Trip
Advanced Snowshoe – Berthoud Pass - Fraser River
This out-n-back, off-trail snowshoe hike starts from the last switchback on US 40 on the Winter Park side of Berthoud Pass, and travels south along the Fraser River through a quiet winter landscape. The route passes through open meadows and forested areas, offering close views of the river and a feeling of solitude away from the road. The half-way point of the hike is the Berthoud Pass warming hut.
Contacts
- Fri, Apr 17, 2026
- Bobcats Section
- Snowshoeing
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 6.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,288 ft
- Pace: 1.3-1.8 MPH
- 8 (9 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Starting from the last switchback on US 40 on the Winter Park side of Berthoud Pass, this off-trail snowshoe hike heads south along the Fraser River through a quiet and remote winter landscape. Travel is entirely off trail and moves through challenging terrain that includes uneven ground, dense forest, and deep snow, requiring keen route-finding skills and sustained trailbreaking. Along the way, we'll follow the river corridor through open meadows and timbered sections, enjoying close views of the Fraser River and a strong sense of solitude. We’ll have lunch at the Berthoud Pass warming hut, then return by the same route to the starting point. We will avoid avalanche risk areas. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~6 miles and 1550 ft elevation gain (Fraser River - CalTopo)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Wooly Mammoth PnR (Section BB) 7:30AM for a 7:45AM departure (Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the last swtichback on US 40 before Winter Park (39°49'37.5"N 105°45'31.4"W - Google Maps)
Required Equipment
Ten essentials and snowshoes are required. Trekking poles are recommended.