Rainbow Park in Silverthorne is a winter gem offering free sledding with beautiful mountain views, easy access, and fun for all skill levels.
Overview
If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy a snowy day in Summit County without spending a fortune, sledding at Rainbow Park in the Town of Silverthorne is an absolute must. Nestled right in the heart of Silverthorne, this popular sledding hill is a family favorite and a fantastic winter adventure spot. It’s low-key, super fun, and best of all, completely free. Whether you’re stopping by after a morning at the Silverthorne Recreation Center or just looking to burn off some energy with the kids, Rainbow Park offers the kind of wholesome fun that reminds you why we love winter in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Resorts area.
While not as formally recognized as the big ski resorts nearby, Rainbow Park has quietly earned its reputation over the years as one of the most popular sledding hills in Summit County. Originally developed as a local park for residents and visitors, it naturally became a go-to winter spot thanks to its large hill and accessible layout. With no lift lines, entry fees, or equipment rentals required, it’s a grassroots favorite that keeps the old-school charm of snow days alive.
Sledding at Rainbow Park Plan
We met up with family in Denver and decided to drive toward Keystone in search of a good spot to let the boys experience snow for the first time. They were still really young, and we wanted something fun but safe for their first sledding adventure. We stumbled upon Rainbow Park in Silverthorne, and it turned out to be the perfect place. The small hills were just right for their age—big enough to feel exciting, but gentle enough to be comfortable and safe. Watching them play in real snow for the first time, bundled up and full of giggles, was such a memorable part of the trip.
Stephanie, Justin, and Ryan… Tyler was too busy playing to stop for a photo
Sledding down the hill
Getting There
Location
Rainbow Park is conveniently located right behind the Silverthorne Recreation Center, just off Rainbow Drive. It’s easy to find with ample parking, and it’s just a short drive from other favorite Summit County destinations like Frisco Adventure Park, North Pond Park, Carter Park, and Keystone Resort. You’ll also find the Blue River Trail and Main Street Silverthorne nearby for an easy afternoon stroll or a stop at one of the many coffee shops after your sledding session.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go sledding at Rainbow Park is between late November and early March, depending on snowfall. Mid-morning to early afternoon is ideal for both snow conditions and lighting, especially if you’re hoping to snap a few photos with those beautiful mountain views. Avoid weekends or holidays if you want a bit more space to spread out, though it never feels overwhelmingly crowded.
Ryan wasn’t happy that he couldn’t walk in the deeop snow
Rainbow Park’s playground covered in snow
Sledding at Rainbow Park in Silverthorne, Colorado
Who Can Go?
Everyone! Rainbow Park is welcoming to all ages and skill levels, making it perfect for families with toddlers, teens, or even adults who want to rediscover their inner kid. Whether you bring your own sled, rent a snow tube elsewhere, or pick up gear from the nearby sled shed, you’ll be right at home.
What You'll See
Besides the obvious—kids flying down the hill on sleds, you’ll be surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks, cheerful laughter, and a good mix of locals and visitors. The park has open fields, play structures, a dog park, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of folks on fat bikes or trying cross-country skiing nearby. The setting is as picturesque as it gets with views of the White River National Forest and the distant sparkle of Lake Dillon.
View from the top of the hill
Small snowman that Tyler made (with some help of course)
What to Bring & Wear
- Warm, waterproof layers (snow pants and jackets are key)
- Gloves, hats, goggles, or sunglasses
- Your own sled or snow tube (though there’s a sled shed nearby for community use)
- Snacks and hot cocoa for a warm-up break
- Snow boots with good traction
Optional but awesome: a thermos of coffee, a camera, or even a camping chair if you plan to watch from the top of the hills.
Where to Go
Once you park at the Silverthorne Recreation Center, walk straight back toward the open hill area of Rainbow Park. The runway sledding hill is wide and gently sloped, making it perfect for younger kids and those new to sledding. If you’re looking for steeper tubing hills or a magic carpet ride, you might want to check out Frisco Adventure Park or Carter Park—both nearby and fantastic options for a more structured sledding experience.
How Long Does it Take?
Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours sledding here. It’s enough time for multiple runs, snowball fights, and warming up with a break or two. The hill is a walk-up (no surface lift here), so you’ll get some exercise climbing back up—but that’s half the fun!
Ryan ready to go on another trip down the sledding hill
Justin carrying Ryan in the lower part of the sledding area
Cost
Completely free. That’s right—free sledding at Rainbow Park. No tickets, no passes, no call center support IDs. Just show up and enjoy. If you need sleds or gear, some nearby stores in Main Street Frisco or Silverthorne offer rentals or affordable buys.
Tips for Sledding at Rainbow Park
- Go early to find good parking, especially on weekends.
- Bring your own sled—while there may be a few at the sled shed, they can be hit or miss.
- Use the Silverthorne Recreation Center for restroom access or a warm break (they also have hot tubs and pools!).
- Combine sledding with other winter fun—check out free ice skating at North Pond Park, go ice fishing near Lake Dillon, or try Nordic Skiing at Keystone Nordic Center or Frisco Nordic Center.
- After sledding, grab a delicious meal on Main Street or stop into one of the local coffee shops for a treat.
- If you’re vacation planning, Rainbow Park is a great add-on to your Colorado Rocky Mountain Resorts itinerary and is just minutes from Copper Mountain and Keystone Resort.