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DIRECTIONS: From Winter Park head north on U.S. 40 through Fraser. Look for signs to Devil's Thumb Ranch and turn right (east) on 83, a good dirt road well packed with snow in the winter. At the first fork in the road, bear right and continue for about 3 miles to the ranch.
Devil's Thumb Ranch is a private resort nestled up against the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in the Fraser Valley. In the winter, the primary attraction at the ranch is the Nordic Center. The ranch has numerous cross-country skiing trails and two snowshoe trails. The ranch is well situated in the valley providing beautiful mountain views in all directions.
Of the two snowshoe trails, the Moosestomp Trail is the longer and the Redtail Trail is the shorter and easier trail. The trail starts at the rental center and follows the Moosestomp trail for about .4 miles as it crosses the cross-country ski trails towards the wooded hillside. After the junction the Redtail Trail enters the woods for a brief segment and arrives at the first warming huts along the trail. After the huts, the trail rises to the top of a small ridge dotted with young pines and tremendous views. Views from the trail include Mt. Neva, Mt. Jasper, and the Devil's Thumb towering to the east, James Peak and Parry Peak looming to the North, and Byers Peak marking the western horizon. The ridge soon meets with a flat open meadow, at the far eastern end of the meadow lies your destination a large warming hut, perfect for winter relaxation. After you've sufficiently rested, follow the same trail back to the ranch. This is luxury snowshoeing... The trails are well signed and equipped with benches and warming huts along the way. The amenities at the ranch, hot tub, pool, restaurant are an added bonus. Not exactly roughing it... |
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