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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021
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DENVERPOST.COM
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THE DENVER POST
9 great winter hikes around the Front Range By Sarah Lamagna Special to The Denver Post Just because the leaves have fallen and the days are shorter, doesn’t mean your trail adventures have to come to a screeching halt. If anything, trails and trailheads are less busy and national and state parks are shockingly empty in winter.
Regardless of your abilities or skill level, we’ve got the perfect trails for you to hit up this winter. You may want to take snowshoes and micro-spikes to ensure a fun and safe adventure. Check trail conditions and get directions to trailheads online before you head out. Wear layers, don’t forget to let someone know where you’re going — and take some hot cocoa in a thermos for a little après hike treat!
Emerald Lake Trail
Near: Estes Park Length: 3.2 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Rocky Mountain National Park is usually overrun with locals and tourists alike, but it’s a bit sparser in the wintertime. The trail to Emerald Lake starts at the Bear Lake parking area. It would still be a good idea to get there as early as you can since this is still a popular trail, even in the winter. The hike begins on the Nymph Lake Trail where you’ll encounter the lake the trail is named after about a half-mile in. You’ll skirt around the eastern side of its bank and then take a left to go along its northern border. Another half-mile will bring you to the eastern point of Dream Lake. In the wintertime, the lake is frozen, and you’ll likely be able to walk right across it (just be careful!). Once you’re past Dream Lake, it’s less than a half-mile to Emerald Lake where you’ll witness the looming summits of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Saint Mary’s Glacier Near: Idaho Springs Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy
If solitude is what you’re after,
Sarah Lamagna enjoys the quiet of winter as she hikes with her son near Dream Lake along the Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Courtesy of Sarah Lamagna this trail is not the one for you. The hike to Saint Mary’s Glacier is short with minimal elevation gain so your destination may be crowded. Saint Mary’s Glacier isn’t actually a glacier; instead, it’s a semipermanent snowfield (i.e., you can usually sled down it in July). But when you go in winter, it’ll definitely have snow and the lake at the bottom of the “glacier” will be frozen over. Due to the heavy amount of traffic on the trail, it will also likely be slick, so come prepared with the right boots. Bring skates for the lake or a sled to make the most of this short, fun hike.
CMC-Brainard Snowshoe Trail Near: Ward Length: 6 miles Difficulty: Moderate
This is a dedicated snowshoe
trail in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, meaning snowshoes are required and skis aren’t allowed. It’s a great hike when you want to get out on a blustery day. The trail starts at the Gateway trailhead across the street from the parking lot. Stay alert as you hike; you’ll cross several ski-only trails along the way and a skier may seemingly come out of nowhere. When you reach the lake, you’ll take a sharp right after the bridge to continue to the Colorado Mountain Club cabin. Remember to take cash so you can purchase some steaming hot cocoa to warm your insides for the hike back to your car.
ruins with an epic mountain backdrop? Look no further than the trail to Mayflower Gulch. In winter months this trail is full of skiers and snowshoers hoping for a bluebird day. The trail starts before you hit Fremont Pass on Colorado 91. It’s wide as it used to be a mining road. The trail opens up at the base of the surrounding mountains when you reach the ruins. It’s the perfect spot for a snack and a hot beverage before heading back to your car. The views are gorgeous. You can extend your adventure and hike the Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse, an out-and-back that adds a few miles.
Mayflower Gulch
Clear Creek Trail
Near: Frisco Length: 2.6 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Want to see some old mining
Near: Golden Length: 1-20 miles Difficulty: Easy to moderate, HIKES » 13
