One of the best ways to discover and enjoy the best part of Colorado winters is by cross country skiing. Without the fast speed of downhill and the crowded lift lines, cross country skiing is a great way to easily get out and enjoy Colorado’s winter wonderland. If you are just starting out, Colorado is a great place to learn, with many beginner trails and Nordic Centers offering novice terrain, equipment rentals, and lessons. So, whether you adventure out on your own for the first time or pick up a lesson or two, these beginner cross country skiing trails near Estes Park are a great place to start.
Trail Ridge Road
While Trail Ridge Road is a popular driving route in Rocky Mountain National Park throughout the summer months, in the winter it is partially closed to vehicles – making it a great destination for cross country skiers. Enjoy 10,000-foot views of Horseshoe Park and Hidden Valley, complete with the sub-alpine forest surrounding you.
Eldora ski area
For most Colorado locals, Eldora is a favorite quiet escape to the alpine wilderness – away from the crowds of Breckenridge and Keystone. Eldora is also home to some of the best beginner cross country skiing trails near Estes Park. Eldora’s Nordic Center offers an extensive trail system that meanders through dense forests and open alpine meadows – all with a stunning mountain backdrop. All trails are designed for classic cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Complete rental packages are available for those just starting out, plus lessons are available – from beginner to advanced.
Sprague Lake
Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake is a popular summer hike and winter getaway for those looking to snowshoe and cross country ski. From Glacier Basin Campground the 3.3-mile loop to Sprague Lake is a great beginner cross country trail. Even a light cruise around the lake is just as enjoyable. With little elevation gain and a well-defined trail, this is a great place to start your cross country skiing adventures.
Grand Lake Nordic Center
Just outside of the town of Granby, the Grand Lake Nordic Center offers 21 miles of groomed trails ideal for classic and skate skiing, plus snowshoeing trails. Wide open vistas of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park bring adventurous trails full of rolling hills, steep climbs, and fast descents – all catering from novice skiers to Olympians in training.
Stay at Brynwood on the River
Enjoy peace and quiet after a long day in the mountains with a stay at Brynwood on the River. Our Estes Park cabins are your ideal home base for all your winter adventures. Located near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and with easy access to other cross country skiing trails in the area, Brynwood on the River is your sweet escape for your next mountain getaway. With comfortable accommodations ranging from larger vacation homes to affordable motel rooms we have something to fit your travel needs.
Be sure to also always visit our specials to see how you can book an affordable Estes Park vacation.
