Winter is coming, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy a variety of winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. But there’s another winter activity that’s often overlooked: snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the winter scenery. It’s also relatively inexpensive to get started, and it’s an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy.
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is a method of walking on snow by using special footwear called snowshoes. Snowshoes have large, flat surfaces that distribute your weight over a wider area, preventing you from sinking into the snow.
Benefits of snowshoeing
There are many benefits to snowshoeing, including:
- It’s a great way to get exercise. Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity, so it’s easy on your joints. It’s also a great way to burn calories, as you have to work harder to walk through the snow.
- It’s a great way to enjoy the winter scenery. Snowshoeing can take you to places where you can’t go on foot, such as deep forests and frozen lakes.
- It’s a relatively inexpensive activity to get started. All you need is a pair of snowshoes and poles.
- It’s an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Snowshoeing is a great way for families and friends to spend time together outdoors.
How to get started with snowshoeing
If you’re new to snowshoeing, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose the right snowshoes. Snowshoes come in a variety of sizes and styles. It’s important to choose snowshoes that are the right size and weight for you and the type of terrain you’ll be snowshoeing in.
- Rent snowshoes before you buy them. If you’re not sure if snowshoeing is right for you, you can rent snowshoes from most outdoor recreation stores.
- Get the proper instruction. If you’re new to snowshoeing, it’s a good idea to take a lesson from a qualified instructor. This will help you learn the basics of snowshoeing, such as how to walk in snowshoes and how to use your poles.
Where to go snowshoeing in the US
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular snowshoeing destinations in the US, and for good reason. The park offers a variety of snowshoeing trails for all levels of experience, from easy walks through the meadows to challenging treks through the mountains.
Accommodations
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: This AAA Four-Diamond hotel is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park, just steps from many great snowshoeing trails. It offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views of the Yosemite Valley, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
- Ahwahnee Hotel: This historic hotel is also located in the heart of Yosemite National Park, just steps from many great snowshoeing trails. It offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views of the Yosemite Valley, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
- Majestic Yosemite Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park, just steps from many great snowshoeing trails. It offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views of the Yosemite Valley, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Food
Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room
- Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room: This restaurant is located in the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and offers a variety of American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and pasta.
- The Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room: This restaurant is located in The Ahwahnee Hotel and offers a variety of fine dining options, including classic American dishes, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Snowshoeing trails
Here are a few of the most popular snowshoeing trails in Yosemite National Park:
- Badger Pass Trail: This easy trail winds through a meadow and offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls.
- Glacier Point Road Trail: This moderate trail leads to Glacier Point, which offers panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.
- Washburn Trail: This challenging trail leads to the top of Washburn Point, which offers 360-degree views of the park.
Tips for snowshoeing in Yosemite National Park
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers.
- Wear waterproof shoes and boots.
- Bring plenty of food and water.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for avalanche danger.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is another popular snowshoeing destination in the US, with over 350 miles of snowshoeing trails to choose from. The park offers stunning scenery and a variety of terrain to suit all levels of experience.
Accommodations
Stanley Hotel, Rocky Mountain National Park
- Stanley Hotel: This historic hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado, just a short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cottages, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Grand Lake Lodge, Rocky Mountain National Park
- Grand Lake Lodge: This historic lodge is located in Grand Lake, Colorado, just a short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Food
Cascades Restaurant, Rocky Mountain National Park
- Cascades Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the Stanley Hotel and offers a variety of American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and pasta.
Trailside Restaurant & Bar, Rocky Mountain National Park
- Trailside Restaurant & Bar: This restaurant is located in Grand Lake Lodge and offers a variety of casual dining options, including burgers, pizzas, and salads.
Snowshoeing trails
Here are a few of the most popular snowshoeing trails in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Emerald Lake Trail: This easy trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Bear Lake Trail: This moderate trail leads to another beautiful alpine lake, as well as the Nymph Lake and Dream Lake trails.
- Sprague Lake Trail: This short and easy trail leads to a small lake with stunning views of Longs Peak.
Tips for snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers.
- Wear waterproof shoes and boots.
- Bring plenty of food and water.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for avalanche danger.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring place to go snowshoeing. With its geysers, hot springs, and mudpots, Yellowstone offers a truly otherworldly experience. The park also has a variety of snowshoeing trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
Accommodations
Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Inn: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, just steps from Old Faithful. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Canyon Lodge, Yellowstone National Park
- Canyon Lodge: This hotel is located in Yellowstone National Park, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Food
Old Faithful Lodge Dining Room, Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Lodge Dining Room: This restaurant is located in the Old Faithful Inn and offers a variety of American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and pasta.
Canyon Lodge Dining Room, Yellowstone National Park
- Canyon Lodge Dining Room: This restaurant is located in Canyon Lodge and offers a variety of casual dining options, including burgers, pizzas, and salads.
Snowshoeing trails
Here are a few of the most popular snowshoeing trails in Yellowstone National Park:
- Biscuit Basin Trail: This moderate trail leads to a geyser basin with a variety of geysers and hot springs.
- Old Faithful Snowshoe Trail: This easy trail leads to Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world.
- Fairy Falls Trail: This moderate trail leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Tips for snowshoeing in Yellowstone National Park
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers.
- Wear waterproof shoes and boots.
- Bring plenty of food and water.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for thermal features and wildlife.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a stunning mountain park in northwestern Montana. It is home to glaciers, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and towering peaks. Glacier is a popular destination for snowshoeing, with over 700 miles of snowshoeing trails to choose from.
Accommodations
Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier National Park
- Lake McDonald Lodge: This historic lodge is located on the shores of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park
- Many Glacier Hotel: This historic hotel is located on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, surrounded by towering peaks. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cabins, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Food
Lake McDonald Lodge Dining Room, Glacier National Park
- Lake McDonald Lodge Dining Room: This restaurant offers a variety of American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and pasta.
Swiftcurrent Cafe, Glacier National Park
- Swiftcurrent Cafe: This restaurant is located in Many Glacier Hotel and offers a variety of casual dining options, including burgers, pizzas, and salads.
Snowshoeing trails
Here are a few of the most popular snowshoeing trails in Glacier National Park:
- Highline Trail: This challenging trail offers stunning views of the park’s mountains and glaciers.
- Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail: This moderate trail leads to a tunnel that goes through Going-to-the-Sun Mountain.
- Lake McDonald Loop Trail: This easy trail circles Lake McDonald, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Tips for snowshoeing in Glacier National Park
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers.
- Wear waterproof shoes and boots.
- Bring plenty of food and water.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for avalanche danger and wildlife.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a beautiful coastal park in Maine. It is home to mountains, coastline, and forests. Acadia is a popular destination for snowshoeing, with over 150 miles of snowshoeing trails to choose from.
Accommodations
Bar Harbor Inn, Acadia National Park
- Bar Harbor Inn: This AAA Four-Diamond hotel is located in the heart of Bar Harbor, just steps from Acadia National Park. It offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views of the harbor, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Conference Center, Acadia National Park
- Harborside Hotel, Spa & Conference Center: This hotel is located on the waterfront in Bar Harbor, with stunning views of Frenchman Bay and Acadia National Park. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and cottages, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Food
Geddy’s Restaurant, Acadia National Park
- Geddy’s Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Bar Harbor and is known for its fresh seafood, lobster rolls, and other Maine classics.
Stewman’s Lobster Pound, Acadia National Park
- Stewman’s Lobster Pound: This restaurant is located on the waterfront in Bar Harbor and is known for its fresh lobster, steamers, and other seafood dishes.
Snowshoeing trails
Here are a few of the most popular snowshoeing trails in Acadia National Park:
- Cadillac Mountain Trail: This moderate trail leads to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast.
- Ocean Path Trail: This easy trail winds along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Wonderland Trail: This moderate trail loops around Jordan Pond, offering views of the pond, mountains, and ocean.
Tips for snowshoeing in Acadia National Park
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers.
- Wear waterproof shoes and boots.
- Bring plenty of food and water.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for ice patches, hidden obstacles, and avalanches.
Other popular snowshoeing destinations in the US:
- Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
- Mammoth Lakes, California
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
When choosing a snowshoeing destination, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Difficulty level: Snowshoeing trails can range from easy to difficult. Choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
- Scenery: Some snowshoeing trails offer stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests. Others are more secluded and offer a more intimate experience with nature.
- Amenities: Some snowshoeing destinations have amenities such as warming huts, restrooms, and food and beverage options. Others are more remote and require you to pack in everything you need.
Once you have chosen a snowshoeing destination, be sure to do your research and plan your trip accordingly. Check the weather forecast, pack the appropriate gear, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
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