Wondering where to find snowshoe trails in Colorado this winter? The reality is, if you are traveling to Colorado anytime between November and May, you will likely experience snowy trails! Of course, the amount and density will depend on your altitude, location and what’s happening weather-wise that day. In general, it’s best to be prepared with optional snowshoe trails so that you can still get out to enjoy Colorado’s beauty even during the snowy months. And while you may assume that all hiking trails should be fair game for snowshoeing, this simply is not the case. Some trails are far too steep or rocky to be safe for snowshoeing. So over the years I’ve compiled a list of my favorite trails that are snowshoe friendly and still yield gorgeous views! Read on for my top ten recommended snowshoe trails in Colorado.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.2 miles out + back
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park – Park pass required
Elevation Gain: Roughly 700 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: You will experience multiple iconic lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park but in a frozen state, which allows for snowshoeing onto them. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the park during the off season when the crowds die down.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 miles loop
Location: Near Breckenridge
Elevation Gain: Roughly 700 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: The mountain views on the pass can’t be beat! If you love open, expansive views this hike will certainly blow you away!
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.7 mile out + back
Location: Steamboat
Elevation Gain: Roughly 1400 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: The trail will take you through beautiful mountain views to the ultimate destination of frozen waterfalls! Frozen falls are always a spectacle to behold. Definitely a worthwhile trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 mile out + back
Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland
Elevation Gain: Roughly 850 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: This whole wilderness area is stunning. Snowshoeing out onto Lost Lake is peaceful and the scenery is magical!
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 mile out + back
Location: Rifle Falls State Park (State park pass required)
Elevation Gain: Roughly 550 feet
Considerations for this trail: The “trail” is not continuous and is more of the road that feeds into all of the ice caves. You can do as much as you want to experience the caves.
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: Ice caves. Need I say more? This is an extremely unique and picturesque hiking experience that cannot be missed in the winter!
6. The Loch
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.5 mile out + back
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park (Park pass required)
Elevation Gain: Roughly 1000 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: Hiking through a snow-covered Rocky Mountain National Park is similar to strolling through a real-life snow globe. The Loch itself is well worth the trek in.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 25 miles point to point – Most people just go up a few miles and back down!
Location: Georgetown
Elevation Gain: Dependent on distance of trail hiked
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: Beautiful wooded scenery the whole way. There are also numerous firepits tucked into the woods where you can enjoy a snowy bonfire with friends!
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Tennessee Pass is an entire trail system complete with a cook house, Nordic center and yurts that can be rented. The distance depends on the trail you choose within the trail system.
Location: Near Leadville
Elevation Gain: Dependent on distance of trail hiked
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: This area is such a gem. You can choose from a multitude of peaceful snowshoeing trails, book lunch or dinner at the cookhouse, or book a night at a yurt (you will snowshoe to your quarters for the night!). Definitely one of my favorite winter experiences in Colorado!
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 mile loop
Location: Glenwood Springs
Elevation Gain: Roughly 550 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: I love trails with surprises. This one surprised me with a warming hut at the halfway point. The hut is just big enough for a few people to enter and warm up around the wood-burning stove!
10. McCullough Gulch
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 6.5 mile loop
Location: Breckenridge
Elevation Gain: Roughly 1700 feet
Why I love this trail for snowshoeing: While it is one of the longer, more challenging trails on the list, everything about this trail is absolutely breathtaking. The snow-covered trees, lake destination, and expansive valley views will not disappoint!
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