Colorado is a state known for its cold, snowy winter season, but one of its best kept secrets lies in the true climate experienced by local residents. Due to a far inland continental location, Colorado sees the full range of an arid alpine climate that is low in water and high on intra-day temperature swings. The famous slogan “300 days of sunshine” rings true statewide, and the reality is that the snow-covered peaks seen adorning postcards and computer backgrounds are largely confined to only the highest elevation areas and often occur only after large snow events. Better yet, the state’s Western Slope (the western portion that drains water westward to the Pacific coast) enjoys year-round hiking options that are frequently accessible in winter months without classic snow preparations—just bring along a pair of hiking boots and perhaps a pair of spikes, just in case. Here are our picks for winter hiking in Colorado’s Western Slope and the surrounding areas, using Montrose as home base.
Beginning closest to home, the City of Montrose maintains a large amount of parks, trails, open spaces, and other outdoor recreation areas that are open to everyone who wants to get moving! In fact, with an elevation of 5,807’, its thirty miles of concrete trails and fifteen miles of single-track hiking and biking trails are mostly open through the winter. The city receives 34” of annual snow, so make sure to check the recent weather, but more often than not, these trails are snow-free and ready for you. The top trails in town are the West Main Trail, part of the Uncompahgre Riverway Trail system, the Electric Hills Trails, and the Buzzard Gulch Trails. For those looking for a park experience, try Taviwach Park. More info is readily available through the town’s amazing interactive trail map, so don’t be afraid to explore and build your own adventure.
Known as the “Gateway to the Black Canyon,” Montrose is the western entrance to the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and all of the outdoor opportunities that it holds. The Black Canyon is located farther into the mountains and thus holds more snow cover for longer periods—however, it is often bathed in the sun, and some trails are accessible with either snowshoes or regular hiking shoes. Note that some trails in the park are closed during the winter season.
Rated as a “moderate level” trail, our favorite in Black Canyon NP is the Rim Rock Nature Trail, famous for views of the canyon and easy access. In snowier times, the park is home to cross country ski trails for those who enjoy getting after it on skinny skis. Make sure to bring your national parks pass to gain entry.
Below: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, image credit: Jimmy Thomas
Speaking of national parks, Montrose is a scenic and easy 2-hour and 50-minute drive to the quintessential wild west town of Moab. Moab experiences a “slow season” during the winter, which actually makes it perhaps the best time to visit and dodge the crowds! It is also often without snow cover during the cold months, and there are virtually unlimited hiking trails in both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, the twin parks that flank the town. Bring water to be prepared for an extremely arid climate and sunscreen for the constant UV exposure, but Moab is a winter haven that Western Slope locals have embraced as a mini-escape for years.
Below: Turret Arch, image credit: Arches National Park
The north-south corridor of Colorado’s highway 50 (and 550) also have incredible winter trail options. Sliding north for 1 hour 20 minutes, you'll find the town of Fruita, Colorado, often in the conversation for the best mountain biking trails in the country, and an area that experiences only half the yearly snowfall of Montrose. To the south for 2 and a half hours is another mountain biking haven: Durango, Colorado. Durango sees a bit more snowfall, but is located right on the edge of the desert and high alpine, and is a trail running and hiking destination regardless of the season.
Below: Fruita, image credit: Bureau of Land Management
The stereotypical Colorado snow is no deterrent to winter hiking opportunities centered around the Western Slope and the city of Montrose. The reality is that the region sees visitors regularly who drive for hours across the continental divide from Denver and even from further across the country. It is a hiking enthusiast’s playground with a lifetime of trail systems to explore. Lace up the boots and get after it!
Immerse yourself in everything that Montrose has to offer—make it your home! Basecamp Apartments are set right next to the Uncompaghre River, with 1- and 2-bedroom units, gear closets, and modern finishes. Click here to get more information or join the waitlist below!