Spectacular Snowshoe Trail in Beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado

Snowshoeing in Beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado

Skiing & riding in Summit County, Colorado are the norm this time of year, but what is not normal is the exceptional snow year we are experiencing thus far. The Breckenridge ski area and the Town of Breckenridge are no exception.

A less popular but still a frequented pastime in the Colorado Mountains is snowshoeing. A myriad of local snowshoe trails exist in Summit County and a few of the most exceptional ones my wife and I have had the pleasure of experiencing over the past few weeks.

One of our favorites for some of the most spectacular views in Colorado is the Toad Alley trail at Cucumber Gulch at Shock Hill. This is more of a beginner trail, so it can be navigated by even the most novice of snowshoers as it features mostly packed down trails and only a few short hills.

Although this Breckenridge snowshoe trail weaves in and around the extensive nordic trail system, it crosses the nordic trails in such a way that there are many areas that you do not see the other trails and seem immersed in the wilderness for short periods of time. This is not usually experienced unless you venture onto longer more difficult backcountry trails. The snowshoe and nordic trails also converge at one point at Josie's Cabin, a restored historic building that currently functions as a cozy, warming/rest spot for nordic skiers and snowshoers.

The obvious draw of this area is the awe-inspiring views and intricate ecosystem in Cucumber Gulch. From many different places along this trail you will have a hard time not stopping for a few minutes to taking in the expansive views of the Breckenridge Ski Area and the Ten Mile Range. This 188 acre nature preserve is home to a delicate type of wetland called a fen Wetland. These wetlands, which make up 77 acres of the preserve, were formed by both spring water and live ground water; the wetlands they have created would take about 10,000 years to re-create. This area is also home to moose, elk, deer, beavers, many species of birds, and even the state - endangered boreal toad. The Town of Breckenridge takes great pride in this delicate, natural treasure as they should. All snowshoers, nordic skiers and hikers are required to stay on the trails and no dogs are allowed as they provide a threat to the wildlife, wetlands, and overall ecosystem. To find out more information, visit the website for the Town of Breckenridge.

The trail also borders several neighborhoods of Breckenridge Real Estate including White Wolf Townhomes & Shock Hill. Shock Hill is a high end, gondola in-gondola out subdivision area in the town of Breckenridge, featuring Shock Hill Homes, Cucumber Patch at Shock Hill, Shock Hill Homes Condos, and The Cottages at Shock Hill.

For more information regarding winter activities in Breckenridge & Summit County as well as information on Breckenridge Real Estate, call us at 877.333.9050 or visit our website at www.ResideInSummit.com.