Hiking is a great way to enjoy winter in Colorado, whether you opt for a trek through the snow or choose a trail that remains dry for much of the season. There are, however, a few additional steps to take in cold weather to help ensure that you enjoy a safe and fun adventure.
Basic rules for winter hiking
It’s just as important to stay on the trail in winter as it is in summer. Sticking to the trail helps protect native plants and prevents erosion. This means you should be prepared to walk on snow, ice and mud, not widen a trail by going around them.
Get a pair of microspikes (sometimes called “snow traction,” “ice traction” or “crampons,” though true crampons are used in ice climbing and mountaineering). These devices ball up to nearly the size of a pair of socks and easily fit in a backpack, fanny pack or jacket pocket. Slip them over your hiking boots to prevent sliding on icy spots.
Bring water and stay hydrated. A bottle is better than a bladder as your water is less likely to freeze.
Wear sunscreen on your exposed skin, particularly your face, ears and neck. Take it along in case you peel off layers and expose your arms or legs.
Let someone reliable know where you are going and when you expect to return.
You can hike on trails for snowshoers, but stay off the groomed tracks for cross-country skiers.
Know the avalanche risk along the trail you’ve selected. A flat trail can be flanked by steeper slopes that are prone to avalanches. Go to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website for information about risks. Consider taking an avalanche safety class such as those offered by REI.
If you’re hiking in avalanche-prone areas, carry appropriate safety and rescue gear and know how to use it.
Pack out what you pack in; leave no trace. Hiding your debris in the snow is still littering.
Consider bringing toe and hand warmers. They’re small and lightweight and you’ll be glad you have them if you need them.
Consider taking snowshoes and ankle gaiters, depending on conditions.
Here are a few of my favorite winter hiking trails, both those that are snowy and those that are more likely to remain dry.
Trails likely to have snow
Generally, if you want to hike in the snow, head for trails that “hold” snow. These are usually trails through the trees or that dip into valleys where the sun doesn’t shine at midday.
Jenny Creek Trail
This trail at Eldora Ski Area starts on the east side of the bunny slope. You begin by walking up alongside the skiers heading down the slope and then cut through some trees. Follow the signs. There is a brief stretch where you can see skiers again, then it’s all trees and pretty peaceful.
In 1.6 miles, you’ll reach Jenny Creek Road (a trail at this point) and can choose to go right or left, or turn around. The trail starts at 9,400 feet elevation and you can take it more than 7 miles to Yankee Doodle Lake at 10,720 feet. No dogs allowed.
Eldora’s Nordic center has snowshoes for rent. There’s also a trail system accessible after you buy a trail pass. The Jenny Creek Trail is free to use but not maintained by Eldora.
Buffalo Trail
This moderate trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park northwest of Golden takes you past historic homes to a view of Tallman Ranch and Forgotten Valley. It’s 2.4 miles round trip and intersects with the Mountain Lion Trail if you want to extend your hike. The park’s trails have animal names and are marked with images of the footprint of the animals. This is not a hike through the trees, but it’s thrilling to see waypoints such as a pond and the old buildings in their snow-covered beauty.
Park entry is $10 per car, though you may have purchased a state parks pass with your last vehicle registration. That pass provides entry to Colorado’s state parks. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Eli Becker, left, and Kimberly Beach set out on snowshoes toward Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park on Nov. 3, 2019. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Dream Lake
This quintessential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is gorgeous any time of year, but it’s extra special in winter. This is a 2-mile round-trip hike from the park’s most popular trailhead at Bear Lake. If it has been cold enough, the lake will be frozen and you can hike on it in your spikes, perhaps continuing your trek to Emerald Lake or even Lake Haiyaha (adding 2 miles to your trek). Do not assume the lake is thoroughly frozen, however.
The trail starts at a bit over 9,400 feet and climbs another 500 feet. The view of Hallett Peak behind the lake brings early morning photographers out to catch the sun’s first glow. There is a fee to enter the park, but the reservation system is on pause in winter. If this parking lot is full, return to Sprague Lake for an easy walk around the lake. No dogs allowed.
Trails with less snow
If you prefer your winter hiking with a chill in the air but without snow, mud or ice, you can reliably find dry trails on the Western Slope and Eastern Plains. There also are dry trails around lower elevations – just look for areas that receive plenty of midday sun and have few trees and shady valleys.
Canyon Rim Trail to Window Rock
This trail in Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction is unlikely to get more than a dusting of snow all winter. At 1.8 miles round trip, this hike might take an hour if you never stopped, but you’ll probably want to stop again and again to admire and take photos of the red rock formations. There are virtually no trees here so you will be exposed to wind, sun and cold. The monument has many hiking trails. Check in at the visitor center for a map and plan more outings.
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife area is windswept, which keeps snow from piling up on the 10 miles of trails that offer unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Keep your eyes open for views of elk herds and other wildlife. For an easy introduction to the refuge, hike 1 mile to the 1-4-mile Lindsay Ranch Loop, then return the way you came.
Barr Lake State Park
This park near Brighton has a selection of trails of varying lengths that are all fairly flat. A hike around the lake’s perimeter is 8.8 miles. If you simply want to stretch your legs, the hike from the Nature Center to the Boardwalk Gazebo is 1.3 miles. Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing. See if you can spot the resident bald eagles.
Check social media and land manager / park websites for trail updates. Park rangers and friends groups often post updates if trails are particularly snowy, icy or muddy – or even closed to visitors.
