Filed Under: Snowshoeing
Distance is based on one-way travel. The Snowshoe Trail is a new trail that is signed and usable, but still under development so the route may change. Snowshoers are encouraged to use it, but it is less desirable for skiers due to some short, steep hills along the route.
This trail is marked with blue diamond trailblazers and snowshoer symbols. The two eastern branches of the Snowshoe Trail start in a bit of a tangle with the three eastern branches of the CMC Trail (the CMC Trail is for skiers only - off-limits to snowshoeing). One leaves the Lefthand Park Reservoir Road 30 yards beyond the gate, running together with the CMC Trail for 30 yards before forking left (south). In a quarter-mile, it crosses the CMC Trail, then 100 yards beyond, the other branch of the Snowshoe Trail forks right (north), intersecting the Brainard Lake Road 50 yards west of the winter road closure, just beyond the the CMC Trail and about across from the Waldrop Trail.
The Snowshoe Trail passes between Red Rock Lake and the little pond to the southwest. In a mile, it follows the CMC Trail cut-over to the Brainard Lake Road, follows the road a short distance to the left (west) and starts up the Waldrop Trail cut-over. Almost immediately, it turns left (west), and follows the ridge north of the road. It drops off the ridge and passes just north of the campground and picnic area, to cross the Brainard Lake outlet on the road bridge. Just on the far side, it takes the Brainard Lake Cutoff Trail. In a tenth of a mile, it turns off to the left (west). After a circuitous half mile, the Snowshoe Trail comes into the CMC Cabin Cutoff a tenth of a mile east of the Colorado Mountain Club Brainard Cabin. Contact the Colorado Mountain Club for information on use of the Brainard Cabin. On winter weekends, there is often a host at the Brainard Cabin so skiers and shoers can enjoy the warm cabin and hot drinks for a small fee.
Directions
Drive on Highway 72 just north of Ward. Turn west on the Brainard Lake Road. Drive 2.8 miles to the winter gate closure. Park as far off the road as possible. Parking may be limited because the area receives heavy use. Watch for "No Parking" signs posted high up along the south side of the road.
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