While hiking through the wildflowers and high alpine meadows of the Rocky Mountains during the summer is pretty incredible, there’s a different — but very special — kind of magic during the winter months.
That’s why we put together this list of the best winter hikes in Colorado, which includes everything from snow-covered alpine lakes to frozen waterfalls to a desert loop that might make you forget we’re in the coldest part of the year. No matter what, you’re sure to get an epic photo for Instagram out of the deal.
Check out our recommendations below, broken down by how far they are away from Denver. No matter what, make sure you look at the forecast before you leave and choose your gear accordingly.
We recommend investing in a pair of microspikes at a minimum to stay safe on the ice, and bringing along snowshoes if the snow is high enough for postholing.
Jump to:
- Within 30 Min. of Denver
- Within 60 Min. of Denver
- Within 2 Hrs. of Denver
- More Than 2 Hrs. From Denver
Best Winter Hikes in Colorado within 30 Minutes of Denver
Green Mountain Via Green Mountain and Hayden Loop Trails
Lakewood
- Distance: 5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: 360 views of a snow-covered Denver
One of the best spots for winter hiking Colorado has to offer is literally visible from downtown. Green Mountain in Lakewood has some of the best-known hiking trails in Colorado throughout the year, but it’s especially epic after a snowstorm, when the summit offers a sprawling 360-degree view of the entire Denver metro area. If there’s enough snow, chances are you might be able to spot some skiers carving turns down the hill against the backdrop of the Denver skyline. If that’s not Instagrammable, we don’t know what is.
Cretaceous Trail Loop on South Table Mountain
Golden
- Distance: 3 miles, 324 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Quick-drying trails and plenty of sun
Winter hiking in Colorado can get dicey. After all, if there’s too much snow, you’ll find yourself postholing, and if you stop by too late, you might damage the trail by hiking in the mud. What makes South Table Mountain one of the best winter hikes in Colorado is the fact that its singletrack is typically packed down after a big storm, and once the sun comes out, the surface melts and dries quickly. The views are cool too, since when you’re at the top, you can see downtown to the east, Green Mountain to the south, North Table Mountain to the north, and Golden and the foothills directly to the west. We recommend stopping by at sunset for the ultimate Instagram photo op.
Meadowlark Plymouth Creek Short Loop
Littleton
- Distance: 2.8 miles, 534 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Awesome views without a long drive
This trail isn’t particularly long, but it has some of the best elements of winter hikes in Colorado. To start, there’s a nice climb to the top of a foothill, offering views of the red rock formations of South Valley Park, the downtown skyline, and the Hogback. As you keep going, you’ll find yourself walking along a creek in a scenic forest before making your way back down to the parking lot. There’s an option to extend this hike, too, by going to the top of Plymouth Mountain. One thing to note: While Deer Creek Canyon is awesome when it’s snow-covered, it tends to get very muddy when it melts, which often closes the park. Definitely check the website for updates before you go.
Best Winter Hikes in Colorado within 60 Minutes of Denver
Canyon Loop at Betasso Preserve
Boulder
- Distance: 3.2 miles, 465 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Walking through a winter wonderland
This loop is very, very popular during the warmer months, but it might be best enjoyed during the winter. In addition to stunning views of the foothills, you’ll also make your way through snow-covered forest and along winding singletrack that might make you forget you’re relatively close to the city. As a bonus, it’s much less busy during the winter, but it’s still well-traveled enough that you’ll likely find packed-down snow.
Mason Creek and Staunton Ranch Trail Loop
Conifer
- Distance: 6.5 miles, 1,200 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best for: Amazing views of the South Platte River valley
Staunton State Park has a bunch of the best winter hikes in Colorado, but we’re especially partial to this loop, which includes a fun climb alongside a creek, a meandering trail through the forest with views of rock formations and the South Platte River Valley, and finally rolling singletrack on the valley floor alongside historic cabins. If you have time and energy, we definitely recommend hiking out to the overlooks.
Spruce Mountain Trail
Larkspur
- Distance: 5.3 miles, 574 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Sprawling wintry views without massive crowds
This loop on a mesa between Denver and Colorado Springs might be one of the best winter hikes Colorado has to offer, thanks to its stunning views of the vast snow-covered Greenland Open Space and surrounding hillsides. Also, since much of this trail is in the shade, it’s more likely to be snow-covered than muddy, and outside of the climb to the top, there’s not a tremendous amount of elevation gain. Definitely stop and take in the vistas from one of the cliffs, and keep an eye out for the railroad to the north.
Best Winter Hikes in Colorado Within Two Hours of Denver
Cub Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park
- Distance: 2.3 miles one way, 540 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Seeing Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine lakes without a ton of effort
Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its alpine lakes, but in the dead of winter, it might not seem super appealing to go on an 11-mile trek into the backcountry. This amazing hike might be a better option. At less than five miles round trip, it’s fairly short, and it gets plenty of traffic, meaning the trail should be packed down. You’ll also be rewarded with stunning views of this frozen lake and the surrounding peaks, with the option to keep going down the trail to continue soaking in the views if you so choose.
Jim Creek Trail
Winter Park
- Distance: 7.5 miles, 1,466 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best for: Enjoy Winter Park, Colorado hiking trails within a stone’s throw of the resort
This is often considered one of the best Winter Park, Colorado hiking trails, and we’re especially partial to it during the cold months, when a blanket of snow turns this path along the cascading Jim Creek into a legit winter wonderland. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of a stunning waterfall and the Fraser Valley below. Since this is relatively close to the ski resort, it can get a little busy, and you should definitely expect some snow, so plan your gear accordingly.
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Dillon
- Distance: 3.4 miles, 413 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Seeing an alpine lake during the winter
Dillon is probably one of the most popular destinations in Colorado for downhill skiing, but if dropping hundreds of dollars on lift tickets and then spending half the day in line isn’t your idea of a fun time, don’t worry: There are plenty of other ways to enjoy Summit County during the winter. That’s why we’re big fans of this trail, which meanders through aspen forests and lodgepole pines before stopping at its namesake lake. Along the way, you’ll get amazing views of Dillon Reservoir and Buffalo Lake, making it the perfect spot to snap a quick photo.
Best Winter Hikes in Colorado More Than Two Hours From Denver
Babbish Gulch Trail
Glenwood Springs
- Distance: 3.3 miles, 593 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Choosing your own adventure
This trail near Glenwood Springs is considered one of the best winter hikes in Colorado, thanks to its amazing views of the surrounding valley, meandering journey through the aspen forest, and the fact that parts of it are groomed when there’s enough snow, making it an ideal spot to mess around on your Nordic skis.
Devils Canyon Loop Trail
Fruita
- Distance: 6.8 miles, 748 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: A desert escape from the snow
Winter hiking trails in Colorado don’t have to involve a ton of snow. This classic trail in the heart of Fruita’s canyon country is a perfect example of this — and a great place to spend some time on non-snowy/muddy singletrack during the cold months. Here, you’ll see towering red rock cliffs, old mining ruins, and even evidence of the prehistoric creatures that lived in the area millions of years before Instagram was invented (which is probably for the best, since the T-Rex definitely didn’t have long enough arms for selfies). Depending on how much time you have, you can easily explore some of the area’s side trails for some of the best desert views outside of Moab.
Fish Creek Falls Trail
Steamboat Springs
- Distance: 4.7 miles, 1,427 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Frozen waterfall views
This spot near Steamboat is easily one of the most Instagrammed places in the state during the summer, but it’s also one of the top winter hikes in Colorado. See why, as you make your way up a rocky and sometimes technical trail from the accessible lower falls all the way up to the upper falls at the top. Definitely bring microspikes and snowshoes for this one, and check for the latest avalanche conditions before entering the backcountry.