Peru Creek follows a scenic forest road to the historic Pennsylvania Mine. The route climbs at a steady pace but is suited for beginners. Views of the snow covered Morgan and Cooper Mountains are beautiful. There is an optional turnoff for more advanced skiers or snowshoers about 2.75 miles that climbs steeply towards the mine. Beginners should stay on the forest road.

The trail to Silver Dollar Lake is a short and gentle ski or snowshoe to a high mountain lake. It begins in lodgepole pines and then opens up along the hillside. The lake is surrounded by high mountain peaks and cliffs. The trail is open to snowmobiles.

Saint Mary's Glacier is located close to Denver and offers a short adventure with incredible views. The first section leads to Saint Mary Lake which is also the bottom of the glacier. Up to this point the hike is easy and you will already have spectacular views. The next mile leads to the top of the glacier where the views of the front range are worth the short trek. Summer time it is highly trafficked with a lot of tourist visiting the lake and glacier. Also parking is $5 cash via self-serve envelopes. No change.

The Lake of Many Rocks is a short but spectacular hike in the busy Bear Lake area of RMNP. It's a little more strenuous than the more popular lakes, so you may be the only person there if it's "off season." There are incredible views along the way and the multitude of large rocks leading up to the lake provides for an excellent foreground in photos. It's one of John Fielder's favorite in RMNP. There's some slight avalanche danger as you climb the last hill to the lake

This is an easy route to the Colorado Mountain Club's cabin at Brainard Lake. The cabin is open to visitors who want to warm up with hot drinks by a fire on Sat and Sun from 10-2 from Nov-April. There's a suggested $1 donation at the door. It is a rustic but beautiful cabin tucked back from the road. It's usually very windy here during the winter and can be brutally cold so be prepared. If you're interested in spending the night check out CMC's website for details.

Located in the Rocky Mountain National Park this route begins at Bear Lake. It wraps around Bear Lake and continues with a moderate but steady ascent to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and then ends at Emerald Lake. Fishing is popular in Emerald Lake but is not allowed in Bear Lake. If Dream Lake is frozen solid you can snowshoe across.

This trail is full of history and was used by mountain travelers in search for gold back in the 1800s. There is something for everyone here. The trail is easy as it wanders through giant pines. For more challenging terrain you can head up the small peak to the south of the old pass. It is best done as a one-way with a shuttle at the bottom or choose the length of your trip.

Lottis Creek offers incredible wintery scenery. The route crosses the creek, and there are a few waterfalls that are usually frozen and make for beautiful photos. The trail is a gentle climb into a thick forested valley of conifers and aspens. If you continue on the trail it does get steeper and more difficult.

The trail to Wheeler Lakes is steep and challenging and for more advanced skiers or snowshoers. It travels through the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area. The area gets tons of snow so be prepared as the trail is difficult to follow. This is a great place to find solitude and is used by hikers and backpackers during the summer.

Brainard Lake area is a very popular place for winter recreation. There are endless trails to explore in every direction. This is the easiest route to Brainard Lake, but be aware conditions can by icy and sometimes the wind blows the snow off the road.