Caribou Hill Snowshoe Trail
View Photos
Caribou Hill Snowshoe Trail
Difficulty Rating:
Caribou Hill is a secluded winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing destination in the historic ghost town of Caribou City. It is a great place to check out for anyone new to winter hiking - the elevation is minimal, while the winter scenery is worthwhile!
Getting there
From Boulder, Colorado, head up Boulder Canyon 119 towards Nederland (approximately 18.0mi) and enter a traffic circle. Continue straight through the traffic circle, to Peak to Peak Hwy. The road will turn sharply to the right at the Nederland Fire Department. Take an immediate left onto Caribou Rd. Follow this dirt road, as it switchbacks up the side of the mountain, past cabins and a historic silver mine, eventually arriving at the trailhead parking lot.
About
| When to do | Late November to Early April |
| Backcountry Campsites | Camping is allowed in the backcountry, no permit required. |
| Toilets | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Loop |
Caribou Hill
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Caribou Hill
Caribou City is a historic mining town high in the Rocky Mountains. The now ghost town is surrounded by abandoned silver mines and dilapidated buildings. This is a great place for beginner snowshoers and winter hikers, due to the easy terrain and trail.
From the trailhead, follow the trail which goes around Caribou Hill in a counter-clockwise manner, initially following a dirt road that is snow-covered in winter. This route goes through dense pine forest for the first half of the circuit.
Once on the opposite end of Caribou Hill, the trail goes back across Caribou Hill, offering beautiful views in all directions. This loop trail will return back to the parking lot. Along the way explore the trails to the top of Caribou Hill for a panoramic view of Indian Peaks Wilderness and Eldora Mountain Resort.
Insider Hints
Snowshoes can be rented in the Town of Nederland at Happy Trails Café or Wild Bear Ecology Center.
Visit the Town of Nederland!
- Where to Eat: Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse
- Coffee Shop: Happy Trails Cafe
- Gear & Supplies: Mountain Man Outdoor Store
- Groceries: Mountain People’s Co-op or B&F Mountain Market
- Drinks: Very Nice Brewing Company
Similar Snowshoe Trails to the Caribou Hill Snowshoe Trail
Brainard Lake Snowshoeing
The Brainard Lake snowshoeing trail takes you to a beautiful alpine lake with panoramic views of the Continental Divide and…
Hessie Trail
Hessie Trail is a moderately easy winter hike that begins at the historic Hessie Townsite; an old mining town high…
Lost Lake
The snowshoe or winter hike to Lost Lake is not as daunting as the name suggests. Lost Lake is a…
Hikeordie 4 years ago
Nice trail with lots to see