It is not a rare commodity for Coloradans to take a hike during the warm, summer months. But what about winter months? It is said that every good Coloradan has a plethora of outdoor gear, whether its warm or cold. Now, no matter the weather, it is never a disappointment to make the trek and go visit the beautiful snowy peaks of Colorado.
What should you start with to get outdoors in the bitter winters of Colorado?
Insulated hiking boots
Gloves
Hat
Jacket
Insulated pants
Extra layers
If you are looking to start winter/ snowy hiking, you need to be aware of the risks and how to be safe of the mountains. Obviously, the trails are going to be slick with either snow or ice. To make sure your feet stay on the ground, you can invest in traction ice cleats which can either be strapped on to your already existing hiking boots, or you can buy hiking boots with the traction spikes already in them. In the cold winter months, temperatures can vary and sometimes drop well below freezing. To ensure that you stay warm and don't suffer from hypothermia, you need to pack multiple layers of clothes to keep body temperatures up. Also, to keep hands and toes warm, you can get disposable hand warmers. Something to be aware of while you are planning your hiking trip is the short amount of sunny hours during the day. You do not want to get stuck in the mountains during the night because of the rapid drop in temperature and mountain animals.
In Colorado, there are multiple hiking trails that are designed for winter. Alberta Falls Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park, Alderfer and Three Sisters Park in Evergreen Co., and Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon are three of the most popular snowy hiking trails. Each one has a unique attribute that makes the cold hike a major accomplishment.
Coloradans everywhere should disregard the cold winter days and still get out to see the best parts of the rocky mountains in winter.