Snoeshoeing

[DADA_JEEP]

I want to give it a try as my winter "sport" anyone with some extra gear or a good place to rent want to get a trip going?

[xjmatt]

REI rents snowshoes and carries good ones to boot.

LOTS of good places around to go try them out, but be smart, pick a warm(er) day and watch out for wind.

Guanella pass area has quite a few options. I hiked Mt. Bierstadt yesterday and learned a new definition of cold and wind, it was brutal above treeline. Wouldn't reccomend that one unless you REALLY like the cold and have the gear to stay safe.

James peak wilderness area out around Rollinsville is really nice and would be a fun drive in in the jeep in the winter.

I've never been to Walker Ranch in the winter but that would be less altitude give and take on the trail and at lower overall elevation. It's a nice area too.

[bsaunder]

Walker ranch is fun - so is brainard lake recreation area. I've also done a lot of snow shoeing all around Indian peaks wilderness, lots of good trails and great winter backpacking/camping if you like to do that.

REI is a good place to rent and there are also several snow shoe expos where you can try out as many different types as you want.

[xjmatt]

Walker ranch is fun - so is brainard lake recreation area. I've also done a lot of snow shoeing all around Indian peaks wilderness, lots of good trails and great winter backpacking/camping if you like to do that.

Brainard Lake is one of my favorites too but they close the park sept 30th. So it adds quite a hike onto the day if you're planning to hit one of the peaks because you have to start at the gatehouse. Long day but not impossible. I've done Audubon from there in the witner and it is a long day but its nice because you are usually out there alone.

[bulldozer]

Rocky Mountain National park has some great trails and usually great snow too. The REI near Park Meadows is having their garage sale on 12/29. You might be able to get some used shoes at a good price.

[Yota]

For those who snowshoe: Do you pack skis for the downhill part? That would almost make it worth doing. :D

[bsaunder]

not me - If I want to ski the downhills I'll take cross country skis or tele's with skins.

[xjmatt]

For those who snowshoe: Do you pack skis for the downhill part? That would almost make it worth doing. :D

Sometimes yea! I have friends up in Estes Park so I'll catch up with them and we hike the old hidden valley runs in what is now RMNP and ski down them, It's a good time and good intro to back country without as much concern for avalanche since the slopes are mostly under 30?.

One of these days I'll pick up an AT setup and just go with skis but for now I carry skis and snowshoes if I'm skiing in the backcountry because it's what I've got.

[ColoradoTJ]

For a first run I would recommend the Loch in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's not too long of a trail (6 miles round trip) and it gives you a pretty good feel for the sport. It's usually packed snow with sections of super fluffy stuff. If you're up to it you can travel another two miles to St. Andrews Glacier. That would be a real challenge this time of year.

[j5]

One of my favorites is South Boulder Creek trail right by the east portal of the rollins tunnel. You're usually shielded from wind and it's gorgeous. Ditto on REI rentals. I love my MSR snowshoes and I usually bring poles.

[_CJ]

For those who snowshoe: Do you pack skis for the downhill part? That would almost make it worth doing. :D

I used to do it several times a year, but I've cut back in recent years. Monarch Pass is a great place for it. Not too steep and easily accessable. Hoosier, Loveland, and Berthoud passes were also pretty good but a little more risky.

[Eric]

The trails around Bear Lake in RMNP are a great place to start. That's where I first showshoed, and I still go back for more :thumbsup: For something really easy, there's Trail Ridge Road, but you have to hike quite a ways to really get some good scenery.

[lilgreenjeepyj]

We hit RMNP at Bear Lake around new years. It was a blast for us beginners. Rented from REI before the trip. We went all the way up to see three different lakes. Can't wait to go back... TO FISH!!!

[Mcstiff]

There is a great place to rent in Estes but the name escapes me. It is a discount outdoors store in town.

[lilgreenjeepyj]

Estes Park Mountain Shop?

[Mcstiff]

I sent some family up there and they found it, so I do not really know. Snowshoes were ~$7 and you could also rent boots and other necessities.