When we arrived at the trailhead for this week’s outing, we were dismayed to see bare ground. We wondered if we would be able to use our skis but needn’t have worried — the Burning Bear Trail is cleverly located to hold snow that has blown away elsewhere in this high, alpine environment. In fact, as you ski along the trail at the southern edge of Geneva Park, you have the best of both worlds, enjoying great views of the peaks ringing the pass while in the shelter of the trees. As the trail climbs, the snow continues to improve, tempting you to go farther in anticipation of the exciting downhill run.
Because the trail starts out at a gentle grade, then steepens after a couple of miles, this trail is suitable for novice, intermediate and advanced skiers. In fact, the switchbacks farther up the trail will challenge even those skiers with solid downhill skills.
An added bonus to this trip is the likelihood of seeing some of the bighorn sheep that frequent the area, often right along Guanella Pass Road.
Hike description
Cross through the gate, and start skiing west (possibly carrying your skis for the first 50 yards or so until you reach the snow) and quickly enter the trees. Follow the trail as it winds along the edge of the trees next to Burning Bear Creek, offering good photo opportunities. The valley narrows after 1.5 miles, and the trail starts to climb a little more steeply, staying on the south side of the creek until Mile 1.7, where it crosses to the north side and continues to parallel the creek.
At Mile 2.1 you will enter an open meadow. Until this point the trail has been well-marked with blue diamonds. The continuation of the trail on the far side of the meadow is difficult to see unless it is previously tracked. Cut straight across the center of the meadow, skiing southwest, and find the trail again. As you continue up the trail the blue diamonds become less frequent, but are supplemented by old blazes on the trees.
At Mile 2.4 you will reach the remains of an old cabin. This is where the moderate terrain ends and makes a good turnaround point for novice and intermediate skiers. More advanced skiers will want to continue as the trail starts a series of switchbacks, climbing more steeply to a saddle at Mile 3.4. The trail actually continues past this point and eventually connects with the Hall Valley Road. Skiing this section would require a car shuttle, so we elected to turn the skis around here and head back the way we came, enjoying some excellent powder skiing along the trail.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Snow Climbs: A Guide for All Seasons.”
