How to prepare for winter hiking
You don’t need a lot of gear to enjoy Colorado’s chillest (and chilliest) hikes.
As temperatures plummet and another Colorado winter is on the horizon, it can be tempting to stay inside. But chilly weather offers a great opportunity for winter hiking, says Lincoln Davie, assistant professor of Sport Management at Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences. Davie, who has a background in adventure sports and is a former ski patroller and horse trainer, relishes winter hikes and runs.
“Not only do you have fewer crowds, but there’s something a bit more romantic and unique about connecting with nature in a colder time,” says Davie. “It’s a really great opportunity to explore landscapes that might be outside your everyday norm.”
Ready to take to the trail? Here are Davie’s best winter hiking tips and a few of his favorite destinations for snowy recreation.
Be avalanche aware
“It’s always important to be aware of avalanche dangers,” Davie says. “Make sure you’re hiking in places that don’t have big avalanche slopes or steep slopes that intersect with your hiking path.”
If you’re planning on traveling far for your hike, check in with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center before you go. The CAIC’s website is packed with avalanche safety tips and features a handy map that forecasts avalanche danger across the state.
RELATED: What’s behind this year’s deadly avalanche season and how to prepare
Layer up
Before you take to the trail, scrutinize your clothing. “Think more explicitly about layering,” says Davie. “Your big goal is not to overheat. Try to prevent yourself from sweating too much, because you can get really cold later on.”
One way to protect against the dangers of freezing sweat is to start your hike wearing fewer layers, then add layers as you go as necessary. Depending on the weather, you may need as many as three layers to avoid freezing when you hike.
Winterize your gear
A change in the weather doesn’t necessarily mean you need to ditch your summertime gear, says Davie. “Don’t underestimate what you already have,” he advises.
That said, you may need to consider winterizing your gear. For example, water bottles or hydration backpacks may freeze in cold weather, so carry them under an insulating layer or close to your body.
Favorite winter hikesGreen Mountain, Lakewood: This 6,800-foot-high mesa is easily accessible for Front Range hikers and one of Davie’s favorites. Once a favorite hangout for buffalo, the mountain has a network of multi-use trails perfect for winter recreation. Mount Falcon, Morrison: Get some elevation and some historic views at Mount Falcon, whose Castle Trail features iconic red rocks and the ruins of onetime Colorado tycoon John Brisben Walker’s castlelike mansion. Roxborough State Park, Douglas County: Want to go a bit farther afield? This state park just 20 miles from Denver features thousands of acres of foothill ecosystems and 15 miles of trails.
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RELATED: Best trails to see fall foliage (and get some exercise)
Don’t slip
One item Davie recommends investing in is a pair of microspikes you can add to your shoes or boots to help navigate slippery ice and packed snow. Slipping can be a major danger during winter, he notes, so wear treaded shoes, hiking boots or his favorite winter hiking shoe, sturdy waterproof muck boots.
The way you walk or run can be as important as your footwear, Davie says. “Think and walk smart,” he says. And resist the temptation to steady yourself with your hands as you navigate slippery terrain — it can make you less stable. “Walk with your feet, not your hands,” he advises.
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Know before you go
Mud and other conditions can lead to trail closures and interfere with your plans, so Davie recommends you check with your local parks-and-rec website for trail information before you begin your winter hike.
