First Day Hikes, an opportunity for individuals and families to welcome the new year in the outdoors by exercising and connecting with nature. Colorado state parks have traditional hikes to check out, as well as self-guided and ranger-guided tours available on this day. There are hikes with a range of distances and rigor levels to choose from, so people with varying abilities and fitness levels can have fun in nature while starting the new year off right.

Jan. 1-31: Explore a unique and scenic Colorado landscape in a Jeep

A jeep tour, like in this photo, is one thing to do in Colorado in January.
Source: Colorado Jeep Tours.

Winter is no match for enclosed, heated Jeeps. Colorado Jeep Tours allows you to navigate the vibrant formations of Red Rock Park and explore areas off-road. Located 45 minutes from Colorado Springs in Canon City, you can choose from half- and full-day trips that include iconic stops like the Royal Gorge Bridge and Skyline Drive. Well-behaved pups are also welcome!

Jan. 11: Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Colorado Symphony

The Colorado Symphony honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. each year with a free tribute concert in Colorado in January.
Source: Brandon Marshall

Known as the most prominent spokesperson and leader in the American Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains one of the most inspirational figures in American history. The Colorado Symphony honors King each year with a free tribute concert. This year the concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver. Tickets are free and available two weeks prior to the event online or in person at the Colorado Symphony Box Office.

Jan. 14 and Jan. 28: Load up on fresh produce and local goods at the farmer’s market

a basket of produce that can be found at a Colorado farmers market in January
Source: Getty Images.

We know what you’re thinking, farmers markets are a summer thing. Well, the City of Fort Collins offers a winter farmers market. Featuring rows of beautiful winter produce, local meats and cheeses, breads, sweets, local artist booths and handcrafted goods, you won’t want to miss it. Plus, buying local is one of the best ways to get the most nutritiously dense food, with the lowest carbon footprint. There are several other winter markets around the state, too.

Jan. 27-29: See the world’s best in snow sports

Snowboarder at the X Games in Colorado in January.
Source: Joshua Duplechian/X Games

The world’s best skiers and snowboarders take over Buttermilk Mountain at Aspen Snowmass for three days of heart-pounding action during the Winter X Games. The event is free to attend and showcases 18 different extreme snow sport disciplines. X Games Aspen also offers live concerts in-between competition events. Follow @Xgames across digital and social media platforms to get the most up-to-date information.

Jan 27-29: Embrace the season in one of the coldest cities in Colorado

man running with his dog in Colorado in January at the Rio Frio race.
Source: Rio Races.

On the last weekend of January, residents and visitors take to the outdoors for the Alamosa Rio Frio Ice Fest. The more than a decade-long tradition in Alamosa provides festivalgoers with various activities for the entire family to enjoy. Intricate ice sculptures in downtown Alamosa, an ice bowl disc golf tournament, ice climbing, ice skating, and don’t forget the famous Rio Frio 5k on Ice, a 5k run on the frozen Rio Grande River, a truly one-of-a-kind race experience.

 

About the author

Megan Jansson is a Social Media Communication Strategist at UCHealth with a passion for all things health. She worked as a certified personal trainer for many years, earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic advertising at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned her master’s degree in public health at Colorado State University. Always having a big passion for writing, she’s written numerous articles and stories for Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Public Health.