Snowshoeing

In the Pikes Peak Region

Snowshoeing in the Pikes Peak region is one of the best and most accessible ways to get out and experience the outdoors in the wintertime. Many popular trails and hiking areas in the summertime are even more fun in the snow! Anyone from toddlers to older adults can snowshoe, and many local areas can be used for either a rolling stroll, or a heart pumping cold-weather workout. Make sure to ask a local shop where the best snow is as our Colorado weather changes frequently, and so do snow conditions! Note that many popular snowshoe trails are also popular cross-country ski trails, so try to avoid stepping in ski tracks whenever possible. The Trailforks app (www.trailforks.com) is a good resource for local area trails.

Getting Started

First of all, anyone considering snowshoeing (especially in remote locations) is heavily advised to take at least an Avalanche level 1 certification class. Backcountry conditions can vary, so know the conditions and bring necessary equipment for a worst-case scenario. Always check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC; www.avalanche.state.co.us) before you go.

Second: Whereas bare ground or grass only typically reflect 10-20% of the sunlight that falls directly on them, snow can reflect up to 80% or more. For this reason, sunglasses or goggles are an absolute must when snowshoeing.

Locations such as Elevenmile State Park, Mueller State Park, and North Cheyenne Canyon offer excellent opportunities for snowshoeing when conditions are right.

Pro Tip

Dress in layers! As you warm up from hiking you can cool down by removing outer layers.

Be Prepared

Make sure to check the weather conditions, dress in layers to stay warm and regulate your body temperature, and bring essentials like water, snacks, and navigation tools for a safe and enjoyable winter hiking experience.

Be sure to pack

Snowshoes (easily rented in the Pikes Peak region)
Trekking Poles
Sunglasses or Goggles
Waterproof Insulated Boots with your Snowshoes
Waterproof Snow Pants or Gaiters with Athletic Clothing
Hat and Insulated Gloves

Outdoor Ethics for Snowshoeing

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reprinted with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit www.LNT.org.

- Know the area and what to expect; ALWAYS check avalanche and weather reports prior to departure. Consult maps and local authorities about high danger areas, safety information, and regulations for the area you plan to visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.
- Monitor snow conditions frequently. Carry and use an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.
- Educate yourself by taking a winter backcountry travel course.
- Visit the backcountry in small groups, but never alone. Leave your itinerary with family or friends.
- Repackage food into reusable containers.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for tree markings, rock cairns or flagging.
On the trail:
- Stay on deep snow cover whenever possible; in muddy spring conditions, stay on snow or walk in the middle of the trail to avoid creating new trails and damaging trailside plants.
- Travel and camp away from avalanche paths, cornices, steep slopes and unstable snow.
At camp:
- Choose a site on durable surfaces- snow, rock or mineral soil- not tundra or other fragile vegetation.
- Camp at a safe, stable site out of view of heavily-traveled routes and trails.
- Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from recognizable lakes and streams- consult your map.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out. Pack out everything you bring with you. Burying trash and litter in the snow or ground is unacceptable.
- Pick up all food scraps, wax shavings and pieces of litter. Pack out all trash: yours and others.
- Pack out solid human waste. In lieu of packing it out, cover and disguise human waste deep in snow away from travel routes and at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from water sources.
- Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them out.
- If necessary, use small amounts of biodegradable soaps for dishes. Strain dishwater into a sump hole.
- Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence of your stay. Dismantle all snow shelters, igloos or wind breaks. Naturalize the area before you leave.
- Leave all plants, rocks, animals and historical or cultural artifacts as you find them.
- Let nature’s sounds prevail. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum.
- Campfires cause lasting impacts in the backcountry. Always carry a lightweight camp stove for cooking.
- Use dead downed wood if you can find it. Put out all fires completely. Widely scatter cool ashes.
- Do not cut or break limbs off live, dead or downed trees.
- Winter is an especially vulnerable time for animals. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed wildlife or leave food behind to be eaten.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Be respectful of other users. Share the trail and be courteous.
- Yield to downhill and faster traffic. Prepare for blind corners.
- When stopped, move off the trail.
- Separate ski and snowshoe tracks where possible. Avoid hiking on ski or snowshoe tracks.
- Learn and follow local regulations regarding pets. Control dogs. Pack out or bury all dog feces.

Gear & Services

Mountain Equipment Recyclers

2222 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Hiking, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing

Pikes Peak Outfitter

293 S. 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Hiking, Ice Fishing, Picnicking, Snow, Snowshoeing, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Water

Mountain Chalet

226 N. Tejon Street

Climbing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing

Sierra Trading Post

5916 Barnes Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80922

Biking, Camping, Climbing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Street Cycling

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Rentals

Mountain Chalet

226 N. Tejon Street

Climbing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing

Pikes Peak Outfitter

293 S. 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Hiking, Ice Fishing, Picnicking, Snow, Snowshoeing, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Water

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Classes

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Guided Adventures

Pikes Peak Outfitter

293 S. 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Hiking, Ice Fishing, Picnicking, Snow, Snowshoeing, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Water

REI

1376 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking

Featured Places to Explore

Curated trails & experiences

Mueller State Park

A popular watchable wildlife area, Mueller is home to abundant wildlife including elk, black bear, hawks, and mule deer. Mueller State Park has over 5,000 acres…