Directions:

From Nederland, follow 119 south out of town.  Turn right on Eldora Road at the sign for Eldora Ski Resort and the High School.  Turn left at the sign for Eldora Resort and head up the winding road.  Just after the frozen lake on the right, there is a side road with an open gate.  This road is just before the Jenny Creek Trailhead Parking Area.  Follow this road to the Nordic Center where the trail begins.

Hike Description:

The Eldora Nordic Center provides many wonderful options for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  This description is for a cross country ski route that provides a pleasant and relatively easy tour through the snowy woods at the foot of the Indian Peaks.

From the Nordic Center, start off on the 17th Ave Trail as it winds its way up the forested hillside.  The beginning part of the trail is a main thoroughfare for all connecting routes and will be the busiest portion of this trail.  At the first junction stay straight and continue up-hill until you reach the main junction with the Meadow Trail and the Phoebe Snow Loop.  The Phoebe Snow Loop is a one way trail so pay attention to the trail signs.

The Loop begins with a wonderful flat/undulating trail, then it gains some elevation with views of the Indian Peaks through the trees, before descending to another 4 way junction.  Make a sharp left here to continue on the Phoebe Snow Loop and work your way back to the first junction.  From there it is a mild descent back to the Nordic Center.

The trails at Eldora are well groomed with good track most of the way and well signed so there is no fear of getting lost.  The downside, of course, to a nordic center is that you will rarely be alone for too long and therefore don't get the backcountry experience that you may be hoping for...the more difficult trails at the center surely will provide a more secluded experience, as would the snowshoe trails.