Find Snowshoeing
Though it looks like you're walking with tennis racquets on your feet, snowshoes are easy to use, cheap to rent, and allow access to backcountry areas that skiers simply can't reach.
- Many trails are designated for non-motorized travel, meaning no buzzing motors to spoil the quiet.
- Because snowshoes are designed to go off-trail, they offer access into remote backcountry areas.
- First-time snowshoers are amazed at how quickly they can learn the sport.
- Head out to a ranch for access to private lands, pristine and unspoilt.
Overview
The Steamboat mountain range features beautiful forests, splendid valleys and spectacular ridges. However, most of this is never seen by the vast majority of tourists because getting into the backcountry can require technical skills, good physical conditioning and expensive gear.
However, snowshoeing has none of these obstacles. A beginner needs no more than half an hour to learn how to walk properly with snowshoes. Then, the backcountry will be as open as you want it to be. Also, since snowshoes are designed to go anywhere, you are free to go wherever you want, whether or not a trail leads there!
Where to go Snowshoeing
As with all National Wilderness Areas, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area is reserved for non-motorized travel. This means that there are a large number of trails waiting to be explored in the peace and quiet of snow-covered forests and mountains, in addition to the many trails in the national forests and private ranches.
Rabbit Ears Pass
Rabbit Ears Pass is a mountain pass in the Colorado High Country that is known for its false summit and the distinctive rabbit ear appearance of a nearby peak.
There are a large number of trails off Rabbit Ears Pass, with the area west of Walton Campground being designated for non-motorized use only. Trails are marked with blue diamonds.
Two recommended hikes:
- The West Summit Loop is a 3.7-mile moderate loop starting from the West Summit Parking Area.
- The Fox Curve Loop is another 3-mile gem, starting from the Fox Curve Loop Parking Area on Highway 40.
To get there from Steamboat Springs, head east on US 40 for 21 miles. From the town of Kremmling, drive west on US 40 for 30 miles. There are multiple parking areas and pullouts to start your snowshoeing expedition.
Dunckley Flat Tops
Away from the busy Rabbit Ears and Buffalo passes, the Chapman/Bench Trail makes a great loop by coming back on the Spronks Creek Trail. At 4.8 miles, it's a great afternoon out in the snow, challenging for beginners, but worth the effort of 800 feet elevation gain.
To get to the trailhead, take Highway 131 south of Steamboat, turning west on CR 16, just south of Phippsburg. This runs into the unpaved Dunckley Pass Road, where the trail starts.
Private Ranches
Many of the ranches and backcountry lodges have access to private land, normally prohibited to the public. Take advantage of some of the groups listed below to find the solitude and freedom of private access ranches.
Rentals & Fees
Snowshoes can be rented from a number of shops in town and around the ski resort.
Prices are generally based on half and full day rentals, with discounts available for groups.
Hire a Guide
Steamboat Ambassadors offer a free tour daily at the base of the gondola, but that's only with a lift ticket. Hiring a guide gives you complete flexibility to explore the surrounding mountains at the pace and duration you choose.
Take a look at the snowshoe companies below to find a tour that fits your needs.
