Five Enchanting Winter Hikes in Colorado

Whether you’re looking for a serene slice of solace away from the city, or a breath of fresh air amidst city life; Colorado offers an array of wonderful winter hiking options. You’ll be able to fully enjoy the expansive, untamed, and beautiful wilderness that the Centennial State has to offer. Keep reading below for the top winter hikes in Colorado:


Alberta Falls and Bear Lake Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park

If you’re a Colorado native you’ve probably been to Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall while the trees blush with crimson leaves and the streets are lined with hundreds of people trying to get their money shot of the bounding elk herd. Or perhaps you’ve been there during the Fourth of July in the hopes that you would be one of the lucky cars amidst the stop and go traffic who will secure a golden ticket in the form of a campsite. However, no time of year will quite beat the snowy, serenity of Rocky Mountain National Park during the dead of winter. Winter offers a much quieter, much more tranquil experience with its ranger-led snowshoe tours and plethora of winter hiking options.

Among the abundant hiking options at Rocky Mountain National Park is a hike to Alberta Falls. Located on Bear Lake Road about a quarter mile from the parking area, just after crossing Chaos Creek, the trail intertwines briefly with the Glacier Creek Trail. The trail ribbons its way around towering aspen groves and pine forest trees, and provides stunning views without exhausting hikers as it’s less than a mile in length. Alberta Falls tumbles thirty feet down a small, glistening gorge on Glacier Creek. In the winter the waterfall sparkling amongst the fluffy, white, snow-covered, banks is a sight to behold.

If you’re feeling extra motivated and gearing up for your New Year’s resolution while you’re hiking to Alberta why not also hike Bear Lake Loop which is located nine miles from the turn off at Highway 36. On this stunning hike visitors can relish in the beautiful disasters of the aftermath of the 1900s Bear Lake Fire, with such sights as the cracked granite boulders.

Alderfer Three Sisters Trail

Pull on your best pair of winter hiking boots and climb to the top of this rigorous, but not too vigorous trail with stunning views at the end of this trail just outside of Denver. Bring your furry best friend with you, as dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are leashed. Even in the winter you might still be able to see splashes of color here and there from the park’s abundant array of wildflowers.

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Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park

A slice of country in the city, Bear Creek Trail connects downtown Denver with the bottom of the Rockies. Soak in stunning natural as well as man-made, beauty with enchanted woodlands juxtaposed next to striking views of the Denver skyline. It is recommended that visitors begin their adventure in at Confluence Park where Cherry Creek trickles into the Platte River. Cherry creek is striking to see bubbling amongst winter trees draped with marshmallow garlands of snow.

Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve 

Canyon Loop Trail is a great option for runners, hikers and dog walkers alike, as it is about an eight mile long, moderate rated loop that winds its way through frosted trees, and rolling hills of fluffy white snow in the winter. Visitors should be on the lookout for other animals, as the woods are humming with squirrels, deer and other wildlife.

Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon

Castlewood Canyon cuts a striking landscape into the plains near Denver, and though it’s not in the mountains we still recommend all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive to get there safely. In the winter Canyon View’s emerald green stretches of greenery are covered in sugary snow banks, painting the perfect picture-taking place. Its paved trail offers the perfect path for families to explore and Canyon Rim Trail even offers a guided audio tour so the little ones can really soak in the history of the habitat around them. 

Don’t let the cold stop you from exploring Colorado’s beautiful wilderness. A blanket of white snow only enhances the views found along each of the trails above. Throw on your winter coat and hiking boots, you’ll surely be rewarded with fantastic frozen scenery and sparse crowds.

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