Colorado snowshoe and hiking trails that we do often, some easy, some moderate, all exceptional. There is nothing like hiking through the snow. It’s a magical time in Colorado’s backcountry. I think you will find one on this list just for you.
New to snowshoeing? There is a trail for you! Love to hike in fair weather? Try a winter hike and get hooked!
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Lost Lake Trail via Hessie Trailhead – Nederland, CO
SEVERAL MORE TRAIL OPTIONS!
Lost Lake Trail is beautiful and spring in the Colorado Rockies is a peaceful, less crowded time to get into the wild. Even with the snow on the ground the smell of pine and new growth is strong in the mild breeze. Located off the beaten path, you can bypass the busy ski traffic on I-70 and be in the forest with fewer traffic headaches! >READ MORE
4 miles out and back
Rated: moderate
No restrooms
No horses, bikes
Dogs ok on leash
Camping Info: Roosevelt National Forest
Nearest Town: Nederland, CO
Shuttle recommended in Summer
Family-friendly
Boulder Ranger District; 303-541-2500
>>>> PLEASE check CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
>>>> Don’t forget to check out the “Carousel of Happiness” in the quaint mountain town of Nederland!
Caribou Ranch – Nederland, CO
PERFECT BEGINNER SNOWSHOE TRAIL!
You will be surprised when hiking Caribou Ranch Open Space how much history is located within its boundaries. A loop trail takes you past the historic DeLonde Homestead and the famous Blue Bird Mine from the late 1880s. History buffs will love this and if you are just wanting a day out and hike through meadows, trees and take in the views, this is perfect too. Something for everyone. >READ MORE
Caribou Ranch Open Space– about 4 miles of trails.
Rated: easy
Nearest town: Nederland, CO
Day use only
No pets, bikes, camping, open fires
Restroom, picnic tables at trailhead
Closed: the months of April, May, June
>>>> CLICK HERE for Colorado Weather for Nederland, CO the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
>>>> Don’t forget to check out the “Carousel of Happiness” in the quaint mountain town of Nederland!
Spruce Creek Trail – Blue River, CO
A TRUE COLORADO SNOWSHOE EXPERIENCE! A FAVORITE!
Spruce Creek Trail loop is beautiful in every season. Starting off meandering through a forest of pines with the added option of hiking to Mohawk Lakes above treeline it’s truly Colorado at its best. Located in stunning Blue River, CO near Breckenridge, CO you can’t go wrong. >READ MORE
4.3-mile loop
Rated: moderate
Open to leashed dogs
No restrooms
Nearest town: Breckenridge, CO
>>> PLEASE check CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
Carpenter’s Peak Trail – Littleton, CO
BEST HIKE IN THE PARK!
Carpenter’s Peak Trail is a favorite hike located in Roxborough State Park. Winter months find minimal crowds and sensational snow-capped rocks to hike through as you enter into a winter wonderland of forests while hiking to the highest peak in the park. >READ MORE
6.4 mile out & back
Rated: strenuous
Fee: $10 per car or annual pass $80.
Visitor Center/restrooms
No dogs, camping, mountain bikes, horses, rock climbing, fires
Staunton State Park – Pine, CO
SO MANY BEAUTIFUL TRAILS TO CHOOSE FROM!
Staunton State Park is a mountain mecca of hiking/snowshoe trails. Some with history, one with a waterfall, hike along streams & up to dramatic rock outcropping with overlooks that have breathtaking views. A sensational park to get outside in winter and so close to the front range it’s a gem. >READ MORE
Entrance Fees & Permits >CLICK HERE
Elevation ranges from 8,100 ft to over 10,000 ft
Spotty cell range within the park
Dogs allowed on leash
Baker’s Tank Loop – Breckenridge, CO
THIS SNOWSHOE HIKE WAS AMAZING!
Bakers Tank Trail is popular for year-round outdoor enthusiasts located just 3.5 miles up Boreas Pass from Breckenridge, CO. The forest offers a winter wonderland, like a Christmas Card, and coming back on Boreas Pass offers stunning mountain views of the Ten Mile Range and Quandary Peak on the hike back with loads of Colorado sunshine. >READ MORE
Trail #40
Rated: easy to moderate
Approx: 5.5 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 10,385 ft
Open to dogs, horses and mountain bikes
In winter open to snowshoeing, XC skiing
Trial is well marked
Nearest Town: Breckenridge
Information: Dillon Ranger District 970-468-5400
>>> PLEASE check CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
NORTH TEN MILE TRAIL – Frisco, CO
A BEAUTIFUL TREK THROUGH THE SNOW!
Looking for a relaxing hike through classic Colorado scenery and a babbling creek alongside you? North Ten Mile CreekTrail is it! Perfect trail for all seasons. Bring your snowshoes in winter, your camera in fall, your fishing pole, your wildflower book in summer, and relish all Colorado has to offer in one place. >READ MORE
Trail #37
7.3 mile out and back
Rated: easy/moderate
No restrooms
Nearest town: Frisco, CO
Dillon Ranger District; Silverthorne, CO
>>>> PLEASE check CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
McCULLOUGH GULCH TRAIL – Hooser Pass, CO
FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS!
McCullough Gulch Trail is known for its waterfalls and above timberline lakes. It’s quite spectacular and is very crowded during peak season. (summer), It is breathtaking from the beginning and is as good as it gets! The latest I’ve hiked is in October and the snow was getting pretty deep then. >READ MORE
Want to go in summer? … CLICK HERE!
Please be mindful of the weather, Colorado is extremely unpredictable, especially at high elevations.
2.7 miles out and back from trailhead + a half mile trek to the Trailhead making it 3.7 miles.
Rated: moderate, consider its an uphill trek with lots of rocks and steep areas at high altitude.
Start Elevation: 11,100 ft. Elevation gain: 1,578 ft.
2 portable restrooms at the overflow parking lot for Quandary Peak
Dog friendly
Popular for snowshoeing: Contact Dillon Park Ranger District for Trail conditions.
Road closed to the trailhead in winter: Park at Quandary Peak Trailhead and hike in approx 2 miles to reach the trailhead.
>>> CHECK CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
WOMEN’S FOREST TRAIL – Divide, CO
A SWEET UNKNOWN GEM!
Women’s Forest Trail s a true hidden gem. You’ll find yourself immersed in tall trees, complete solitude, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. Not heavily used it’s a perfect area to get out and if lucky you can get your snowshoes out and enjoy a peaceful, easy hike. >READ MORE
Rated: easy, slightly moderate
Family Friendly
Open to dogs, horses, and mountain bikes
No restrooms, camping, or water source
Cows graze here too!
Nearest Town: Divide,CO and Woodland Park, CO
ELK DANCE LOOP – Breckenridge, CO
MAKE YOUR OWN HIKE ON NUMEROUS TRAIL OPTIONS!
Elk Dance Loop via Peaks Trailhead located at the end of Ski Hill Rd in Breckenridge, CO is a year-round playground. Popular for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing there is something for everyone. Take a short stroll through a magical forest or keep going and hike for hours. >READ MORE
Please be mindful of the weather, Colorado is extremely unpredictable, especially at high elevations.
5.9 miles total (our hike)
Rated: moderate
White River National Forest
Leashed dogs ok
Nearest town: Breckenridge
No restrooms
>>> CHECK CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
DREAM LAKE TRAIL – Rocky Mtn National Park, CO
CAPTIVATING BEYOND WORDS!
Dream Lake Trail, an easy hike to one of Colorado’s most spectacular alpine lakes located in Rocky Mountain National Park. Popular, busy trail but so worth it! It captured our hearts from start to finish. >READ MORE
Please be mindful of the weather, Colorado is extremely unpredictable, especially at high elevations.
2.2 miles out and back
Rated: easy (slightly moderate)
Bear Lake Trailhead
Lake elevation: 9910 ft
>>> CHECK CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
MAYFLOWER GULCH – Summit County, CO
YOU WILL BE BACK AGAIN!
Mayflower Gulch is just the best backcountry getaway in every season. Easy to get to and doable for just about anyone. Do this trail once and you’ll be back! This was my first snowshoe hike and it started a passion for winter hiking for me years ago. >READ MORE
Want to go in summer? CLICK HERE!
Please be mindful of the weather, Colorado is extremely unpredictable, especially at high elevations.
Hike: to Boston Mine Camp, 1.8 miles, starts at 10,994 ft., ends at 11,980 ft.
Hike: to Gold Hill and across top: approx: 4 miles out and back
Rated: easy to moderate
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, dogs, mountain bikes
Note: Some avalanche prone areas on the upper end of the trail
Located in: Arapaho National Forest
BE SAFE
ALWAYS CHECK CAIC/ Colorado Avalanche Information Center the week you plan to hike for updates! If looks iffy, don’t go!
Your clothing & gear matter! Having the appropriate gear is essential for a safe winter hike. >CLICK HERE for a look at what I wear and the gear I always have with me. Understanding the reasons behind having appropriate clothing and gear will help explain why each item serves a purpose.
LET’S CONNECT
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Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
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