With miles of cross-country ski trails, gentle terrain and more than its fair share of snowfall, Rabbit Ears Pass is one of the best places in Colorado for ski touring. Add the fact that the Forest Service has attempted to segregate the snowmobiling areas from areas where human-powered trails are located, and the appeal of the pass becomes overwhelming. So it should be no surprise that on a recent trip to Steamboat Springs, we set aside sufficient time to sneak in a quick tour.
We chose an old favorite that combines pleasant touring through forested glades with the chance to yo-yo a nice little ski hill that usually holds great powder.
We drove up to the pass from Steamboat just as a storm was clearing, leaving several inches of new powder and clear blue skies — what could be better?
Hike description
From the trailhead parking area, scramble up the snowbank to the information board. The trail drops down the hill to the right into an open area, then cuts left. Look for blue posts and blue diamonds. After a tenth of a mile, you will come to a sign indicating a trail junction for the 3A loop. Take the left branch for the shortest approach to North Walton Peak, and follow the very well- signed trail as it heads east along the north side of Walton Creek. At mile 0.7, you’ll reach the point where the 3A loop continues to the right, angling uphill. Our trail, marked as 3C, heads left here, signed to North Walton Peak.
At mile 1.1 the trail joins a road. Turn right and follow the road south, contouring approximately 100 feet above the creek before making a turn to the west at mile 1.8. Immediately after this turn you’ll reach a road junction. Take the right fork (the uphill branch), marked with green posts, and contour into a large open bowl below North Walton Peak.
Continue along the road, reaching the base of the east face of the peak at mile 2.7. This makes a good staging area for the upcoming fun. You’ll want to make several trips up the peak from here if conditions are good, so head up the road as it climbs up to the left side of the mountain, spiraling to the top. Once on the flat summit, ski past the radio towers and buildings, and head for the east face, directly above the staging area. Take a minute to enjoy a good view of Rabbit Ears, then choose a line and enjoy these moderate slopes.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Snow Climbs: A Guide for All Seasons.”
The Details
Getting to the trailhead: The Walton Peak parking area is located on the south side of U.S. 40 on Rabbit Ears Pass, 7 miles west of the intersection with Colorado 14. This is 2.8 miles east of the West Summit parking area.
Hike statistics: From the parking area to the summit of North Walton Peak (10,135 feet) you’ll gain 740 feet in 3.1 miles one way.
Difficulty: A pleasant ski on trails and a road to a summit with a moderate descent, offering excellent opportunities for practicing telemark turns.
USGS Quad: Walton Peak, CO; Mount Werner, CO
