City Of Boulder Releases Winter Hiking Guide

Boulder CO

18 December, 2019

3:55 PM

Description

BOULDER, CO — The City of Boulder has issued a mini winter hiking guide and tips for staying safe while adventuring in the outdoors. Several local trails have become popular options for taking in the winter wonderland. While some trails in Boulder County have been closed, there are still more than 100 miles worth of trails to explore. City officials are recommending the following hikes: Flagstaff Summit: There are many hiking opportunities around Flagstaff summit: the Ute, Boy Scout, Tenderfoot and Chapman trails, and the Sensory Trail where you can explore nature without using your eyes. Every snowstorm changes the summit road and parking areas into a cross-country ski experience with gentle grades, no cars and lots of beauty. Sawhill Ponds: Sawhill Ponds, located on 75th Street near Valmont Road, is an extraordinary place to experience winter's calm. The trails are flat and smooth, providing a break from the steep icy trails of the mountains. Enchanted Mesa / Kohler Mesa Loops: Enchanted Mesa provides a variety of trails winding among ponderosa pine forests and small meadows, while providing stunning views of the Flatirons. The adjacent Kohler Mesa offers many options to lengthen your hike. These trails are relatively flat, and many are free from slippery ice - but take strap-on boot traction, like Yak-tracks or Micro-spikes, just in case. (Stay up-to-date on Boulder news with Boulder Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook) Hiking tips Wear proper footwear: Trails can be slick from snow and ice during the winter months. To avoid an accident on the trail, use strap-on boot chains for extra traction. Get muddy: When trails are muddy or icy, walk right through the mud without leaving the trail. Off-trail detours to avoid muddy spots causes enormous damage to the trails and plants that grow alongside. Current trail closures and conditions can be found here.