WHERE TO HIKE IN COLO. BEFORE THE SNOW MELTS
These trails aren’t snow-packed and are perfect for treks now
The peaceful hush, the uncrowded trails and the beautiful white blanket of snow — hiking in the winter can be beautiful.
Editor’s note: Mindy Sink is the author of “Walking Denver” (Wilderness Press 2018) and the forthcoming “60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Denver and Boulder” (Menasha Ridge Press 2020).
There’s a certain beauty to a winter hike: the peaceful hush, the absence of crowds, the white blanket evenly laid across boulders, trees and the trail. On the other hand, hiking in snow can double your time on the trail, leave you chilly and possibly craving an easier, drier hike.
One great thing about living in Colorado is that there are many trails that get loads of sunshine in the winter so the snow melts off quickly and you can hit the trail without snowshoes. The trick is to stay at a relatively low elevation with minimal shade, where the snow is typically not as deep or long-lasting.
Here are a few suggestions on where to hike before the snowmelt. (Note: I’ve hiked or walked all of these trails recently.)
Greenland Trail
Where: Greenland (unincorporated Douglas County) Hike length: 8.2 miles (balloon-shaped trail) Greenland was once a thriving railroad hub with successful cattle ranches, and today it’s part ghost town with one remaining ranch next to a charming trailhead that evokes the area’s heyday. Despite proximity to Interstate 25 at the beginning of the trail, overall it gives a flavor of the Old West
with trains regularly rumbling by, horse-hitching stops along the trail, and views of the mountains to the west as you head south along the rolling plains. If 8 miles feels too long, there are options to loop back sooner. With clear weather, you can see Pikes Peak to the south. This trail is almost totally exposed, so bring a hat and a windbreaker. There is an off-leash dog park just east of the trailhead; leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. Info: douglas.co.us/ dcoutdoors/trails/openspace-trails/greenland_open_space
Plains Conservation Center
Where: Aurora Hike length: 2 miles (loop)
It goes against hiking intuition to head east, but this short loop takes you to another world while stretching your legs. The Plains Conservation Center is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends (check seasonal schedule changes at plainsconservationcenter.org). It includes a nature center to learn more about the wildlife of the plains and the various peoples who inhabited this place over time. Beyond the tipis and sod houses (usually reserved for educational groups only for close-up visits), you might see the antelope herd that lives here. At one point in the hike, the rolling hills dip and you get a sense of being out here before civilization encroached. Info: plainsconservationcenter.org; botanicgardens.org/beyond/plainsconservation-center
South Boulder Creek Trail from Bobolink
Where: Boulder
Hike length: 6.7 miles (out-and-back)
Enjoy mountain views without a drive to the mountains as you walk parallel to the iconic Flatirons of Boulder on this hike. There is an option between a paved path and a dirt trail closer to the creek until the trail splits and crosses under South Boulder Road and then U.S. 36. The trail is popular with trail runners and is also shared with bicyclists and equestrians. You might see cattle grazing and prairie dogs as you walk south and then west before turning back. Info: bouldercolorado.gov/ osmp/bobolink-trailhead
North Table Mountain
Where: Golden
Hike length: 3.15 miles (loop)
Wear your galoshes if it’s warmed up after a snowfall because the trail might be pretty muddy up on top of this mesa. You’ll start out with a steep walk up the side of the mountain, but once you reach the top it will be clear how Table Mountain got its name. Keep turning left to loop around and turn down the mountain. There will be views of Golden, Denver and beyond, and you might see native wildlife such as mule deer. It’s a fun hike with kids because there is plenty of space to run around on top. Near the end of the trail, there is a wooden trestle for the mountain bikers, giving some relief from any mud on the trail. Info: cityofgolden.net/play/recreation-attractions/trails/ north-table-mountain-trail
Garden of the Gods
Where: Colorado Springs Hike length: 1.5 miles (loop)
The Perkins Central Trail is a paved concrete path around and through the largest of the jutting red rocks at Garden of the Gods. Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, this path is great for families and includes interpretive signs to learn more about the geology and history of this special place. There are 15 miles of hiking trails throughout the area, mainly dirt and with minimal elevation gain. If you have time, add a stop and hike through the historic Rock Ledge Ranch on the southern end of the Garden of the Gods. You can learn more about the Pikes Peak region at this living history park or in the Gardens of the Gods two-level visitor center. Info: gardenofgods.com/things-to-do/ things-1/trails-and-hikingthe-park
Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain Open Space
Where: Longmont Hike length: 3.9 miles (balloon)
Where the plains meet the mountains, you can find a sweet spot of exposed terrain for views of both mountain peaks and, off in the distance to the east, Loveland and Longmont. Take the Eagle Wind Trail and explore Rabbit Mountain, which sits east of the hogbacks. There are signs along the trail that name the peaks you can see, explain the human history from Native Americans to ranchers, and tell you about the animals that have thrived here. There are seasonal closures for elk as well as raptor nesting, so be sure to check the website before heading out to verify the trails are open. Info: bouldercounty.org/openspace/parks-and-trails/ ron-stewart-preserve-rabbit-mountain
White Ranch Open Space
Where: Golden
Hike length: 4.8 miles (out-and-back)
There might be some packed snow early on Belcher Trail, but once it begins to climb, the rocky surface is baking in the sun and can be totally dry. There is a 1,095 elevation gain to reach the junction with the Mustang Trail where you will turn back. If you want to continue, there will likely be some snow on the trail as the forest becomes thick going west. This trail is popular with mountain bikers as well as hikers. Info: jeffco.us/1437/White-RanchPark
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Commerce City Hike length: 2.8 miles (double loop)
From homestead to government weapons manufacturing locale to wildlife sanctuary, this 15,000-acre site has several miles of trails to explore. A favorite is the area around Lake Mary and Lake Ladora, where there are floating docks for fishermen, passages through prairie dog “towns,” and many bird species. At this time of year, you might see bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, kestrels and more. The bison herd that was transplanted here can only be seen on a driving loop and not this hike. Be prepared: There is little to no shade along this walk over wellworn dirt paths and the wooden docks or bridges. Info: fws.gov/refuge/ rocky_mountain_arsenal
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
Where: Boulder
Hike length: 2.5 miles (loop)
Former gravel pits have been turned into ponds that attract all kinds of birds and other wildlife at the Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat in east Boulder. The hard-packed gravel and dirt wide paths combined with an extensive wooden dock make it less likely that you’ll be walking on ice, in snow or squishing in the mud on most of this trail. On a clear day, you’ll have views of the Indian Peaks to the west. Check the Boulder County Open Space website or see if there’s a flyer at the trailhead for a list of birds that might visit in winter — or just be surprised. On a hike here in October, I saw pelicans, which the list said would be here in summer. Info: bouldercounty.org/ open-space/parks-andtrails/walden-ponds-wildlife-habitat
Hayden Trail at Green Mountain
Where: Lakewood Hike length: 3.3 miles (loop)
At William Frederick Hayden Park, the Hayden Trail and Green Mountain Loop are popular with hikers and mountain bikers who want a quick workout but not a long drive to get there. (You can even take a bus right to the parking lot.) The trail climbs just over a 600-foot elevation gain to get the blood pumping as you ascend for views of the hogbacks to the south and the city (and suburbs) to the east. Be sure to snap a photo of the trail map before you start uphill because there are several trails at this 2,400-acre open space. Mule deer and other wildlife (including rattlesnakes) may be seen during a hike here. Info: lakewood.org/HaydenPark
Final tip for winter hikes: Bring a change of shoes for the drive home as you might get a little muddy hiking in a place where snow has recently melted off.