Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. I checked a couple Northern Colorado newspaper calendars to gather this information and you can check your local newspaper for winter walks and hikes in your area.
From birding walks to snowshoeing, these Northern Colorado events will educated you and provide exercise too!
Loveland, CO – Wintertime Wildlife Hike
Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail
FREE event
Join volunteer naturalist, Bob, at the trail head at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15 for this three-hour guided hike on one of the Mayor’s favorite Northern Colorado trails (see the Mayor’s recent Best of NoCo Trails aricle on CBS Denver). Watch for birds, and be amazed by the beauty of the naturally formed rock formation that is the highlight of this natural area. Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and bring water, camera and binoculars if you’ve got a pair. For more information on this natural area go to this website.
The Devil’s Backbone is located west of Loveland on the north side of Hwy 34 off of Hidden Valley Drive.
Fort Collins – Eagle Watch
Fossil Creek Open Space
FREE event
Sat., January 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. & Sat., February 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bald eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to winter in south Fort Collins at the Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space. At these two events you have the opportunity to join the Fort Collins Natural Areas Program’s Master Naturalists to learn and watch these amazing bird. Wear weather appropriate clothing, and be prepared for a short walk along a paved trail to the viewing area. Binoculars and scopes will be provided. For more information on the Fossil Creek natural area go to their website.
Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space is on Carpenter Road/ CR 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road.
Fort Collins – Wintertime Plant Walk
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
FREE event, but there is a $6 day use fee to use the open space
This three-hour wintertime plant walk starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 15. Naturalist Kathy leads this guided walk and she will explain how plants survive the harsh winter and she will point out various plant species along the way. The trail may be slipper so wear appropriate shoes and bring water.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is located along CR 38E, 5 miles west of the intersection of Harmony and Taft Hill roads in Fort Collins.
Estes Park – Winter Trails Day
FREE event
This event occurs at 100 resorts and Nordic centers around the country. It gives adults and children the chance to try out snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for free. In Estes the event will take place at Rocky Mountain National Park on Sat., January 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drive to the park entrance to get directions. For more information about Winter Trails Day, visit their website.