'10 Best Winter Hikes Near Denver for Scenic Adventures'
Winter is my favorite season for photography. There are a few challenges when it comes to navigating the winter landscapes, though, so be sure to wear proper gear and check avalanche safety/weather conditions before you go adventuring!
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1. Loveland Pass
This area is one of my all-time favorites in any season. Each season brings a new landscape. You can hike or backcountry ski in this pass. This pass is prone to lots of avalanches, though, so just be careful and check the forecasts before you go. The views are incredible, and you don't have to work much for them. Try to go here in early winter (late December) to avoid the snow buildup on the mountain pass.
2. Brainard Lake
This hike is always just so beautiful. I love this whole region of Colorado because of the great opportunities for Moose sightings and other wildlife. There are skiers here, but the trail is pretty open and accessible during the winter. They closed the closer trailhead parking lot, which adds some mileage, but I still consider it worth it for these kind of views, especially on a nice day!
3. Butler Gulch Trail
This trail is super scenic and not too far from Denver. Just be mindful on the trail; we saw skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers (and tons of off-leash dogs). I would say this one is great if your dog isn't reactive. If you step off the trail, you can find some pretty deep snow, which is nice. The main trail is usually heavily packed down, so you can do it with just your snow boots or hiking shoes!
4. Forsythe Canyon
This hike is so gorgeous when the waterfall is frozen over. I recommend early winter, though, because after a large snowstorm, the waterfall can become difficult to see. The hike is very easy, but you do have to go on a little bit of a dirt road to access the trailhead, so make sure to have an AWD. The trail was very icy when I went, so I'd recommend bringing microspikes; they are so helpful!
5. St Mary's Glacier
This is my go-to hike when friends are visiting. I'd say it's good if the weather is clear, but don't go if it's windy or snowing because the view will be completely obstructed. I like this hike more in the summer, but it's so close to Denver and easy to do that it makes it a top favorite of mine. This hike always has people on it, so you might like it more if you enjoy being around others for safety purposes. If you're looking for solitude, you definitely won't find much of it on this hike.
6. Windy Point
This hike is just outside Frisco and Breckenridge, so if you're skiing nearby, and need to tire your dog out or want a quick, easy hike, this one is perfect! It follows along the water and has some great views of the mountains.
7. Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout
This hike is relatively close to Denver and the location is ideal for a weekend drive because it mostly avoids the I-70 ski traffic. The trail is a fire service road, but when it's covered in snow, it's actually quite nice and wide. I would recommend this hike if you need extra space on the trail for multiple dogs. The views are beautiful on a clear sunny day, too. Enjoy!
8. Silver Dollar Lakes
This one can be quite intense of the weather is extreme, however it is so stunning in the winter time (as well as the summer!). Keep an eye on avalanche conditions, always, but this one is near Breckenridge and you don't have to hike the entire thing to get good views. The snowy backdrops and fields make for really great photos!
9. Twin Lakes
This beautiful lake is completely frozen over during the winter, but there is a nice trail that parallels the lake. If you're staying nearby or making a long roadtrip for the day, then I definitely recommend checking out this stunning hike. This spot is awesome for drone filming and other winter recreational activities like ice fishing!
10. Chief Mountain
This trail is also located in Evergreen, not far from the Squaw Mt. trailhead. It's a much narrower trail, though, so it's a little difficult if you need extra space. The views are great and spacious at the top, though, and it's pretty short for the views you get!
11. Herman Gulch Trail
This hike is definitely harder to do as winter goes on, so I recommend early winter, like November or December. I would also say the incline at the beginning is pretty tough. I enjoyed the breathtaking scenery, thoug,h as the trail opens up about a few miles in. I would be cautious during avalanche season and make sure to check conditions beforehand and be prepared. This trailhead is right off of I-70, so it's very easy to access if the roads are bad, and no need for AWD.
12. Clinton Gulch or Mayflower Gulch
These are right near each other, with Mayflower being the more popular one. If you want to fly your drone, go to Clinton Gulch, there will be way fewer people. This is right off the highway, so super easy to access in the wintertime. It's near Copper Ski Resort and Twin Lakes.
13. Twin Cones via Second Creek Trail
I've done this hike several times during the fall and winter. When it's covered with snow, you may need to be more cautious towards the end of the trail with avalanche concerns, but as you're going up in the beginning, it's not that worrisome, but definitely check avalanche conditions before you head out! The altitude can make this hike feel a little harder at first, but at the top it's gorgeous, and there's even a little hut you can get warm in! if you're skiing nearby at winter park, this is a perfect place to at in, as it's by berthoud pass.
14. Red Rocks or Garden of the Gods
Not gonna lie, I love red rocks in the winter. They are way less crowded and the contrast of snow and redness is seriously beautiful! The roads are usually still paved even when it's snowing, just drive carefully and you'll probably have the place to yourself! I did a couple of content shoots here sometimes in the winter because it's just so empty and pretty.
