Temperatures are falling and winter may be on the horizon but that doesn’t mean you should lose your motivation to get outside. Get ready to swap out your hiking boots for a pair of snowshoes. Snowshoeing is a rewarding activity to enjoy once snow covers all of your favorite hiking trails. The flat wide design of snowshoes allows you to walk through deep powdery snow without sinking in and getting stuck. The best part? It’s accessible and doesn’t require a ton of expensive gear to get started. From Maine’s Carrabassett Valley to Yellowstone National Park, discover some of our favorite destinations for a snowshoeing adventure.
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DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH RESORT & SPA, TABERNASH, CO
No winter vacation would be complete without visiting this incredible retreat. With more than 12 miles of trails to explore, you’ll get to witness the stunning sights of this rugged Western landscape all while getting in a good workout. After a day traversing sprawling meadows and lush forests, relax your muscles at the on-site spa and enjoy a hearty meal at one of their top-rated restaurants.
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN RESORT, CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME
With a reputation as an alpine ski resort and the second highest summit in the state, Sugarloaf Mountain Resort is also a snowshoe lover’s delight. With miles of scenic trails to explore, you’ll trek through some of the most immaculate landscape in the region. The Outdoor Center has everything you need to plan your snowshoeing adventure, and the trails are well-marked and maintained for safety. They also offer a season pass for those who just can’t get enough of this fun winter activity.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UT
Beginners and experts alike will find everything they need to have a great trip with seasoned guides that bring trekkers to the canyon’s rim and back. From this unique vantage point, the orange rock formations of the canyon take on an incomparable beauty against the white snowfall. Park rangers host full-moon trips between November and March. Trips typically last around two hours. The Bryce Canyon Snowshoe Program offers free snowshoes and poles for all trips.
APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKESHORE, BAYFIELD, WI
Managed by the National Park Service, these islands sit on Lake Superior and have trails that offer accessibility to lakefront beauty that you can’t see any other way. With more than 20 miles of open areas to explore, snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the park even in the off season. Trekking through the snow at Pictured Rocks offers the chance to see animal tracks and sights not often seen. There are two trails and the Grand Sable Visitor Center has parking, snacks, and drinks to take along.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY
The best way and only way to see many areas of this incredible national park in the winter is by snowshoe. Groomed trails take you past Old Faithful and the Firehole River, and the Observation Point Loop Trail takes you across the river to the scenic views above. There are two visitor centers open year-round, and there are plenty of lodging accommodations, restaurants, gift shops, and warming huts throughout the park. Trails are available for beginners and those more experienced, and several are kid-friendly.
WOODSTOCK INN AND RESORT, WOODSTOCK, VT
Besides being one of the state’s most beautiful resort destinations, Woodstock is the perfect place for great alpine skiing. But if you’re not quite up to that challenge, snowshoeing offers the next best thing for a fraction of the cost. Still a winter workout, the Woodstock Inn offers trails for any range of experience. There’s even a special Saturday excursion that takes you up the mountain to friendly folks who’ve prepared a warm lunch. Snowshoes can be rented, and they have sleds to tow the little ones.
MT. BACHELOR SKI RESORT, BEND, OR
If you’ve ever wondered if snowshoeing was for you, get all your questions answered during the free guided snowshoe hike led by an experienced volunteer at Mt. Bachelor. No previous experience is necessary, and snowshoes are provided if you don’t have your own. This guided 90-minute tour will help you develop the confidence to plan a snowshoeing trip of your own.
