Snowshoe Trails Near Denver, Colorado

Snowshoeing is a way to get off the beaten path and enjoy winter scenery that can't be seen any other way. Equipment needs for snowshoeing are minimal, and you will need a good pair of snowshoes, poles for balance and warm, waterproof clothes. The mountainous region around Denver, Colorado, sees a good amount of snowfall each year and is an ideal place for both new and experienced snowshoers.

  1. St. Mary's Glacier

    • Off Interstate 70 northwest of Idaho Springs and about 30 miles west of Denver is St. Mary's Glacier, a short in and out glacial hike suitable for snowshoeing. The hike is approximately one mile each way through mostly open country with a smattering of trees and a lake. To get to the trailhead, take Exit 238/Fall River Road off I-70. Head north on Fall River Road until you see the sign for the glacier hike on the left-hand side of the road. There is a small parking lot with a $5 fee at the trailhead.

    Old Squaw Pass Road/Arapaho Springs

    • This intermediate, 2.8-mile trail is located west of Denver off the Mount Evans Exit 240. To reach the trail, take I-70 west, exiting at Mount Evans and head south on Highway 103 until you see mile marker 19 and parking for the trailhead. The trail, a Forest Service road, features a steadily climbing hike to the top with a gain of nearly 900 feet. Snowshoers are rewarded with a sweeping view of Mount Evans despite the radio equipment and antennas at the peak.

    Brainard Lake Recreation Area

    • Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness to the north of Denver, Brainard Lake Recreation Area offers two trailheads that lead snowshoers to an area filled with four lakes in two valleys. In the winter, the main access gate to Brainard Lake is closed, so park at the lot near Red Rocks Lake Trailhead and walk the 2.5 miles in to the lake. There is a one-way looping tail around Brainard Lake. Halfway around the lake loop, take one of the trails leading away from Brainard Lake toward Mitchell Lake or Long Lake. To get there, head north to Boulder and take State Highway 119 west to Nederland. Head north on Highway 72 to Ward. At the Peak to Peak intersection, go west until you hit the trailhead gate.