Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the climate of Colorado, particularly the winter weather. We’ll find out where the coldest place in the state is, as well as where the coldest temperature ever recorded was. Then, we’ll discover more about the history of Colorado’s coldest place, as well as what kind of wildlife lives there. We’ll finish up by exploring what kinds of fun you can get up to in the coldest place in Colorado.
The Coldest Place in Colorado
With an average maximum temperature of just 50 degrees Fahrenheit (F), Loveland is the coldest place in Colorado. Located just south of Fort Collins, in the north-central part of the state, Loveland is consistently colder than the rest of the state. Colorado is home to the Great Plains in the east, while the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountains dominate in the west. Temperatures are highly variable, with generally warm summers and cold, dry winters. The upper Rocky Mountains see a large amount of snow, while lower elevations may be exposed to windy blizzards.
The Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Colorado
According to Colorado State University, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Colorado is -61 degrees F. This incredibly low temperature was recorded in the small town of Maybell in February of 1985. Indeed, several places in Colorado, including the town of Fraser, have experienced drastically low temperatures though the years. Typically, the coldest month of the year is January, with an average minimum temperature of 16 degrees F. If you’re looking for warm temperatures, you might want to visit in July or August, when the state is at its hottest. Even then, Colorado’s average temperatures are just 73 and 72 degrees F.
Loveland: History
Established in 1881, the coldest place in Colorado surrounds a unique rock formation known as the Devil’s Backbone. Originally settled as a wheat farm, Loveland’s true genesis began with the construction of the Colorado Central Railroad, which ran from Denver to Fort Collins. The town was named for William A. H. Loveland, Colorado Central Railroad’s then president. With incorporation, the town became a major shipping hub; the population grew rapidly. Growth continued throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with much of the economy based around agriculture. Then, in the second half of the twentieth century, factories and businesses began flocking to Loveland and the surrounding area. With its ideal location—now close to both freeways and highways—Loveland boomed again. Today, Loveland is a town made up of farms and ranches interspersed with large scale corporate headquarters and factories.
The Wildlife of Loveland
Northern Colorado is characterized by a diverse ecosystem that ranges from valley bottoms to mountain ridges. Loveland is located on the flat valley floor, just east of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. In and around town, you may encounter raccoons, chipmunks, porcupines, foxes, and even mice and bats. There are also several varieties of songbird and waterfowl in the valley, in addition to the usual host of ravens, crows, and robins. Venturing farther west into the mountains, visitors are likely to see mule deer, and maybe even elk. Mountain lions and black bear also make the occasional appearance at higher elevations—and sometimes at lower elevations.
Things to Do in Loveland
The coldest place in Colorado is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors should start with the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail, which features both short and long routes. There’s also the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area for hiking, and Boyd Lake State Park for water recreation. Loveland also has plenty of walking parks for sightseers, including the Benson Park Sculpture Garden, the Chapungu Sculpture Park, and Mehaffey Park. The town also boasts its own theater company—the Rialto Theater Company, which is definitely worth checking out if you have the time. Let’s say museums are more your thing, don’t worry—Loveland’s got you covered! Visit the Loveland Museum, or the nearby Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Still looking for things to do in Loveland? The town has plenty of dining options, as well as several alehouses. There’s even a lake—Lake Loveland—right smack in the middle of town.
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