Snowshoeing in Colorado

Snowshoeing in Colorado is an inexpensive, fun, healthy way to get outside and see this beautiful state.

It’s a great activity for families, athletes, couples--just about everyone. You don’t need any technical know-how to get started, and it’s free!

A few tips about snowshoeing in Colorado--just like hiking, snowshoeing in high altitude means you need to be aware of a few things.

• Higher Altitude - Less oxygen, so pace yourself.
• Dry Climate - Drink plenty of water.
• Winter Months - Less sunlight, sun sets fast in afternoon.
• UV Index – Still very high in winter, wear your sunscreen.

If you’re going out for a long journey, remember to layer your clothes with non-cotton layers to stay dry and warm.

Most sport shops rent snowshoes for $10/day, so it’s a cheap way to have a lot of fun. Most trails are free, unless you’re entering a National Park, which will likely require a daily fee.

For some folks, snowshoeing in Colorado is a serious sport, and they will don the extra gear: hiking poles, waterproof shin guards, backpack hydration system. This will make for a premium experience, but aren’t absolutely necessary.

Most regular hiking trails will magically turn into snowshoeing trails once the snow falls. But not all of them. Here are a few trails to choose from if you’re thinking of snowshoeing in Colorado...

The Crags
Divide, CO

If you've ever hiked The Crags in the summer, you know how beautiful this trail is. If you haven't, you're in for a real treat.

Located on the west side of Pikes Peak, The Crags gets plenty of snow, and takes you past huge, crazy rock formations, through valleys, and up to fantastic views of the whole region.

Directions to The Crags -
*4-wheel drive recommended* From Colorado Springs, take Hwy 24 west 25 miles to Divide. Go south (left) on Hwy 67 for 4 miles. Watch for Crags Campground sign on your left. Turn left at sign, follow road to Crags Campground. Turn left into campground to the parking lot/trail head.

Snowshoe Rentals:
Mountain Chalet - (719) 633-0732
Christy Sports - (719) 597-5222
REI - (719) 260-1455

Bear Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake trail is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, at 9,475 feet. The trail is a 1-mile loop, rated as easy--but it’s not flat like many other trails in the park.

Stunning views abound though: pine trees, massive boulders, the beautiful frozen Bear Lake with Hallett’s Peak on the horizon.

Directions to Rocky Mountain National Park –
From Colorado Springs, take I-25 north to CO-66 West to U.S. route 36 through Estes Park, Colorado.
From west or south, take I-70 to U.S. Rt. 40., then to U.S. Rt.34 through Grand Lake, Colorado.

Directions to Bear Lake trail –
In RMNP, drive to the end of Bear Lake Road. The parking lot is only a few feet from the trail. Call ahead to make sure Bear Lake Road is not closed due to weather: 970-586-1206

Agnes Vaille Falls
Nathrop CO

Agnes Vaille Falls is a wonderful place for snowshoeing in Colorado, right in the Chalk Creek Canyon, near Nathrop, Colorado.

This is a half-mile trail up the side of Mt. Princeton to Agnes Vaille Falls itself. Depending on the weather, you may see a flowing or frozen falls.

There is a 450-foot gain--so it’s short but challenging--and it does get rocky as you get closer to the falls.

Due to the trail being in between two massive mountains, we recommend snowshoeing before the afternoon hours, as the sun goes down fast.

Excellent views of Mt. Antero, Mt. Princeton, and Chalk Creek Canyon.

Check out the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in nearby Chalk Creek for a post-snowshoe soak!

Directions to Agnes Vaille Falls –
From Colorado Springs, take US-24 West 73 miles. Turn left at US-24/US-285, 13 miles. Turn left at US-285 to Nathrop Colorado.

From Nathrop, go west on County Road 162 nine miles until you see the Agnes Vaille Falls trailhead on your right. The Chalk Creek Campground is directly across the street.

San Isabel National Forest ranger: 719-553-1400.

West Fork Ski Track
Pagosa Springs CO

West Fork Ski Track is a great snowshoe trail if you’re ever in the Pagosa Springs area. Originally created as a cross-country ski track, plenty of snow-shoers make use of this one too.

The trail is flat and steady before it starts crawling up the mountain, through aspens and pines, revealing views of snow-capped mountains and cliffs.

You might even see a frozen Treasure Falls in the near distance.

Directions –
Snowshoeing is easily accessed just 10 miles east of Pagosa Springs near Treasure Falls-- right before the ascent to Wolf Creek Pass. Turn in at the Bruce Spruce Ranch sign, and drive to the San Juan Forest parking lot area to the trail head.

Snowshoe Rentals:
Ski & Bow Rack - (970) 264-2370
Summit Ski & Sports - (970) 264-2456

***UPDATE ABOUT SNOWSHOEING ON WOLF CREEK PASS***

Read more about Pagosa Springs.


<< From Snowshoeing in Colorado back HOME
<< Snowshoeing in Colorado - Wolf Creek update
<< Colorado Outdoors
<< Colorado Hot Springs