DENVER – Why spend hundreds of dollars on gear (not to mention the lift ticket) during the winter when you can spend less and still enjoy the wonders Colorado has to offer?
Now, don’t get us wrong: We have nothing against skiing and snowboarding. But there are far more economical ways to enjoy the winter – and still take in the beauty of the Colorado mountains.
Here are six of our favorite Colorado trails to snowshoe during the winter months:
1. Nederland
The drive is not far once you get to Boulder and if you’re looking for some adventure not far from the metro area, check out the trail to Lost Lake if you’re just a beginner snowshoer (you’ll be surprised by the view of a mountain lake at the peak of the route). If you’re a more seasoned snowshoer, check out the Arapaho Glacier Trail.
2. Steamboat Springs
Skip the lines at the Steamboat Ski Resort and head to Rabbit Ears Pass instead for an incredible snowshoeing experience. There are also plenty of ungroomed options for all levels of expertise when it comes to snowshoeing.
3. Grand Mesa
Head down south of the state for a spectacular snowshoeing view atop Grand Mesa. You’ll want to check out the county Trail area, the Ward trail head or the Mesa or Griffith lakes to begin with.
4. Glenwood Springs
If you were planning on visiting Hanging Lake in the summer and thought it wasn't worth it in the winter, you’d be dead wrong. The Hanging Lake Trail near Glenwood Springs ascends 1,000 feet so you’ll get a good workout and the beauty of the lake will not disappoint. Be careful, though, the trail could be quite slippery with all that ice and snow.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
You more than likely went to Rocky Mountain National Park over the summer, but the parks 355 miles of hiking trails are still for you to enjoy during the winter! With that much mileage to experience, we’re pretty sure you’re bound to find incredible views as you snowshoe this winter.
6. The Colorado Trail
Stretching from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail offers nearly 500 miles through six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges. You can go wild and snowshoe to your heart’s content starting anywhere from any of its 28 segments.
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