My first excursion was at pole creek golf course near winter park and from the moment buckled my foot into those snowshoes, i was hooked. Rocky mountain national park is in many ways the heart of the colorado rockies. Snowshoeing trails are abundant across colorado, with some of the best trail systems located in our national parks and forests, 41 state parks and a network of dozens of nordic centers and ranches. We offer a variety of trips that fit a range of fitness and experience levels. The road gets progressively rougherstill rated a blue at this pointbut its a strong blue. Colorado has backcountry huts located throughout the rocky mountains that can be access by snowshoe. Some choose to make the trek on cross country skis. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Recommend you park and unload at start of chinns lake road. Snowshoeing vallecito creek trail, the weminuche wilderness. Jan 10, 2020 whether youre a free spirit or prefer to follow a groomed path, heres a list to get you snowshoeing in colorados great outdoors this winter. Whether youre a free spirit or prefer to follow a groomed path, heres a list to get you snowshoeing in colorado s great outdoors this winter. Read on for the 10 best places to go snowshoeing in the centennial state.
Plan to spend several days exploring with surrounding wilderness while lodging in your own rustic hut. Put one snowshoe in front of the other the denver post. Daring souls can venture from the same trailhead to crater lakes. Keep reading to learn more about the best trails for winter hiking and snowshoeing in colorado. As long as there is good snow coverage, you can snowshoe almost anywhere. First time snowshoers will find vallecito creek trail is an excellent place for their first snowshoeing experience. Did a dayhikesnowshoe this past monday up to chinns lake with the cmc colorado mountain club that i just joined. Whether you want to set off on an easy, familyfriendly snowshoe in rocky mountain national park or prefer to blaze your own trails in the rugged. The colorado mountain club assumes no liability for the safety of persons using this map. National and state parks are loaded with scenic trails, as are many ski resorts.
My first excursion was at pole creek golf course near winter park and from the moment buckled my foot into those snowshoes, i. This is an amazing trail for snowshoeing right outside winter park resort that will allow you to get deep into the forest of james peak protection area. While the ski areas in the state provide great amenities and access to terrific inbound terrain, much of the best terrain lies outside the boundaries of the ski areas i. Rocky mountain national park is the other side of the rocky mountains in winter away from the traffic and big resort skiing crowds along the i70 corridor. Snowshoeing estes park winter fun in rocky mountain. We hiked yesterday and it was a little icy in some spots but manageable with just hiking shoes. A long but extremely scenic hike tucked in colorados indian peaks wilderness. Brainard lake snowshoe trail hiking trail, nederland, colorado. Several commercial centers and a multitude of backcountry sites give skiers and snowshoers plenty of options to choose from. Just an hour from boulder, brainard lake, which is part of brainard lake recreation area, is a snowshoeing paradise, with a diverse network of interconnecting trails for all levels, some built specifically for snowshoeing. Grand county, colorado offers epic terrain for recreation, including snowshoeing. From the easier trails at brainard lake to the steep uphills of moffatt tunnel and east portal, snowshoeing in the indian peaks wilderness has something for everybody.
Hug the left south edge of the campground and youll soon find the trail again as it heads to brainard lake. Brainard lake recreation area is one of colorados best natural winter playgrounds. Inspire a love of reading with prime book box for kids discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1. The indian peaks wilderness, set an hour west of boulder, is a gorgeous landscape comprising of lakes, waterways, mountains, valleys, and a plethora of wildlife including moose, elk. Colorado parks and wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. About an hours drive from boulder, the namesake lake sits at 10,000 ft. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. For the truly adventurous colorado snowshoeing excursion, not to mention some of the best snowshoeing in colorado, consider a hut trip.
With a little bit of preparation, and no matter what your skill level, many exciting activities await. Cpw issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority. We suspect enforcement was minimal after waypoint 02. Top 7 snowshoeing trails in colorado where to go snowshoeing in colorado snowshoeing is a fantastic way to stay active during the winter, and theres no shortage of amazing trails here in colorado. With the addition of winter clothing, a pair of snowshoes and a set of poles, you can snowshoe and hike in rocky mountain national park throughout the winter season. About the author awardwinning author claire walter has written books about skiing, snowshoeing and colorado s vibrant culinary scene for fulcrum. The ultimate guide to snowshoeing in grand county, colorado. Im still a year away from attempting any winter camping, and this 8. Book a moonlit dinner tour with steamboat resort to top off your ride with a ribeye. Snowshoeing information for steamboat springs, colorado. The cabins, owned by colorado state parks, are managed by never summer nordic. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of colorados wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs.
Colorado is known as a winter vacation hub and a skiers paradise. Best snowshoeing trails near grand lake, colorado alltrails. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, fishing, and mountain biking and is best used from june until september. Well leave camp each day and embark on a series of day hikes that hit the highlights of rocky mountain national park. Colorado snowshoeing snowshoe trails and rentals in co. Ski tours and snowshoeing colorado wilderness rides and. Rocky mountain national park at the edge of rocky mountain national park, grand lake is the deepest natural lake in colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Whether youre a free spirit or prefer to follow a groomed path, heres a list to get you snowshoeing in colorados great outdoors this winter. Aug 12, 2012 youll come to the fork where youll go to the left for chinns laketo the right is fall river reservoir. The chinns lake trail takes you up to chinns lake and sherman lake. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including rainbow trout and splake here. Best colorado trails to snowshoe the coloradoan fort. Snowshoe or ski in cabins colorado away from the grind. Snowshoeing is just a hike on snow using shoes that look like clown feet, if.
The most popular trails are the crags trail, pikes peak and st. The trail is just over a half mile and runs near the base of hallett peak and flattop mountain. Indian peaks snowshoeing colorado wilderness rides and. Freestyle snowshoeing trailsif you have a freestyle mindset with no need for a guide, groomed trails or rental facilities, these areas offer plenty of options to create your own unique colorado snowshoeing experience.
Starting at 9,220 feet of elevation, this 5 mile outandback snowshoe begins its 965 foot elevation gain meandering through a quiet forest. Alan apt of fort collins, author of snowshoe routes. Chinns lake is a fun and easy trail with great camping on the water, hiking and fishing all within an hour or so drive of denver, colorado. Whether youre a beginner or a snowshoe pro, snow mountain ranch has trails to spark wonder and awe in every member of your group. Our colorado backpacking trips take you high to alpine basins, mountain lakes, craggy peaks, glaciers, forests and the wildflowerfilled meadows of rocky mountain national park. Take a tranquil loop around a pristine mountain meadow. Exit long lake loop back on to brainard lake road currently under construction for 2 miles to return to parking lot. The best snowshoeing trails near denver nomad colorado. Cpw issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority wildlife.
The stunning backdrop of indian peaks wilderness, whose summits poke up above,000 feet, guarantee jawdropping views as. If you cant find it, just follow the road this short bit to the lake. Whether youre baitcasting, spinning or fly fishing your chances of getting a bite here are good. Snowshoes are a great way to get outside and enjoy winter. The hike to lost lake is a fun outing for any level skier or snowshoer who wants to appreciate the beauty of colorado. Snowshoeing in colorado rocky mountain national park. Marys glacier or detour just before the trailhead to visit chinns lake. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of colorado s wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. A quick and dirty guide to the best boulder snowshoeing.
Strap on snowshoes and set out on an adventure through snowfrosted pine trees. A long but extremely scenic hike tucked in colorado s indian peaks wilderness. About the author awardwinning author claire walter has written books about skiing, snowshoeing and colorados vibrant culinary scene for fulcrum. Colorado snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing nomad colorado. Learn trails, ranches, ski resorts near grand lake, fraser. Snowshoe rentals are available at the nordic center. Lost lake is popular because of how close it is to denver and boulder, the area has numerous trails.
Our rocky mountain national park basecamp tour is an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and famous colorado rockies from the comfort of a scenic, private campground. It is a comfortable walk on snow shoes, a mile and a half up the lake agnes jeep road off of colorado 14 about two hours drive from cheyenne. Im still a year away from attempting any winter camping, and this 8mile hike to the lake at 1. Complete snowshoeing information for steamboat springs, colorado with maps, photos, trail descriptions, guides and outfitters, and more.
The 12 best snowshoe trails in northern colorado whether youre just visiting or youre lucky enough to call noco home, snowshoeing is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the area while its blanketed in snow. Best winter hikes and snowshoes in colorado the mountainear. We saw atvs parked at fall river reservoir, but were not sure if they were legal, since 275. Rules, fees, and maps youll be snowshoeing in the uintawasatchcache national forests heberkamas ranger district. This is payable at a fee station located on the mirror lake scenic byway. Mar 23, 2020 9 snowshoe trails with the best views to fill up your instagram. Best places to snowshoe in colorado colorado skiing and. Colorados front range is dedicated to the destinations around the centennial state, and it is here where the expertise of apt and his fellow field researchers really shines. Grand lake touring center about 36 miles from winter park this touring center has 30k of nordicsnowshoe trails that meander over what is a beautiful alpine golf course in the summer. It was designed by jim groh, based on gps research provided by steve priem, over the 20092010 timeframe. Shannon dizmang snowshoeing is affordable, fun, and a great workout too. From the lake, you are looking up at the continental divide, which hosts some great hikes in the summer, and some popular backcountry ski lines in the winter.
If you are new to snowshoeing, be sure to check out previous snowshoe blog posts before you set out on your snowshoeing journey. The brainard lake rec area is our favorite colorado winter trail location near boulder and denver because it contains so many different snowshoeing loops. Snowshoeing is just a hike on snow using shoes that look like clown feet, if clowns lived mad maxs version of the apocalypse. Youll come to the fork where youll go to the left for chinns laketo the right is fall river reservoir. Colorado is famous for its deep and fluffy snow, and with great conditions december through march, its the perfect place to explore the snowy trails. Colorado snowshoe trails todays post will provide a brief overview of some of the best snowshoeing trails in the state of colorado. Good beginning snowshoe trails run on the small boulder county open space park north of nederland. Whether you want to set off on an easy, familyfriendly snowshoe in rocky mountain national park or prefer to blaze your own trails in the rugged terrain of. This was our first hike together in colorado and it was such a great hike. And its pretty much true that if you can walk, you can snowshoe, so theres no learning curve to picking up this peaceful colorado winter pastime. Broken down into five regions with more detailed locales beneath, the book is sure to get some mileage during your expeditions. Get the inside scoop on equipment, clothing, technique, and winter safety issues as well as snowshoeing events, races, and even snowshoe fitness programs. Awardwinning trail guide to colorados hottest winter sport revised.
Nov 01, 2004 get the inside scoop on equipment, clothing, technique, and winter safety issues as well as snowshoeing events, races, and even snowshoe fitness programs. Rentals are available in town at the estes park mountain shop on hwy 34 at the entrance to estes park, or at the warming house. Youll come to the fork where youll go to the left for chinns lake to the right is fall river reservoir. Did a dayhike snowshoe this past monday up to chinns lake with the cmc colorado mountain club that i just joined. Grand lake easily lives up to its rep as the snowmobiling capital of colorado. Jul 10, 2016 just an hour from boulder, brainard lake, which is part of brainard lake recreation area, is a snowshoeing paradise, with a diverse network of interconnecting trails for all levels, some built specifically for snowshoeing. Its a good place for newbies to use the trail or venture off into the powder and get used to the feel of wearing and walking around with these large contraptions on their feet. If you enjoy a relatively rolling hiking experience, then you should definitely tackle the 5. On the east, take the old berthoud ski area road to colorado mines. Ski tours and snowshoeing colorado wilderness rides and guides.