Winter activities like snowshoeing require a little extra precaution and preparation. Always be sure to stay hydrated, even though you may not feel as thirsty as you do in the heat. And pack food, flashlights, and extra layers. Check in with the local forecast and read avalanche bulletins.
With proper preparation in a stunning destination, snowshoeing can make for a memorable outing that might just make you love winter even more. These locations are beautiful enough to melt your heart, but not the snow.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake sees an average of 44 feet of snow each year. With so much of the fluffy white stuff, there’s plenty of opportunities for snowshoe enthusiasts. Crater Lake’s magnificent blue waters create a stark contrast against the pure, untouched powder. Be sure to check in with the visitor center for the latest trail conditions before you hit the trails.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park offers something for everyone. The well-seasoned, winter mountaineer will find plenty of challenges on Long’s Peak and Mount Meeker. If you are just learning to snowshoe, consider heading to the Bear Lake area for several beginner hiking routes. Be sure to arrive early, as parking lots tend to fill up quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park, even during the winter season.
Hundred-Mile Wilderness, Maine
For those looking for a little adventure, consider exploring this wild stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains a few huts allowing you to snowshoe from hut to hut on a multi-day adventure. The huts offer a wood stove and a hot meal, quite the adventure if you’re looking for a multi-day snowshoe adventure.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Sapphire blue waters meet the dramatic peaks of the Sierra Nevadas in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The surrounding areas of the Desolation Wilderness and Donner Pass offer countless opportunities for snowshoeing.
If you’re after lake views try some of the shorter trails in South Lake. For longer trails, explore the Desolation Wilderness to the south or the Mt Rose Wilderness area to the north.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
The beauty of Bryce Canyon is unmatched in winter. Dramatic red rock formations are dusted with sugary powder. The scene is something out of a snow globe. Be sure to bring sturdy, waterproof hiking boots along with your snowshoes, and beware of cornices, which can break and cause you to have a serious fall.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers free guided snowshoeing for beginners, and they'll even provide the shoes!
What are you waiting for? Strap on those snowshoes, bundle up, and get out and enjoy winter. Your OOFOS recovery shoes will be there to take the pressure off when you return.
