Winter is in full swing and it’s time to start planning your next adventure to beat those winter blues! Colorado Springs is packed with easily accessible trails that will keep that heart rate up and spirit alive during any season. Pack your bags, grab your gear, lace up and pick your winter adventure.
Popular Parks, Trails, and Other Areas
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park: This beautiful park is home to the Seven Bridges trail, a popular three-mile round-trip hike that crosses Cheyenne Creek.
- Tennessee Pass: Offers a variety of trails. Segment pass is a 13-mile trail to Timberline Lake, where you can enjoy mountain streams and green wooded forests. Other trails include Hayden Meadows, Fish Hatchery Nature Loop, and a couple of 14ers for you to tackle!
- Old Monarch Pass: Located next to the Monarch ski area. Trail options include Fooses Creek and Old Monarch Pass Loop. If you are looking for longer, challenging trails, there’s the Monarch Crest Trail that runs along the Continental Divide or the Old Monarch Pass/Waterdog Lake Loop.
- Mueller State Park: Offers several trails like Lost Pond Loop and more moderate loops. The park is also a great start for beginners.
- Pikes Peak:
- Barr Trail: A long, challenging trail that is popular for snowshoeing and hiking enthusiasts.
- Crags Trail: Located on the backend of Pikes Peak in Divide and offers a scenic moderate trail suitable for snowshoeing and hikers alike.
- Pike National Forest: Offers numerous snowshoeing and hiking options, from moderate to very difficult, including the Mount Sherman Trail and Square Top Mountain.
- Horsethief Park: Offers well-known beautiful and unique trails like Pancake Rocks and Crags.
- Mt. Princeton: A strenuous, class 2 14er that offers spectacular views! When you’ve conquered the mountain and summited, don’t forget to take a dip in the hot springs!
- San Isabel National Forest: Raspberry Gulch, Browns Creek, and Ring the Peak trails are popular in this area.
- St. Elmos: Poplar Gulch is perfect for beginner to expert snowshoers and hikers. Other trails include Tincup Pass trail or the Grizzly Lake trail.
- Other trail areas:
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: A good option for easy snowshoeing!
- Fox Run Regional Park: Offers several trails that can be used for snowshoeing.
- Blodgett Peak Open Space: Features a challenging, strenuous trail that is popular for snowshoeing and hiking.
- Rampart Reservoir: The reservoir loop trail and Rainbow Gulch are great for snowshoeing and longer trips.
Nordic Escapes
Whether you are flying solo or with a group, the Nordic centers offer trails, slopes, and lessons to take your skills to the next level. Equipment rentals and season passes are available at each location and maybe try sleeping in a Yurt while you’re at it to really take in the experience! Popular centers include:
- Leadville Tennessee Pass: https://www.tennesseepass.com/nordic-center/
- Breckenridge Nordic Center: https://www.breckenridgenordic.com/
- Frisco Nordic Center: https://www.townoffrisco.com/things-to-do/frisco-nordic-center/
- Buena Vista and Salida: https://www.colorfulcolorado.com/outdoors/winter-activities/snowshoeing-nordic-skiing/
Life Hack!
Download the AllTrails app which has almost spot-on accuracy for trail length, difficulty, and time!
Before you go… here are some tips for a good tread, trade and time on the trails:
- Check conditions: Always check trail conditions, avalanche warnings, and weather forecasts before you go. The National Park Service recommends calling the park or checking webcams for current conditions, especially from December through March.
- Start with an easy trail: If you are new to snowshoeing, choose a relatively flat and well-traveled trail to start with. Bring a friend or make it a family day!
- Dress in layers: Wear moisture-wicking layers and be prepared for changing temperatures and wind.
- Know your gear: Make sure your snowshoes are the right size for you and that you have trekking poles for balance. Local stores will be happy to measure you, so you are safe on the trails!
Happy exploring by foot in the great state of Colorado!