There’s a certain beauty to a winter hike: the peaceful hush, the absence of crowds, the white blanket evenly laid across boulders, trees and the trail. On the other hand, hiking in snow can double your time on the trail, leave you chilly and possibly craving an easier, drier hike.
One great thing about living in Colorado is that there are many trails that get loads of sunshine in the winter so the snow melts off quickly and you can hit the trail without snowshoes. The trick is to stay at a relatively low elevation with minimal shade, where the snow is typically not as deep or long-lasting.
Here are a few suggestions on where to hike before the snowmelt.
Final tip for winter hikes: Bring a change of shoes for the drive home as you might get a little muddy hiking in a place where snow has recently melted off.
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