Just Right Snowshoe Hikes

Just Right Snowshoe Hikes

By Bette Erickson

Water. Check.

Sunscreen. Check.

Map. Layers. Phone. Check, check, check.

Packing for a family winter day hike or snowshoe outing isn’t really much different than hiking during any other time of year along the Front Range. No matter the season, it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected whenever you are outside for any length of time.

If getting away for a snow day hike with youngsters appeals to you, consider one of the following trails within about an hour drive of Broomfield. If you’re new to snowshoeing and don’t want to buy a pair, many sporting goods stores rent snowshoes at a reasonable price. Experienced snowshoers will tell you, hiking on snowshoes is a bit more challenging than trekking without wearing snowshoes. So, keep that in mind as you plan your distance and elevation gain.

The following destinations are good for hiking or snowshoeing and are rated in order from easiest to more rigorous.

Caribou Ranch Open Space

Caribou Ranch, with its neighboring Blue Bird Mine and 1870s DeLonde Homestead offers 2,180-acres of designated open space. The trail here is a manageable 4.5 miles out and back, offering a pleasant, quiet loop. The lack of elevation gain staying steady at about 8,600 feet, and the fact that more than half of the route is on a road; Caribou Ranch is a great place for novice snowshoers.

Getting There: From US 36 in Boulder, take Canyon Blvd. (CO 119) west to Nederland. Turn right (north) on CO 72. Go 1.9 miles to CR 126, turning left (west) and drive 0.9 mile to the parking area. (The Caribou Ranch Open Space is different than the historical Caribou town site, located just west of Nederland on CR 138.)

Distance: About 4.5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging in the snow

Elevation Gain: Negligible

Diamond Lake

Hardy old-growth trees and several now-frozen waterfalls distinguish the trail leading to Diamond Lake. The lake sits quietly just below tree line only two miles from the trailhead with almost a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Be prepared though: It’s a workout on snowshoes.

This is a lovely forested trail and is suitable for kids over 12-years old. Remember to dress in warm layers and for extra safety precautions, have a photo of the route saved on your phone.

Detailed directions to Diamond Lake can be found on the National Geographic Indian Peaks Gold Hill map #102.

Getting There: Take Hwy 36 west to Boulder and turn left (west) on Canyon Blvd., continuing to Nederland. From Nederland on CR 130, drive through the town of Eldora, then about five miles on the dirt road to the sign indicating Hessie on your left and Buckingham Campground, Fourth of July Trailhead to your right.

Distance: 4 miles round trip

Difficulty: Challenging in the snow

Elevation Gain: 951 feet