Winter trails in Colorado’s backcountry are a special time to hike. The crowds are few and you have longer, quiet stretches that belong to yourself. I put together a list of trails I’ve hiked in various seasons, but all are great suggestions for getting outside in winter! Most hiking trails double as snowshoeing trails during the wintertime.
You will find a lot of trails are snow-packed, well-traveled, and can be hiked with just winter hiking boots. But I always bring a pair of snowshoes and snow traction cleats, then decide at the trailhead if It looks like I could run into areas of deep snow or ice.
I recommend that first-time snowshoers go with a friend and stick to well-marked trails.
Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you).
Mayflower Gulch Trail
I HAVE AN OBSESSION WITH THIS HIKE!
Mayflower Gulch Trail is an awesome adventure in any season. An easy uphill mile tops out at what some call the Mayflower Amphitheater with its surrounding views of Mayflower Hill (elevation 12,389 ft), Pacific Peak (elevation 13,950 ft), and Fletcher Mountain (elevation 13,951 ft). Stunning! You can explore here or keep going on several trail options leading in all directions. Bring snowshoes to venture farther! READ MORE…
TIDBITS:
Boston Mine Camp, 1.8 mile, starts at 10,994 ft., ends at 11,980 ft.
Ski Touring Gold Hill and across top: approx: 4 miles out and back
Gold Crest Mine Site: approx: 3 miles out and back
No restrooms at trailhead
Rated: easy to moderate
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, dogs, mountain bikes
Kid Friendly
Located in: Arapaho National Forest
SUMMER IS SENSATIONAL – Post on Mayflower Gulch Trail in summer!
Owning a pair of snowshoes gets you out there more! My snowshoes are Tubbs Women’s Wilderness. I can’t recommend them enough! They are easy to put on and off and a dream on the snow.
North Ten Mile Creek Trail
PERFECT BEGINNER SNOWSHOE HIKE!
Looking for a relaxing winter hike through classic Colorado scenery? North Ten Mile CreekTrail is it! Perfect trail for all seasons. Bring your snowshoes in winter and find yourself in a winter wonderland. I did this hike in late fall and can’t wait to go back and experience it covered in snow. READ MORE…
TIDBITS
Trail #37
7.3 mile out and back
Rated: easy/moderate
No restrooms
Nearest town: Frisco, CO
Dillon Ranger District; Silverthorne, CO
Click here, for a suggestion of hiking essentials to carry in your backpack at all times.
Baker’s Tank Trail
A WINTER WONDERLAND!
Bakers Tank Trail is one of my favorite hikes for winter. Snow sparkles across deep snow-filled terrain. A true winter wonderland. Upon reaching the historic Baker’s Tank, hike back on Boreas Pass to complete the loop and the views will take your breath away. READ MORE …
TIDBITS:
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
Limber Grove Trail
SHORT, SWEET, VIEWS & BRISTECONE PINES!
Limber Grove Trail is a little-known hidden gem and just off the beaten path, it’s a bit of a secret! We had an adventurous snowshoe hike leading us to a forest of ancient trees above the tree line. READ MORE …
TIDBITS:
Rated: easy
3 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 10,565 ft. end 10,921 ft.
No restrooms at trailhead
Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative: has a brochure you can print
Closest Town: Fairplay, CO
Located between Horseshoe Campgroundand Four Mile Campground
South Park Ranger District: for more information
Not recommended for horses
Dog and family friendly
Beaver Creek Trail
A FAMILY FAVORITE OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND!
We attended the “13 Annual Poker Glide Family Ski & Snowshoe”, presented by the Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative (MRHI). Always unique and fun when attending any of Fairplay CO’s, small-town events, they are exceptional. I added this to the list because you can come anytime to snowshoe numerous hiking trails. It’s a family favorite and has few crowds. READ MORE …
TIDBITS:
Rated: easy to moderate
No restrooms
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, dogs, mountain bikes
Kid Friendly
Nearest Town: Fairplay, CO
In summer you can drive Beaver Creek Road and find dispersed campsites, and trails. In winter it’s gated off. You’ll park in the small parking area and hike in.
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Herman Gulch Trail
CHECK AVALANCHE CONDITIONS FIRST!
Herman Gulch is one of Colorado’s most popular trails for hiking and snowshoeing A moderately challenging hike through alpine forest and open meadows before reaching spectacular alpine tundra above treeline and reaching Herman Lake. One of my favorite trails! READ MORE …
TIDBITS
6.3 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,755ft.
Herman Lake sits at 11,987 ft.
Rated: moderate
2 portable potties at the Trailhead
Leashed dogs allowed
Dispersed camping
Arapahoe National Forest – for camping information
Clear Creek Ranger District – for trail conditions
Nearest Towns East on I-70, Georgetown and Idaho Springs
Nearest Town West on I-70, Silverthorne (Summit County)
A stunning wildflower hike in summer – READ MORE …
McCullough Gulch Trail
A COLORADO FAVORITE YEAR ROUND!
McCullough Gulch Hike, a popular sought after trail near Breckenridge CO, you don’t want to miss! A bit on the strenuous side of moderate but so worth the effort. Nothing is lacking on this trek, it’s an alpine playground sitting alongside Quandary Peak 14er. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
2.7 miles out and back from trailhead + a half mile trek to the Trailhead making it 3.7 miles.
Rated: moderate, consider it’s 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.
Nearest town: Breckenridge, CO
NOTE: The road to the trailhead may be gated for weather issues in winter. ADD 2 more miles in to your hike.
Tell someone where you plan to go and bring your backcountry gear appropriate for winter!
One of my favorite summer hikes too! – READ MORE …
St. Mary’s Glacier Trail
A WINTER PLAYGROUND NEAR DENVER!
St Mary’s Glacier Trail is doable for anyone. Avid hikers can keep on going and it just gets better! Short hike to the Glacier and incredible scenery plus snow year-round! I went in late fall and found the glacier almost gone. It’s a drought year but during the winter months, there is nothing else quite like it. Bring a sled, snowboard, skis, or snowshoes and see this amazing area. READ MORE …
TIDBITS
HIke to Lake: 1 mile out and back
Rated: moderate
Portable Restrooms
Parking Fee
Open to leashed dogs
Family Friendly
Nearest Towon: Idaho Springs, CO
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Your local avalanche center can be a great resource. I follow the Colorado Avalanche Center (CAIC) on Instagram because they share current avalanche conditions and let you know which areas to avoid. Or go to the CAIC website. Use precaution and stay safe by checking the weather forecast for your area with the popular NOAA Weather Radar app or Mountain Hub app. (I personally use weather.com and put in the trail I want to hike to find the weather for the day), When in doubt, don’t go out!
Connect with me on Instagram! I love hanging out there and leaving tidbits of trails I’ve hiked in Colorado. Follow me and say hi – send me a message! Follow other hikers and be inspired!
Any questions or suggestions, drop a comment below. Love hearing from you. See you on the trails!
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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