Denver, CO: Top Day Trips for Snowshoe Beginners

Snowshoeing near Denver, CO, gives residents and visitors the chance to experience places they wouldn’t see otherwise during this time of year. The area is bursting with trails that range from beginner to expert that allow you to get out and explore the unknown.

For the beginner snowshoer, this may seem like a daunting task. So, below we have chosen our best day trips for beginners to get you started. So, bundle up, grab your snowshoes and discover the possibilities that await you near this great city.

sun sets over Bear Lake in RMNP

Explore these hikes for beginners near Denver, including Bear Lake, a gorgeous snowshoe in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo: JMarro via Shutterstock

7. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

With over 20 miles (32 km) of trails and over 330 species of wildlife, this refuge is an excellent option for beginner snowshoers near Denver, CO.

All of the trails are easy-moderate with a vast choice in length. Try the short 0.2-mile (0.3 km) Upper Derby Trail or make a day of it and snowshoe the 14.2-mile (22.8 km) Perimeter Trail. Either way, wander through grassy prairies with several opportunities for lakeside views. Just stick to designated trails in the area because of the wildlife. Also, most routes do not allow dogs. So, you might leave your furry friends at home.

After the snowshoeing, drive the 11-mile (17.7 km) self-guided wildlife drive throughout the park. Keep in mind that the industry is not always plowed. So, the road may be icy or snow-packed in some areas.

As a bonus, since the refuge is located in Commerce City, it’s only 25 minutes from downtown Denver. When else can you see bison and a downtown skyline simultaneously?

Read More: A New Found Passion: Wildlife Tracking and Identification

snowshoeing near Denver CO: bison in snow at RM Arsenal

Bison is only one of the 330 species found at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Photo: Nina B via Shutterstock

6. Rocky Mountain National Park

For a longer day trip, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), about a two-hour drive from Denver, is breathtakingly beautiful in any season. View stunning fall colors in the autumn months, shimmering lakes in the summer, or a winter wonderland in our favorite season.

For snowshoe beginners, the trails around Bear Lake offer stunning scenery and short and easy outings that allow you to break in your new snowshoes. Starting at the Bear Lake Trailhead, snowshoers can snowshoe around the lake or head into the woods up to Nymph Lake. While the trail around Bear Lake is flat and easy, the trail up to Nymph Lake offers a gentle climb.

Either way, prepare to dress in layers as the wind often whips across the area and can cause quite a chill. Also, remember that Bear Lake is almost 9,500 feet (2895 m) and could be more difficult for those unfamiliar with the altitude. Moreover, you’ll want to leave your pup at home for this one since RMNP does not allow pets. For more information, consult the Bear Lake Winter Trail Guide.

Some hikes from the Bear Lake trailhead (like Lake Helene and Flattop Mountain) wander into potentially high avalanche danger areas. If you’re not prepared, you should avoid these areas. Furthermore, you can also explore other snowshoe-friendly regions of Rocky Mountain National Park, including the winter trails near Wild Basin.

Read More: Snowshoeing Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

snowshoe tracks near trees and blue sky

Create fresh snowshoe tracks in Rocky Mountain National Park, near the trails at Wild Basin or Bear Lake. Photo: Susan Wowk

5. Cherry Creek State Park

After a large snowstorm, some of the best snowshoeing is often found close to home. In this case, a 20-minute drive from downtown Denver provides snowshoeing opportunities in Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, CO.

The park offers 12 miles of trails (19 km), a mixture of heavily-trafficked trails and those off the beaten path. Snowshoers can trek on paved and unpaved trails through grasslands and marshes while admiring the vast array of cottonwood trees or wildlife.

Try the Beaver Pond Nature Trail (0.8 mi/1.3 km round-trip) or the 2.5-mile (4 km) paved Parker Road Trail. The majority of trails allow dogs and even horses. So, your animal friends can explore the winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall with you.

Read More: The Dog Days of Winter: Tips for Snowshoeing with Pets

snowshoeing near Denver, CO: coyote in snow in Cherry Creek State Park

A coyote was spotted at Cherry Creek State Park, only 20 minutes from downtown Denver! Photo: Dr. Alan Lipkin via Shutterstock

4. Breckenridge Nordic Center

If you travel west on 1-70 towards the mecca of Colorado’s mountain towns, you’ll stumble upon the delightful town of Breckenridge. Though the area (and traffic) can get quite busy, the beauty and long snow season are worth it.

The Breckenridge Nordic Center (BNC) has been operating for over 50 years and was founded by long-time Breckenridge resident Gene Dayton. Nordic Centers provide an excellent introduction to snowshoeing and allow beginners to test their snowshoes in a controlled environment.

Located next to the Breck Ski Resort, the trails at the BNC start at 9,800 feet (2987 m), weaving through the surrounding forest. Due to the high elevation, you’ll typically find snow from November to April, which is one of the longest snow seasons in Colorado.

Moreover, snowshoers can choose from guided or self-guided outings. Snowshoe tours are offered seven days a week, and the BNC includes easy-to-advanced trails that appeal to all levels of snowshoers. If heading out on your own, you can choose from groomed and ungroomed options ranging from 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to 2 miles (3.25 km). There are even a few dog-friendly trails, so they can enjoy the snow, too!

Read More: Snowshoe Trails and Tours at Breckenridge Nordic Center

Breckenridge Nordic sign

Check out the groomed and ungroomed snowshoe trails at the Breck Nordic Center! Photo: University of College via Shutterstock

3. Echo Lake near Mt Evans

A closed road, only 1 hour away from Denver, often offers the perfect snowshoeing trail for beginners. When starting this sport, smooth, flat, and well-marked are all important factors. The road to Mount Evans at Echo Lake offers a gently sloping hill with plenty of opportunities for you to become “one” with your snowshoes.

Parking is available near the gate, but don’t forget to pay the park’s entrance fee. Then, choose to either head straight up the road or veer off and explore the backside of Echo Lake via the Echo Lake Trail. The second option is somewhat more sheltered from the wind and tends to be a little warmer for the beginner.

Furthermore, the road up to Mount Evans is North America’s highest paved road, and beginners can typically safely ascend 2.5 miles (4 km) up without the risk of avalanche. So bundle up, strap your shoes on, and explore this beautiful beginner trail.

Find more information about snowshoeing in this area at the Clear Creek County website.

Read More: Why All Snowshoers Should Be Avalanche Aware (Even Beginners)

snowshoeing near denver co: echo lake with ice and mountains in trees in background

Echo Lake in the winter offers a beautiful snowshoe outing. Photo: Dr. Alan Lipkin via Shutterstock

2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Just a short 45-minute drive from Denver, CO, takes you to the spectacular Golden Gate Canyon State Park and an excellent snowshoeing area for the beginner to try out the trails. With 12 trails covering more than 35 miles (56 km), this park offers well-marked paths, gentle slopes, and incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

The visitors center is a great place to start and offers clean restrooms and knowledgeable staff to point you in the right direction towards the trails. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as lynx, snowshoe hares, birds, and more.

The Horseshoe Trail is a great place to start, which leads you through valleys, forests, and over wooden bridges past a log house from the 1800s. This house is a great stopping place to warm up with a mug of tea from your thermos as you read about the history of John Frazer and his log cabin.

Take the Mule Deer Trail to reach the Panorama Point Scenic Overlook, a stopping point for many, along with views of more than 100 miles (161 km) of the Continental Divide. So pack a thermos and your snowshoes, and venture out of the city to one of the best spots to try your hand, or should we say foot at snowshoeing.

Find out more about additional snowshoe trail recommendations at Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Read More: Drinks for the Apres Snowshoe Experience

snowy trail with trees and blue sky

Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers many snowshoe options and covers 35 miles. Photo: Ryan Alford

1. Lost Lake Trail

We head to the secluded Lost Lake Trail to round out our last beginner snowshoe trail in the Denver area. You’ll find this trail in the heart of the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, Colorado.

The Hessie Trailhead is the official start of the trek to Lost Lake. However, in winter, the unpaved part of the road to the trailhead closes. Thus, you’ll need to hike or snowshoe from the end of the paved road about 1 mile (1.6 km) to the actual trailhead. Once you reach the trailhead, Lost Lake is 1.4 miles one-way (2.2 km).

A great outing for any skill level, this trail allows users to enjoy a high-elevation mountain lake (starting at 9000 feet). But don’t let the high-elevation scare you off. This trail allows for a gradual climb with manageable elevation gains that won’t have you losing your breath.

Nordic skiers and snowshoers use this trail all winter long. So, beginners won’t have a problem following the path. Expect to spend around three to four hours on this trail, depending on how long you plan to stay at the lake. With views of the mountains, frozen waterfalls, footbridge crossings, a few steeper hills, and scenic lake views, the Lost Lake Trail is an excellent starter trail for the beginner snowshoer.

Please note that this trail can be busy, so it is best to arrive early. Also, the slopes leading up to the mining sites above the lake may be avalanche prone. Please be prepared if heading into these areas.

Would you visit any of these snowshoeing day trips near Denver, CO? Also, what trails would you recommend for other beginners? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

This article was originally published on January 12, 2015. It was most recently updated on October 11, 2022, by Susan Wowk to include updated information.

Read Next: 7 Beginner Snowshoes for Varied Terrain

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