There is one benefit to that large amount of snow we received this week, so while you are scraping the windows of your car in the morning on your way to work let this be of comfort. I have found the perfect snowshoeing spot for your weekend adventure: West Magnolia. A popular mountain biking spot in the summer, this place is relatively quiet this time of year but offers some really great deep snow that is perfect for snowshoeing after a big snowfall.

There are multiple starting points, but from the parking lot just off the highway you can set off down the hill or into the trees. The terrain is varied enough to get a good workout, but nothing too difficult if you are more of a beginner snowshoer. The beauty of snowshoeing is that it doesn’t really matter, there is plenty of snow covering the ground this week to make for a fun and adventurous day. If you take along your friends, it can be a fun spot to have a snowball fight in the trees!

If you work up an appetite, you are in luck! The Sundance Cafe is just across the highway back towards Nederland and offers some delicious food of all sorts, though the breakfast (served until 2:30!) is my favorite!

What to Bring:
– snowshoes + poles
– layers
– sunglasses
– camera
– water
– friends!

Getting There:
Head South on CO Hwy 119 from Nederland for nearly 3 miles. Turn right onto County Road 132W. You can either park here, or follow the road for one mile to the main trailhead parking lot.

Sarah Stapley