If winter wonderland adventures find you in the mountain town of Vail, escape the crowded ski slopes with a more isolated snowshoe diversion along the West Grouse Creek Trail. From Vail travel west on I-70 to Exit 171 then continue south on Highway 24 towards Minturn. After about 1.5 miles park at the Grouse Creek Trailhead on the right/west side of the highway.

Flatter terrain is preferable for snowshoeing, and although this route is relatively short it does follow a steeper grade. The trail rises about 1,000 feet over 1.5 miles and the slope will seem even more dramatic when plowing along in snowshoes.

Begin hiking on the Hay Meadow/West Grouse Creek Trail with views of nearby cliffs that display sedimentary layers, a landscape feature typical of the Minturn area. After about a quarter mile Hay Meadow Trail diverts to the left. Bear right and continue on West Grouse Creek Trail, traveling southwest along the Grouse Creek drainage. After about another half mile the path drops into the scenic Grouse Creek valley with shrubby hillsides. Cross a wooden bridge over Grouse Creek then swing left along willow-lined West Grouse Creek.

The trail continues upward passing by conifer forest and aspen woodland, look for Pine Siskins and Golden-crowned Kinglets flitting around the pines and firs. Keep climbing for about another .75 mile to the intersection with Full Nelson Trail, the turnaround point for this route. If time and energy allow, hikers can add mileage to this route by continuing to follow the drainage southwest and upwards.

From the intersection with Full Nelson Trail, the lengthy West Grouse Creek Trail extends for about another seven miles to its terminus at the Turquoise Lake Trail. The route is steep and steady, climbing over 3000 feet and topping out at 12,000 feet then dropping about 1,000 feet into the lake basin. Given the distance and slope of the trek to the Turquoise Lake Trail, it is a route better suited for a summertime excursion when boots can move more swiftly along the trail.

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Joe LaFleur has lived in Woodland Park since 2016 and is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.

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PARK: White River National Forest

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: Year round

TRAILS: Hay Meadow, West Grouse Creek

LENGTH: About 3.25 miles out and back hike, about 1000 feet elevation gain

DIFFICULTY: Easy for hiking, moderate for snowshoeing

NOTES: Abundant snow for snowshoeing from late fall to early spring, but West Grouse Creek Trail also offers great hiking in warmer months.