Wintertime hiking offers a peaceful experience not often found during the crowded summer months. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a technical trek, Colorado has plenty of trails to choose from.
So put on your layers, lace up your boots, and check out one of these spectacular spots:
Naturally, Rocky Mountain National Park demands a prominent place on this list and Emerald Lake is one of the park’s most magnificent features. The hike itself is easy-to-moderate with gentle slopes, but at 3.6 miles, it’s not exactly an in-and-out jaunt.
In the winter, the lake is surrounded by frozen waterfalls and forgiving terrain. If there isn’t too much recent snowfall, you can hike without snowshoes (but don’t wear the obligatory Colorado flip flops, either). Bring a sturdy pair of waterproof boots and plenty of warm clothing.
In this case, hiking to a glacier is nowhere near as dangerous as it sounds. Just over two miles in length, the St. Mary’s Glacier is a fairly fast and unchallenging alpine lake adventure that offers breathtaking views you can’t find in the city.
The trail is well-marked but ends eventually and hikers must backtrack to return to their cars. Since the glacier is just outside of Idaho Springs, its attractiveness is bolstered by two little words: Beau Jo’s.
Winter isn’t the most popular time to traverse a 14er, but for those looking for an extreme experience, Quandary Peak offers a challenging climb of nearly seven miles with a low risk of avalanche danger (though not a non-existent risk). Still, it’s a terrible choice for the inexperienced. If you’ve never hiked a 14er before, wait until summer when the conditions are less likely to result in a mountainside rescue.
For skilled hikers conditioned to frigid temperatures and unpredictable weather, Quandary Peak offers stunning views, sparse crowds, and a plethora of mountain goats sure to impress with their extraordinary agility. Dress as warm as possible and come as prepared as possible.
If Quandary Peak is on one side of the hiking spectrum, Teller Lake is on the other; it’s more of a winter stroll than a herculean journey. The trail itself is 2.1 miles one way through prairie and farmland. The open space transforms into visual eye candy via the expansive views of the Front Range. It’s the perfect place for birdwatching or photography.
With altitude that’s on par with the rest of the area, Teller Lake is an ideal option for out-of-town guests and people who don’t do well at increasing elevation. Moreover, the nearby llamas, horses, eagles, deer, and prairie dogs might just thrill your children (especially if you tell them the llamas are from Fortnite).
Lost Lake is the ideal place to find one of the most unique hiking experiences in the state. The four-mile round-trip trail is simple to access and showcases magnificent views of the Indian Peaks. The alpine lake is surrounded by plunging cascades and lush with wildlife and foliage.
The area tends to be heavily snow-packed so snowshoes are recommended but not necessarily required. Hiking boots may suffice as long as they have spikes or another form of traction.
Wintertime hiking comes with inherent dangers not present during warmer seasons. But for those who come prepared, the scenery and serenity can’t be beat.
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