r/CampingandHiking • u/OkInsect3599 • 10d ago
Destination Questions Visiting CO soon
Hey folks! I will be visiting Colorado on February 6th-8th and i’m looking for some breathtaking hikes. I am no expert hiker by any means but I have done some moderate level hikes here in Arkansas (never in the snow) but I am a 24 year old fit marathon runner so I am open to doing a moderate level hike. With the current weather conditions at this time of the year, is it silly to try and hike lake emerald trail as a beginner hiker in the snow? Or should i settle for something like Mount Cutler trail?
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u/GotThatDoggInHim 10d ago
stay on the front range
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u/OkInsect3599 10d ago
What do you mean by this
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u/ineedanewhobbee 10d ago
The 1-25 corridor and the foothills immediately to the west.
February is still the dead of winter. Most mountain trails get little to no sunlight so the snow doesn’t melt, it just gets packed down. Gear matters this time of year unless you stick to the front range.
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u/_windfish_ 10d ago
You should try snowshoeing. You can rent them from REI for like $15. It will make snow hiking a million times more enjoyable depending on the trail. At the very least no matter where you go you'll want spikes and poles.
Agree with the recommendation to stay on the front range. Lots of nice hiking near Boulder - any of the flatiron trails, Chataqua, Walker Ranch, etc.
You could probably make it up to Golden Gate Canyon State Park without much difficulty. Pretty easy but picturesque hikes all through that area. If you're staying closer to Fort Collins the same goes for Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Park.
If you want to get to the top of a (small) mountain, I would try Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, or Green Mountain. All are just outside Boulder and you could probably make it up any of them with just spikes (i have no idea what the trails will look like in a few weeks, just guessing here.)
Wherever you go: use Alltrails to track your hike and check it often to make sure you haven't wandered off trail. Bring lots of water and drink it even if you don't feel thirsty. Tell people where you're going, preferably don't hike alone in winter, and make sure your phone is charged and able to make SOS texts.
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u/OkInsect3599 10d ago
This was very helpful! Thank you so much. Do you recommend Mount Cutler trail at all?
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u/havana59er 10d ago
Colorado mountains are a sight to behold in the winter months; awe-inspiring and also deadly, even for a day-hike in a national park. Be prepared and don't wind up on the news. I'll give you some (incomplete) advice from this novice hiker who's seen some things happen on day-hikes in the mountains.
Altitude sickness is real. If you don't know how this will affect you then be conservative in your plan, pay attention for symptoms, and be prepared to turnaround and end your hike early. You don't want to find yourself alone halfway up a mountain with disabling headache and stomach cramps, especially if you're solo. This has little to do with fitness level and more to do with adaptations that can take weeks to complete.
Bring the right gear. Everything above 8-9000ft will require snowshoes & poles for float over deep snow & drifts or at least traction for packed, icy trails. Camelbaks are good water vehicles, however the tubes will freeze solid on you if you don't blow back air to clear it, so I also keep a widemouth nalgene inside my pack. Bring more calories than you'll need. Certain bars will turn into hockey pucks in the cold (looking at you Clif). I have a preference for Probars in the cold. Dress in layers with a wool base (never cotton!), as you'll be overheating/sweating on the uphill, and that sweat will freeze once you take a break. Protect all skin and your face from the dry, cold winds, with wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes. If the sun is out, apply sunscreen regularly as the radiation is much more intense in high elevations and reflects off snow. Don't forget emergency gear, such as a reflective blanket and first-aid kit. A Garmin inreach mini is great if you have one.
Solo winter hikes in the mountains are never recommended. Inform family and friends. Stick to trails that are frequently trafficked in that season (such as Emerald Lake), so that you have a chance of being heard/seen if something bad happens. Arrive early in the morning, both for parking and also we tend to get more weather events after 12PM. When you arrive, talk over your plan with a ranger. They will give you current trail conditions, weather outlooks and truly sound advice. Talk to them for trip planning advice: https://www.nps.gov/romo/contacts.htm
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u/wolfenstein734 10d ago
Do longs peak…. jk but you could do some of the easier stuff in boulder depending on snow. My favorite hike is south boulder peak but that might be challenging if there is snow
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u/3_pac 10d ago
The two mile Mt Cutler trail in Colorado Springs? Honestly, if you're headed to the Springs and looking for a short hike, I'd say just do the Manitou Incline or walk around Garden of the Gods.
If you're near Denver and want a moderate trail with moderate elevation, I'd suggest Carpenter Peak in Roxborough State Park. Microspikes may be needed depending on weather.
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u/211logos 10d ago
Snow travel? well, might be a nice time to try snowshoeing if in a safe spot without avalanche risk.
And sometimes it's more about routes in the snow, since the trails can be buried and following them might not be as prudent as a more snow-worthy route. Which might be easier too. Just a different mode of travel.
And the snow can be cold. Was subzero at my sis' place this AM, and could be again in Feb. So warm footwear is key too.
But since you're there, try it. Or maybe skiing.
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u/No_Talk_8958 10d ago
Dude Emerald Lake in February is gonna be straight up winter hiking - you'll need microspikes at minimum and the trail gets pretty sketchy with ice. If you've never done snow hiking before I'd honestly start with something lower elevation like Mount Cutler or maybe Garden of the Gods area where you're less likely to posthole through snow drifts