Snowshoeing
Are you tired of being cooped up inside during the winter months? Do you wish you were back in the mountains hiking? Are you looking for a new outdoor adventure to try? Maybe you should consider snowshoeing!
Snowshoeing is a fun and accessible way to explore the winter wilderness. It's a low-impact activity that allows you to hike through deep snow, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of the winter landscape.
Snowshoeing is a type of hiking that involves wearing special shoes (called snowshoes) that allow you to walk on top of deep snow without sinking down into it. The shoes are designed with a large, flat surface area, which helps to distribute your weight evenly and prevent you from sinking.
Snowshoeing can be done in any location that receives snowfall, including mountains, forests, and even urban parks. Just make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and check local trail conditions before you go. Access is often the biggest consideration to hiking your favorite summer spots with snowshoes on your feet. Forest roads often go unplowed through the winter months so, either you find a spot closer to open roads and parking, or plan a much further snowshoe expedition.
Not only is it a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but it also allows you to experience the beauty of the winter landscape in a way that you can't on skis or a snowboard. Plus, it's a relatively easy activity to learn, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
How do you get started with snowshoeing? First, you'll need to purchase or rent a pair of snowshoes. Look for a pair that fits your weight and the type of terrain you'll be exploring. You'll also want to invest in warm, waterproof clothing and a pair of sturdy winter boots. Then, find a local trail or park and give it a try! Don't be afraid to ask for tips or advice from more experienced snowshoers, as they can help you get the most out of your new hobby.
So why wait? Embrace the cold and try snowshoeing this winter. You'll be glad you did!
Here's some of our favorite snowshoe trails
Harriman State Park
Island Park, Idaho
8.3 miles SW of Island Park, IdahoAn 11,000-acre wildlife refuge 38 miles from Yellowstone along Henry's Fork — world-class fly-fishing, hiking among wildflowers and wildlife, plus 24 miles of Nordic ski trails in winter.
Cross-country Ski, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe Add Location
Mccall Area
McCall, Idaho
10.4 miles NE of McCall, IdahoA beautiful Idaho resort town with swimming holes, 7-mile mountain hikes to isolated lakes, Ponderosa State Park trails, mountain biking, Payette Lake boating, skiing, and sledding — all within reach of McCall.
Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Sled, Snowshoe, Swim 0.6 mi
Packsaddle Lake
Tetonia, Idaho
9.3 miles W of Tetonia, IdahoA secluded, steep-access Teton lake with a 300-foot descent from the trailhead, water that drops off quickly at the edge, and a small camp on the eastern shore.
Dive, Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Swim 1.1-4.7 mi
Bells Canyon
Sandy, Utah
1.9 miles E of Sandy, UtahA 4.5-mile moderate hike up to a canyon waterfall through gorgeous fall foliage, meadows, wildflowers, and a creekside trail — the last 1.2 miles involve serious climbing over large rocks.
Backpack, Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe 7.2 mi
White Rock Loop
Syracuse, Utah
10.5 miles SW of Syracuse, UtahAn easy loop around Antelope Island with sweeping landscape views, wildlife like bison and birds, and leashed-dog access — no shade, so pack sunscreen.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe 7.1 mi
Mill Creek Trail
Moose, Wyoming
15.3 miles NW of Moose, WyomingA cross-country downhill mountain bike ride at 7,000–10,000 ft elevation, linking Targhee resort via Lightning Ridge and Colter's Escape down Mill Creek into Teton Canyon — best shuttled for the descent.
Cross-country Ski, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe
Brushy Creek
Vandervoort, Arkansas
7.5 miles E of Vandervoort, ArkansasA day-use hiking, picnic, and swimming area in Ouachita National Forest with a short loop trail overlooking Brushy Creek and the Cossatot River — swimming is at your own risk with no lifeguard.
Hike, Snowshoe 1.2 mi
Ghost Falls Trail
Sandy, Utah
5.0 miles S of Sandy, UtahA family-friendly hike in Corner Canyon that winds through sandy rocky slopes and dry creek beds to the Ghost Falls loop, with helpful trail signs at the confusing intersections.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe 16.6 mi
Antelope Island Figure 8
Layton, Utah
14.5 miles SW of Layton, UtahSmooth, open trail across Antelope Island's backcountry with awesome rock formations and desert silence — best ridden in spring and fall; nearly zero shade, so beat the heat and yield to horses and runners.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe 3.8 mi
Kelly Mountain Trail
Ririe, Idaho
8.2 miles E of Ririe, IdahoA moderate uphill trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and ATVs, winding through hills with wildflower and mountain views — dogs welcome on leash.
Cross-country Ski, Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe
- Plan Ahead and Prepare. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Leave what you find. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
