Want to snowshoe, but don't know where to go? Any park is a great place to snowshoe after a winter storm. But if it's been dry in town, here are six places to try.
1. Lost Lake, Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Indian Peaks Wilderness is a treat in the summer, but don't miss it in winter. While many of the trails are a bit long for a beginner snowshoeing, Lost Lake is a great choice. It's a beautiful place, it has interesting history and it's one of the shortest snowshoes in the area. 5.5 miles RT. Read more about Lost Lake.
2. Chasm Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park. I love waterfalls in the summer, but in the winter, waterfalls can be hit or miss. Some waterfalls get covered in snow and look like a trail, but this one becomes a frozen display. The trek is 4.7 miles RT. Read more about Chasm Falls.
3. Mayflower Gulch, Summit County. Mayflower Gulch near Copper Mountain has old cabins, mines and amazing views. The trail is fairly short, but beautiful. 4.5 miles RT. Read more about Mayflower Gulch.
4. Lily Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. Want to take the kids snowshoeing? Then Lily Lake is the place. The trail around the lake is less than a mile and it's almost flat, making it a great place for children and new snowshoers to explore. Read more about Lily Lake.
5. Brainard Lake, near Nederland and Ward. Brainard Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado year round. The scenic peaks near this lake make it a great spot. In the summer, visitors can drive right up to the lake for a walk or a picnic. In the winter though, the road is closed. Visitors can snowshoe right up the road or take the path through the trees (and out of the wind). 5 miles roundtrip. Read more about Brainard Lake.
6. Mills Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. Ready for a great snowshoe? Then it's time for Mills Lake in the RMNP. This lake is named for the park's founder, so you know it has to be great. And once you're there, enjoy the "keyboard of the winds," a ridge of peaks above the lake that includes the 14,000-foot high Longs Peak. 4 miles roundtrip via the winter trail. Read more about Mills Lake.
Think you can't snowshoe? I've taken children and even my then 75-year-old father snowshoeing. My Dad said after snowshoeing, "Now I know why John Denver wrote that song 'Rocky Mountain High." Does that tell you what a good time he had?
If you want to try snowshoeing, don't buy snowshoes, rent them first. You can rent them at REI, Sports Authority and other outdoor stores. Don't forget the poles. It may seem awkward to use poles at first, but it will help you keep your balance and work out your arms.
Now pick a place and get out there!
Want more hikes? Check out this list of great places to hike in Colorado and throughout the west.
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