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LATEST SITE UPDATES

January 12, 2019

Bridal Veil Falls, Uncompahgre National Forest, San Juan Mountains (3.8 mi (RT); 1,000 ft elevation gain)

January 8, 2019

Wilson Meadows, Lizard Head Wilderness, Uncompahgre National Forest (5 mi (RT); 1,300 ft elevation gain)

January 5, 2019

Ouray Perimeter Trail, Uncompahgre National Forest, San Juan Mountains (6 mi (RT); 1,600 ft elevation gain)

Top of the Pines Preserve, Ouray County Open Space, San Juan Mountains (1.7 mi (RT); 175 ft elevation gain)

Escarpment Path, Loghill Village, Ridgway, San Juan Mountains (1.5 mi (RT); 115 ft elevation gain)

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FEATURED HIKES:
LATE FALL / EARLY WINTER

As the autumn leaves finally fade away and the days become short and cold, fight the urge to hibernate and go hiking. With most people trying to stay warm, shop for the holidays, and watch football (Go Broncos!), this is a great time of year to strap on your winter boots or snowshoes and hit the quiet winter trails. The high alpine snowpack is just starting to settle and stabilize so stick to the lower elevations with mountain views or the dryer foothills trails. Here are a few suggestions to enjoy this often underestimated hiking season. For more suggestions click here.

Canyon Rim Trail, Royal Gorge Park, Wet Mountains, Sangre De Cristo Mountains (5 mi (RT) 640 ft elevation gain): With a dryer climate and lower elevations, the Wet Mountains are a great option for winter hiking. This is also a great time to visit the Royal Gorge while it is uncharacteristically void of Tourists. Try the Canyon Rim Trail for a moderate hike with amazing views.

Lower Buchanan Pass Trail, Roosevelt National Forest, Front Range (7.8 mi (RT); 1,200 ft elevation gain): The lower segment of the Buchanan Pass Trail is wonderful in the early winter. The trail has a gentle grade following Middle Saint Vrain Creek with some tremendous views of the Indian Peaks as your reward. A long, peaceful, snowy hike with easy access.

Buffalo Burn Loop, Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, Pike National Forest (3 mi (RT); 350 ft elevation gain): The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is one of my favorite winter hiking destinations. Since most trees in the area have been consumed by the Buffalo Creek Fire, the landscape gets more sun and wind limiting the amount of snow build up on the trails. Try a loop with the Buffalo Burn Trail and the CDT for wide open vistas.

South Boulder Peak, City of Boulder OSMP, Boulder Area (7.8 mi (RT); 3,096 ft elevation gain): The flatirons and the foothills west of Boulder are typically teeming with hikers. But in the winter, things settle down and get a bit quieter. South Boulder Peak is the highest peak in this sub-range and it's a stiff climb up Shadow Canyon, which tends to hold onto ice longer. The effort makes the views from the summit all the more rewarding.

COLORADO HIKING NEWS

September 18, 2018 - Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Opens with 10.3 miles of Trails and Plenty of Controversy - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened the trail system at Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday September 15th. While this area promises wonderful hiking opportunities at the base of the Front Range foothills, it is not without a certain degree of controversy over the refuges past history of building uranium nuclear triggers for the U.S. Military. Click here for a good article and be sure to do your own research before heading out on the trails.