Type: Snowshoeing, Touring, Backcountry
Altitude: 10,070 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 550 ft / 0 ft
Filed Under: Skiing
The Left Hand Park Reservoir Road is an excellent winter outing for beginners. You can ski using telemark skis (and skins for uphill), touring skis, and possibly classical skis during conditions where the snow is well packed, no new snow. Snowshoeing would also be enjoyable on this trail.
From the Brainard Lake Road/Parking area, look for a sign on your left that reads "Lefthand Ski Trail". You begin on a wide road, crossing Left Hand Creek at .8 miles and passing a sign for the Little Raven Trail junction at 1.2 miles. The trail winds up with few steep hills, mostly gradual ascent at a comfortable grade for beginners.
Snow coverage may be poor near the end of the 1.7 mile approach to Left Hand Reservoir, as the area is windy
Your efforts are well worth the incredible views of the Indian Peaks from Lefthand Resevoir! Stop and enjoy before your gentle descent back to the trailhead.
This is a great trail to pull a child in a ski carrier as well as the round trip can be done in less than 3 hours (depending on your fitness level).
As always, be prepared for the cold, changes in weather, and bring plenty of water for the altitude.
(Distance and Elevation given is for one-way trip.)
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