Denver is another popular destination for conventions and
workshops, and the "Mile High City" offers a wide variety of options
for a "few days away" after the meetings! Here, we highlight an outdoor excursion
that's nearby and yet a world apart.
Snowshoe at
Buchanan's Pass
Extend your trip to the Rocky Mountain foothills for 2 days,
with a basecamp in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.
A 45-minute drive into the mountains offers a relatively easy snowshoe
excursion in the breathtakingly beautiful ponderosa pine forest.
Buchanan's Pass trail is 10 miles long from Peaceful Valley
campground to the pass, but a 2-mile roundtrip hike offers a lovely
introduction to the Rocky Mountain landscape.
Just past the winter gate, take the Buchanan Pass trail to the left which
will lead you 1 mile to the intersection of the campground road on which you
can return for the round-trip. The
Forest Service trail description can be found here.
Snowshoes can be rented at several Boulder locations
including Fleet
Feet, Crystal Sports, and Boulder Ski Deals.
To get to the trailhead, from Boulder, head west up Canyon
Boulevard (Boulder Canyon, Highway 119) though Nederland and onto the
Peak-to-Peak highway. The Buchanan Pass
trailhead is approximately 6.5 miles north of Ward -- watch for signs for
Peaceful Valley and Camp Dick campgrounds.
Turn left into the campground entrance and winter parking is along the
roadside.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, cold weather gear, and a map,
and pay close attention to the weather. Heed the advice of backcountry experts. Cell phone reception in the mountains is spotty at best.
Take time for life!
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