I didn’t intend to take a break from blogging but, to be honest, it’s been a slow start to the year. It was snowy and windy in the mountains almost every single weekend and, as a result, January and February came and went and we didn’t make it out to snowshoe or cross country ski even once.
But the crappy weekend weather pattern eventually came to an end – or, at least, it took a short break – and we were finally able to get out and enjoy the beauty of winter in the Colorado mountains.
Two of our three outings involved hikes we’ve done before, so rather than rehash the details of these trails, I’m just going to link to my previous accounts. This post is mostly an excuse to share some pretty photos.
Dream and Emerald Lakes
This was about the fifth time we’ve hiked this trail in the winter. As a short and easy hike – by Colorado standards, at least – it’s a good option for when you don’t have a lot of time or feel like taking it easy.
(Or haven’t been up in the mountains all winter and have lost most of your acclimation. Oops.)
Also, these two lakes are even prettier in the winter than they are in the summer, so I’m never going to complain about the opportunity to see them in all their icy glory.
Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake
Most people who depart from the Bear Lake Trailhead go to Dream and Emerald Lakes – just as we’d done the previous weekend.
However, off to the right is a trail to two lakes that few people ever bother to visit, especially in the winter. Reaching them involves a lot more effort, which deters many hikers. But if you’re willing to wear snowshoes and possibly do some navigation and trail breaking, it’s well worth the effort.
After a week of snow, the trail to Lake Helene and Two Rivers Lake was packed in places but soft and fluffy in others, so we were very glad to have our snowshoes. The trail heads through the trees, climbing quite a bit before moderating and curving around to the larger Two Rivers Lake and the smaller but no less lovely Lake Helene.
It was blustery at the lakes, so we didn’t stay too long. But despite the relentless winds, we’ve both decided this is one of our absolute favorite Rocky winter destinations, and a hike that we will likely repeat in the years to come!
For more information on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, click here.
For information on winter hiking and snowshoeing, click here.
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