Guided Snowshoeing Adventure in Colorado Rockies Near Denver

Summary

Winter Hiking Tours: Alpine Lakes, Bison & Historic Ranches

You’ll get to explore hidden winter trails in Colorado’s Rockies with someone who actually knows where to go—even when there aren’t any signs. Whether you want mountain views or close-up bison sightings, this trip covers both. Plus, all gear is ready for you—just bring your sense of adventure.

What’s the experience like?

Crunching through fresh powder, I could hear nothing but the soft squeak of snow under my boots and the occasional wind brushing past the pines. Our guide, Mike, handed out snowshoes and gaiters at the trailhead—he always checks everyone’s fit before we set off. The drive up from Denver took about an hour and a half; it’s wild how quickly city noise fades into mountain silence. Depending on the season, we either head toward a frozen alpine lake or wander around an old ranch with weathered barns that have stood for over a century. You can almost smell the woodsmoke lingering from somewhere nearby.

If you’re looking for something closer to Denver, there’s a 3.5-mile loop near a bison preserve. Last time I was there, we actually saw a few bison right up by the fence—massive creatures just munching away, totally unfazed by us gawking tourists. There’s also another trail above Red Rocks with ruins of an old villa that burned down years ago; you’ll spot bits of charred stone peeking through the snow if you look closely.

Sometimes, when the snow’s packed down hard, we swap out snowshoes for microspikes—honestly, they’re easier to walk in after a while. Mike brings extras of everything: hiking poles, water bottles, even chips and sandwiches for lunch (nothing fancy, but somehow food tastes better outside). We usually stop halfway for a quick bite; I remember once my sandwich nearly froze solid before I finished it! After lunch, it’s mostly downhill back to the van and then back toward Denver as your legs start to feel that good kind of tired.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountains

• Drive 1.5 hours past Nederland to trailhead
• Hike 4 to 4.5 miles to alpine lake or historic ranch
• Alternative 3.5-mile hike around bison preserve near Denver
• Optional hike above red rocks to villa ruins
• Use microspikes, hiking poles, and gaiters as needed
• Enjoy sandwich, snacks, and chips on trail
• Return downhill to van and drive back to Denver

Top questions

How difficult is the hike? Is it suitable for beginners?

The hikes are moderate—about 3.5 to 4.5 miles—with some uphill sections. If you’re reasonably fit and comfortable walking in snow, you’ll be fine.

What should I wear or bring?

Dress in layers since weather changes fast up here. Waterproof boots are best; we provide snowshoes or microspikes plus gaiters and poles.

Will we definitely see bison?

Bison are often visible near the preserve fence but can’t be guaranteed—it depends on their mood and where they’re grazing that day.

Is lunch included?

Yep! We bring sandwiches, snacks, chips—and sometimes something warm if possible—to enjoy during our break on the trail.

What’s included

You’ll get use of snowshoes (all sizes), hiking poles, gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, bottled water, and lunch on the trail—all provided by your guide so you can just focus on enjoying the day.