Colorado is an outdoor lovers paradise, and the adventure doesn’t have to stop in the winter. These hikes are perfect for all ages and are a great way to get outside and enjoy the beauty that Colorado has to offer. 

Mayflower Gulch

Located just beyond Copper Mountain Ski Resort, this beautiful winter hike is perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiers. The trailhead is easily accessible off of Highway 91, where you will find a large paved parking lot. This relatively short hike offers beautiful mountain views and historic remains of the old mining cabins. 

Near: Copper Mountain Ski Resort

Distance: About 1.8 miles up to the cabins remains

Dog Friendly: Yes

Cost: Free 

Roxborough State Park

If you are looking for a snowshoe hike that isn’t far from Denver, Roxborough State Park is a great option. Roxborough State Park is filled with dramatic red-rock formations and home to an abundance of wildlife. There are several trails to choose from for a variety of skill levels. 

Near: Southwest of Denver in Littleton, CO

Dog Friendly: No

Cost: Yes, $10 for a daily vehicle pass

Chief Mountain 

Located just one hour outside of Denver, this hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This short but steep hike is a great workout that really pays off in the end. Finding the trailhead can be difficult in the winter since heavy snowfall can often obstruct the trailhead sign which sits right off the side of the road. The best way to find the trailhead is to head up Squaw Pass Road for about 12 miles where you will reach Echo Mountain Ski Resort. When you see the gondolas off the side of the road, you will know you are in the right spot. There will be parking on the same side of the ski resort, and the trailhead is located across the street from the parking. 

Near: Between Idaho Springs and Evergreen

Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip 

Dog Friendly: Yes

Cost: Free

Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout

Just down the road from Chief Mountain lies Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout. This hike offers similar views to Chief Mountain, but with less of an incline. At the top you will be able to see the fire lookout and the scenic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Near: Between Idaho Springs and Evergreen

Distance: 4.1 miles roundtrip

Dog Friendly: Yes

Cost: Free

St. Mary’s Glacier

A quick drive from Denver, St. Mary’s Glacier is the perfect hike for the whole family. A short but steady incline will take you up to a frozen alpine lake and give you beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. 

Near: Idaho Springs

Distance: 2 miles roundtrip

Dog Friendly: Yes

Cost: $5 parking fee, cash only

Tips:

I suggest downloading AllTrails, an app that shows trail info (length of hike, elevation gain, route type), pictures, and reviews. This will help you find out the trail conditions of each hike. You can also search hikes based off of location or certain criteria you want in a hike. 

 

CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) is a helpful resource to monitor avalanche danger, which should always be checked before heading out on a winter adventure.