Objective:     Snowshoeing in the Rocky Mountains Location:        Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Trailhead:      Bear Lake Trailhead

Postholing sucks. It’s a waste of energy to lift your leg out of a deep hole in the snow. Snowshoes distribute your weight over a larger area so you can glide across the snow. You will also have better grip and traction. Avoid that sinking feeling and try snowshoeing in the Rockies. Rent some snowshoes at Estes Park and go snowshoeing at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The path is 0.7 miles around the lake.

Sorting out the Gear | Following the Tracks | Monotone and Unforgiving | Augmented Capability | Plan Your Visit

Sorting out the Gear

While sneaking a peak at a nearby icy creek, I end up waist deep in snow. So that’s when I decide to take matters into my own hands (or feet?). I wrap the waterproof sheaths around my tennis shoes, strap the snowshoes on, and float up the densely packed trail. From the Bear Lake trailhead, the route quickly veers into a frosted Christmas tree forest (of subalpine firs). I quickly get the hang of coordinating my kicks and pole strikes. The trail is steep, but the spiky tennis rackets confidently bite the ice. And the snowshoes move upwards in a nice smooth motion as my heels lift higher with each step.

Following the Tracks

The trail reaches a bend where the ground barely clings to the side and climbs up a knoll. On the other side of the mound is a flat stretch with a thick blanket of fresh powder. This snowfield is a misty vision of snow drifts and flurries. At this point, it is hard to distinguish the cross-country skiing tracks from the snowshoe tracks. From another patch of trees, a steep incline hugs the edge of a big monolith. At the high point, you can see another snowfield in the distance.

While having lunch on the plateau, a pygmy nuthatch lands right next to me. As I take my first bite, it flutters about six feet in front of my face. After taking its photo, it darts to a safe perch.

A lone figure on the highland scans the horizon beyond the snow drifts and spots slow-moving dots in the distance.

I can’t resist knocking the snow off the tree limbs. The snow falls off in clumps and in limb-shaped bundles.

Monotone and Unforgiving

Sunlight makes a brief appearance and for a moment the heat is somewhat stifling. Just as quickly, I am in the middle of a blustery baby blizzard with snow scattering every which way. I lift my beanie higher on my head so I can feel the breeze and snow on my ears. With all that sideways snow (plus snow I keep kicking), an icy sheet forms on the back of my pants. I open my mouth to let the snowflakes in. The smells of the trees and cold air fill my nostrils and lungs. The bracing bite of the snow and ice on my skin is numbing yet strangely invigorating.

Augmented Capability

On my way out of this winter wonderland, I imagine myself as a chimera – a hybrid creature called T’Sapiens Extensior. Unlike the T-rex, I can stand on my hind legs as well as touch the ground with my fore limbs. And oh what fore limbs they are – a natural feat of engineering. Two elbows culminate in spindly spikes allowing me to claw the ground for support and leverage. The pads on my hind limbs are plump and sharp, which allow me to somewhat glide over snowy terrain.

Back at my SUV, I remove my pants, place them on the dashboard, and wrap my legs in dry clothing.

Plan Your Visit

Vendor:              Outdoor World (156 E Elkhorn Avenue) Price:                   $10 Equipment:      Snowshoes, poles, “overboots”