Snowshoe Destinations

Easy to Moderate Guided Days- These shorter destinations can still take the good part of the day if you want to really enjoy yourself and get the most out of your trip.  Keep in mind that these are just some of the options.  Your guide will make the decision as to your destination depending upon weather and snow conditions.

Dream Lake

Dream Lake- This lake is a lovely destination with short mileage.  As with so many snowshoe trips, it can be accessed via the creek bed.   Descend via the “playground” for some off-trail fun all the way to Bear Lake.

Little Pond Loop- Don’t look on the map for this one.  The trail takes off at the “tree” on the Glacier Gorge winter route and heads through deep snow to the beautiful Little Pond.  We named it that since we kept calling it “the little pond”.  Keep going to Pond Deux and then twist and turn through the trees before popping out onto the regular trail just before the parking lot.

Moderate, More Difficult  and Difficult Guided Days- These destinations are usually between 6 and 10 miles and require a full day.

The Loch

The Loch- In summer, the Loch is one of the most photographed lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.  For winter snowshoers, the reward is even greater as the snow gives size and power to the mountains and sparkle to the frozen lake.  The winter route makes use of the creek bed below the regular summer route.  There are several options for the descent including an easier route through the trees via the ice-climbing area or a more-difficult descent over the ridge to Serendipity and down through the Little Pond Loop.

Just before Black Lake in winter

Black Lake- This is one of those destinations that is much better in winter than summer.  The trail goes to Mills Lake then little Jewell Lake before accessing the creek bed to Black Lake.  The trail twists and turns among warm golden rocks which, when covered with snow, look like a winter wonderland.   This is a long day on snowshoes.  Be sure to eat your Wheaties.

Lake of Glass on the way to Sky Pond

Sky Pond- The Loch is a good hearty day, but if you have more steam and a bit of nerve, you can venture up the drainage to Timberline Falls, climb to the upper shelf, cross Lake of Glass and continue to Sky Pond.  This route is not for the faint of heart.  I remembering climbing up the onto the shelf with a client.  I kept saying, “It’s alright.  It’s alright.”

John descending off the Flattop flanks after a good snowstorm

Flattop- This is a favorite Warming House destination especially after a good snowstorm.  The options of length and difficulty are many.  This trail requires some “ump” to get up the Flattop Trail.  You’re lucky since your guide will be breaking trail.  Once near the tree line we leave the regular winter trail and head down through the trees.