{"id":4294,"date":"2023-08-17T17:32:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T17:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/?p=4294"},"modified":"2023-08-17T22:19:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T22:19:35","slug":"the-beginners-guide-to-winter-camping-in-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/17\/the-beginners-guide-to-winter-camping-in-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Winter Camping in Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"
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While snowbirds flock away to warmer climates this winter, some of us can\u2019t wait to zip up, throw on some skis, and catch some fresh powder.<\/p>\n

But let\u2019s face it, lift passes can be pricey! And shelling out the dough for that expensive resort lodging can definitely break the bank. Why sacrifice what could have been a few extra days on the slopes? Give winter camping a try!<\/p>\n

Winter camping in Colorado may seem daunting at first. But with the right gear and proper knowledge, it can be a great way to get in touch with the Centennial State\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n

If winter camping in Colorado sounds like your next big adventure, we\u2019re here to help. Read on for some tips and tricks on how to properly prepare for those chilly Rocky Mountain nights.<\/p>\n

\"Snow-covered\"Snow-covered<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>Getting Started<\/span><\/h2>\n

Picking a Site<\/h3>\n

There are a number of important factors to consider when determining where to set up camp in winter conditions.<\/p>\n

Mountain precipitation is unpredictable all year round in Colorado, and navigating a snowstorm is no joke. When you first arrive at your destination, it\u2019s important to identify several landmarks near your site that will remain identifiable even after heavy snowfall.<\/p>\n

Tall rock formations and unique trees can be your friends when white out conditions blur your vision.<\/p>\n

When selecting the location for your tent, be strategic in utilizing your environment. Be wary of setting up camp under anything that is at risk of falling under the weight of accumulating snow.<\/p>\n

Though trees and surrounding foliage can be helpful in protecting you from strong winds, overhead branches pose a risk to anyone standing below.<\/p>\n

Additionally, setting up camp in uncovered locations allows for more sun exposure, keeping your tent a bit warmer on breezy winter days.<\/p>\n

Setting up Camp in the Snow<\/h3>\n
\"Tent\"Tent<\/a><\/figure>\n

Before setting up, it\u2019s integral to take the time to pack down any snow underneath the perimeter of your tent. If this important step is missed, you may wake up to find yourself in a person-shaped hole after your body heat melts the snow beneath you!<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve packed the snow down, you\u2019re all set to pitch your tent.<\/p>\n

Make sure your tent opening is not facing the direction of incoming wind. If there is limited protective coverage around your site, prioritize facing the entrance of your tent towards anything available.<\/p>\n

If all else fails, you can always use the one resource you\u2019ll have plenty of\u2026 snow! Many winter campers find that building a snow wall around their tent can be a great way to break up strong winds.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re keeping your tent firmly pitched into the ground. If there is a fair amount of snow coverage, normal tent stakes aren\u2019t going to do the job. Snow stakes are built broader, longer, and lighter to help keep your tent securely planted into the snowy ground.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something affordable and effective, we recommend the Co-op snow stakes<\/a> from REI to get the job done.<\/p>\n

In addition to securely anchoring down your tent, it\u2019s important to keep the walls of the tent itself as taught as possible in order to prevent them from being weighed down by falling snow.<\/p>\n

Finally, make sure to store vital gear such as phones, batteries, fuel, and lighters in your sleeping bag to prevent them from freezing. Though it may seem a bit strange, cozying up with these important items in your sleeping bag overnight is a great way to keep them safe.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Necessary Gear<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Camper\"Camper<\/a><\/figure>\n

Winter camping in Colorado calls for a very specific set of gear. To ensure you\u2019re properly protected from the elements, check out some of our recommendations for winter camping gear:<\/p>\n

Tent<\/h3>\n

A four season tent<\/a> is highly recommended as they are equipped with studier poles and heavier fabrics to help insulate heat and combat heavy winds.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t feel ready to invest in a four season tent just yet, your current three season tent can be muscled up by throwing a tent footprint<\/a> underneath your current tent\u2019s base. This will help prevent any snow melt from leaking into the flooring of your tent as well as provide some insulation from the cold ground.<\/p>\n

A weather shelter or tent tarp<\/a> can also be helpful in fighting off breeze and snow.<\/p>\n

Backpack<\/h3>\n

Keep in mind that winter camping requires sturdier gear and thicker clothing, which may call for more storage space than typically needed in the summer months. We recommend taking along a 80 liter backpack at minimum.<\/p>\n

If you plan on taking skis or snowshoes, a backpack with lash points will be particularly helpful. We like the ALPS Mountaineering Red Tail 80 Pack<\/a> from REI for its durability, lightweight design, and practical rain cover.<\/p>\n

Sleeping Bag<\/h3>\n

A good rule of thumb with sleeping bags is to pick one rated 10 degrees lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. Generally speaking, the Rocky Mountain region drops down to an average of 13F at night during the winter months. For winter camping in Colorado, your best bet is a 0F rated bag<\/a>. That said, if you tend to feel on the warmer side overnight, a 15F rated bag<\/a> may do the trick as well.<\/p>\n

Stove<\/h3>\n

Liquid fuel stoves<\/a> are generally preferable to canister stoves as they perform better in cold temperatures and are overall more efficient.<\/p>\n

Just ensure that you place the stove on something solid rather than on top of fallen snow, as to avoid melting the snow below. An unstable stove could lead to a cooking catastrophe!<\/p>\n

Warm Clothes<\/h3>\n

Maybe an elderly loved one has told you this one before, but we\u2019re here to remind you\u2026 Dress warm! Three layers of clothes are recommended for winter camping in Colorado.<\/p>\n

Any light sweater, hoodie, flannel, and sturdy pair of pants paired with some long underwear can provide a perfect base layer.<\/p>\n

A good middle layer consists of insulating clothing, preferably with high maneuverability. A lightweight down jacket<\/a> can work wonders while keeping you warm without feeling stiff.<\/p>\n

Your outer layer should be focused on the function of waterproofing and windbreak. A good waterproof insulated jacket<\/a> will serve you well when you\u2019re caught in heavy snowfall and strong winds. If your middle layer is on the heavier side, or is highly insulated, you may be able to get away with just a simple, sturdy waterproof jacket on top.<\/p>\n

Emergency Gear<\/h3>\n

You can\u2019t be too safe when it comes to winter camping! Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains and white out conditions can often show up without warning.<\/p>\n

Communications<\/h4>\n

A hand crank radio<\/a> can always be an asset when caught in a sticky situation. Knowledge of incoming weather can inform whether it\u2019s safer to head home or temporarily seek shelter. Moreover, park rangers always have their receiving radios on hand, prepared to respond to any emergency communications.<\/p>\n

Signaling<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re venturing far away from camp, having a distress signal<\/a> tucked away in your daypack may provide some peace of mind in case of an avalanche. In the event that you get caught underneath the snow, or lost on the trail, this will make you easily identifiable to search and rescue teams.<\/p>\n

Emergency Heat Source<\/h4>\n

Whether you\u2019re caught in a storm or just on a long hike, HotHands warmers<\/a> are always useful to prevent frostbite as well as keeping your fingers nimble in freezing temperatures.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>The Best Spots for Winter Camping in Colorado<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s difficult to boil all of Colorado\u2019s stunning winter camping locations down to 5 spots, but we did our best to provide a list of our personal favorites.<\/p>\n

\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n

While it would be an understatement to say we love these locations, you might find a nook and cranny of Colorado that we haven\u2019t discovered yet! If you have any spots for winter camping in Colorado that you love that we may have missed, feel free to shoot us some suggestions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Our List<\/h3>\n

1. Glacier Basin<\/h4>\n

With stunning views of Longs Peak and the surrounding mountains, the always clean and well-maintained Glacier Basin Campground<\/a> features spotless bathrooms with plumbing.<\/p>\n

Glamping, right?<\/p>\n

Campsites at Glacier Basin are far more spacious than commonly dense campgrounds around the Rocky Mountain region. This rings particularly true during the winter months when campgrounds are less populated.<\/p>\n

At this time of year, camp staff tend to be quite accommodating, particularly when placing you in the most coveted spots the campground has to offer.<\/p>\n

Glacier Basin is very close to both the Bear Lake and Glacier George trailheads. Additionally, the campground is just a short drive to the charming little town of Estes Park. (Just in case you\u2019re hoping to warm up inside one of Estes Park\u2019s many cozy coffee shops.)<\/p>\n

2. Flat Tops Wilderness Area<\/h4>\n

Right on the Rio Grande, South Fork Campground<\/a> offers amazing access to all the Flat Tops Wilderness has to offer. Strewn with volcanic cliffs and alpine tundra, this region is a geology enthusiast\u2019s dream.<\/p>\n

Tucked between the White River Plateau\u2019s flat topped cliffs, campers can enjoy over 160 miles of trail and nearly 100 miles of fishable streams.<\/p>\n

This well wooded campground is chalk full of amenities such as: wi-fi, clean bathrooms, a shower house, and full hook-ups for RV campers.<\/p>\n

3. Eleven Mile State Park<\/h4>\n

Listen carefully fishermen! Eleven Mile State Park hosts one of Colorado\u2019s largest reservoirs, boasting award winning trout, pike, and kokanee fishing. (Just remember to check on the Colorado State fishing regulations<\/a> before you go emptying out the whole lake!)<\/p>\n

The reservoir is excellent for iceboating whilst enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding boulder formations and distant mountain views. Although the open reservoir can get relatively windy, nearby campgrounds<\/a> are often well wooded and protected from winter gusts.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a water activity focused camping experience, Eleven Mile State Park is an underrated gem. Overlooked by many tourists, this area never fails to have open camping spaces, particularly in the winter season.<\/p>\n

4. Arapaho National Forest<\/h4>\n

Tucked away in Arapaho National Forest, Denver Creek Campground<\/a> is sunny and sprawling. Campsites are large and offer plenty of space between you and your neighbors.<\/p>\n

\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n

As a first come, first serve campground, many campers are often hard pressed to find open sites during the summer months. So winter camping is a wonderful way to see what the Arapaho National Forest is all about.<\/p>\n

You\u2019lll find excellent backwoods hiking nearby as well as great fishing at Willow Creek.<\/p>\n

That said, don\u2019t be afraid to hop in your car and explore a little further outside the campground. In the Arapaho National Forest, there are no wrong turns. Every direction offers spectacular, sweeping views for a stunning Sunday drive.<\/p>\n

Just don\u2019t forget to check out some of this national forest\u2019s incredible hiking trails<\/a> before wandering too far out from camp.<\/p>\n

5. Navajo State Park<\/h4>\n

With 150 miles of shoreline, you\u2019ll struggle to get caught in a crowd on Navajo Lake. The lake offers some incredible fishing and spectacular opportunities for wildlife spotting. The area is practically teeming with foxes, deer, and turkeys.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve heard that bald eagle sightings in the area are even more frequent in the winter months as these incredible birds seek to warm up at the sunny, open lake.<\/p>\n

Though there are 118 campsites<\/a> throughout the park, we highly recommend Rosa Campground Loop which offers direct lake views as well as full hookups and pull through spots for RVs. That\u2019s pretty rare for a public campground!<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Dispersed Camping<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n

Looking for something a bit more challenging? Dispersed camping can be a great way to experience the incredible tranquility winter camping in Colorado has to offer.<\/p>\n

Dispersed camping, by definition, is any camping that takes place outside of a designated campground. This means no bathrooms, running water, premade fire pits, or trash removal. This is really roughing it, folks!<\/p>\n

Colorado is an ideal area for dispersed camping as you are completely free to camp in any of Colorado\u2019s 11 national forests:<\/p>\n