It can be hard to find great snowshoeing near Denver. We’re here to help. Here are our favorite winter adventure/local bar combos, all within 90 minutes of Denver.
In Colorado, beverage pairings don’t necessarily mean matching wine with the perfect cheese. We earn our booze properly, and few things are more satisfying after an adventure than the right libation.
Get up early, snowshoe until you’re starving, stop for a drink. That is a full Colorado day.
1. West Magnolia + Pioneer Inn | Nederland
The trail: Known primarily as a mountain bike haven, during the winter West Mag turns into a snowshoe wonderland. The terrain is largely flat by Colorado standards, and the views are spectacular. The route spiderwebs frequently, so leave a trail of bread crumbs and pay attention to where you are going. There is abundant parking and a good chance of seeing some wildlife.
The booze: The Pioneer Inn is the town’s oldest restaurant, and has a long history as Nederland’s music hub. Several famous musicians have spent time under the Pioneer’s pressed tin ceiling, drawn from the previously active music studio Caribou Ranch. You can still catch fantastic live music there today, or sit on a bar stool next to a local and discuss the story of Nederland’s most famous son, the Frozen Dead Guy.
2. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park + Little Bear Saloon | Evergreen
The trail: This is another relatively low output snowshoe for those who want to keep the adventure on the mild side. There are a lot of trail options from the main parking lot, and most offer relatively easy terrain. As this trail traverses at a lower elevation than most on the list, be sure to check trail conditions to make sure there is sufficient snow to justify packing the snowshoes.
The booze: If you’ve spent any time in Evergreen, you know the Little Bear. Swinging doors. Brass cash registers. A vintage wooden bar top. This place can often be a coin flip between sleepy and packed, depending upon who is on the stage and what events are happening in town. It’s a great place to catch a burger and a band, and don’t forget to carve your name somewhere before you leave.
3. Cub Lake + Wheel Bar | Estes Park
The trail: While it’s hard to go wrong in Rocky Mountain National Park, Cub Lake is a favorite. Superb views. Abundant wildlife. With around 500 ft. of elevation gain, this 6 mile roundtrip hike offers a moderate workout. Whatever you do, don’t turn around. Get your butt to the lake.
The booze: If you haven’t noticed yet, we like bars with history. The Wheel Bar in Estes Park is no exception. Open since 1945 and still in the family, this watering hole is your classic locals bar right smack in the middle of a tourist town. Nothing fancy and no food, but if you want some interesting conversation there isn’t a better spot in Estes.
4. 7:30 Trail + Bread Bar | Silver Plume
The trail: The 7:30 trail is a relatively unknown gem just off I-70. Originally an old mining trail, the steady grade makes for a moderate snowshoe hike achievable by most people. At around 2.5 miles from the trailhead you’ll find the Griffin Memorial, which has a particularly interesting back story. That’s a good place to turn around, as the trail starts to disappear shortly thereafter.
The booze: If you’ve followed us for awhile, you’re well aware of our love affair with this bar. Bread Bar could very well be the most interesting watering hole in Colorado. Tiny and oozing with character, it’s a real surprise for people that stumble upon it while exploring the relatively quiet town of Silver Plume. They’re only open on the weekends, so always check their Instagram page for opening hours and interesting events. Bonus: the trails starts and ends right across the street from the bar.
5. Moffat Tunnel + Stage Stop | Rollinsville
The trail: No, you don’t get to hike in the tunnel, but this is a great excuse to visit a Colorado landmark. If you arrive at the right time, you can still watch trains disappear into the tunnel. While you’re at it, the snowshoeing is fantastic too. Because this is still an active railway the service road to the parking lot is serviced year round. For a good half-day trip start at the East Portal trailhead and make your way to Heart Lake.
The booze: Lots of history. Great live music. Kicks you out well before midnight. You probably need to get your ass home anyway. Constructed in 1868 as a toll gate barn, the Stage Stop has been slinging food and booze for decades. Their motto? “The Stage Stop … serving hicks, hippies and bikers since 1868.” That’s something we can all get behind.
About the Author
Jimmy Funkhouser
Jimmy is the founder and owner of FERAL. When he is not exploring the hinterland of Colorado he can usually be found at one of his favorite Berkeley neighborhood watering holes with Sophie and Ace the shopdogs.
Follow Jimmy on Instagram at @jimmyfunkhouser.