Winter hiking presents new challenges for the experienced hiker, but there are lots of easier options for beginners, Vahe Tashjian highlights.
Summer hikes are the main depiction of outdoor walking enthusiasts, but true lovers of the sport, such as Vahe Tashjian, know trading in summer gear for snowshoes and ice grips presents magnificent new vistas. From shorter walks in parks that take on new majesty when covered with snow to more ambitious efforts for the highly-seasoned snow walker, there is something for everyone in Tashijan’s recommended hikes.
Winter hikes for the beginner to expert
Cumberland Trail State Park
The Cumberland Trail is nestled in Cumberland Trail State Park in Tennessee and is on its way to being a scenic 300-mile hike from northern Tennessee to the south, and over 210 miles of foot trails are now ready for use. Winter presents a great opportunity to grab a few friends and take on a portion of the trail for a brisk day sport or to commit to a longer hike. Vahe Tashjian strongly recommends beginners stick with a short day excursion with lots of safety precautions in place, including emergency GPS and contacts. More expert hikers may find a multi-day excursion works. The park website and state park apps will provide updates on any expected closures or areas off-limits due to any weather-related issues. Always stay as in touch as possible before and during a hike to be aware of updated conditions.
Garden of the Gods in Colorado
One of two Colorado entries, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is the perfect marriage of the ideal hiking terrain with the beauty of snow for much of the winter. For many Denver residents, it’s a drive of less than 90 minutes, but Vahe Tashjian says the trail is worth checking out when vacationing in Colorado for other winter sports. There are hiking options of up to 10 miles and a three-mile trail will help the enthusiastic walk around the park and into the rocky terrain of the hills without getting too far off the beaten path. Family hikers will enjoy a 1.5-mile hike to a tower at the facility. All-in-all, this area is 100% beginner friendly as the trails are generally flat and most are paved, making them a perfect experience for getting started with snowshoe hikes.
Roundabout Trail in Colorado
Steamboat Springs presents the tantalizing Roundabout Trail outside of a ranch town saturated with tales of Olympic competitors born and raised. Steamboat Springs is very popular with the skiing set and has a lot of family-friendly accommodations and activities, according to Vahe Tashjian. While it’s great for beginners, there are also lots of options for the expert ready to go through their paces on snowshoes. The flat Roundabout Trail is an excellent jumping-off point before the more robust Duster and other options.
Big Tree Trail in California
The incredible size and history of the giant trees in Sequoia National Park provides an awe-inspiring experience year-round. Add a dusting of snow and other wintry mixes, and it starts to feel like another world. For hikers, snowshoes are not always necessary, but microspikes are a good backup plan as some areas can prove icy due to the climate and melting and refreezing of snow. Big Tree Trail is only a 1.3-mile loop in the park, but it showcases some of the best features. If the terrain feels manageable, there are several trail options in the park to further test and develop winter hiking abilities without walking too far away from parking options and other visitors, making it a great training ground before bigger excursions in ice and snow.
