OUTD OO RS
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Cross-country, Nordic or skateskiing – no matter what you call it, trekking is a simple way to bask in the beauty of winter in the Southwest. Bundle up and head outdoors this season to enjoy classic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Four Corners. Whether you prefer a groomed trail or fresh powder, this region has many scenic locations to enjoy exercising in the snow-covered countryside. Most cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are free and open to the public, unless associated with a ski area.
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WINTER GUIDE
ANDREWS LAKE
Andrews Lake, located between Durango and Silverton, has diverse terrain for crosscountry skiers to explore. Though no trails are groomed, leave it to other visitors to create many paths to follow. location: On Highway 550 about a mile from Molas Pass, look for a small parking lot on the east side of the highway.
ASPEN TOWN
A 15-mile out-and-back adventure with great views, the trail passes by historic mining and town sites ending at Eureka, where you will see the ruins of Sunnyside Mill. There are switchbacks and a creek crossing at Arrastra Gulch; the creek is usually frozen. location: Access this trail from Kendall Mountain Community Center. The trail heads northeast from the road.
SOUTHWEST COLORADO
2021-22
CHICKEN CREEK
With beautiful views of the Mancos Valley, La Plata Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park, Chicken Creek offers visitors miles of trails groomed by volunteers with machines just minutes from Mancos, Colorado. This summer, the Forest Service and Southwest Conservation Corps added 12 more miles of terrain to explore. location: Travel north from Mancos on Highway 184, turn east on County Road 40 and what for a sign about three miles ahead. Maps of Chicken Creek and other Nordic ski areas in the Cortez, Dolores and Mancos areas are available at www. mancosvalley.com/skiing.
