Winter Wanders

Places to Visit in the Winter in Boulder County, CO

Heil Valley Ranch, Lichen Loop

South Boulder Creek Trail

Getting outside in winter is not only possible—it’s fun! These are some of our favorite winter trails for families. They’re sunny, relatively flat, and less icy, making them perfect for exploring and spotting signs of life even in the colder months.

South Boulder Creek Trail

Do you have a special place in nature that you go back to over and over? The South Boulder Creek trail near Marshall has been a special place for many Thorne staff members over the years. The South Boulder Creek trail is a lovely flat dirt trail that is a fun place for kids of all ages to explore on foot or by bike year-round. There are large tree trunks, beautiful views, prairie dogs, and South Boulder Creek flows alongside sections of the path.

Please note that the South Boulder Creek trail is a nature preserve, so dogs aren’t allowed.

SAwhill & Walden Ponds

A summer favorite at Thorne, Sawhill and Walden Ponds are also wonderful winter destinations. Look for birds, skip rocks across the ice, and explore the cattails for signs of winter life.

South Mesa Trailhead

Beautiful in every season, South Mesa Trailhead offers wide-open trails with sweeping views of Eldorado Springs and beyond. The lower trails are gently graded and sunny, making them a great winter option with less ice.

Heil Valley Ranch- Lichen Loop

Though changed by wildfire, Heil Valley Ranch’s Lichen Loop remains an incredible place to visit. Winter is a wonderful time to explore, when snow highlights animal tracks, and the returning life of the landscape tells an ongoing story of recovery and resilience.