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    Snowshoeing/United States/Colorado/Indian Peaks Wilderness

    Hessie Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1.5-2h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    6.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    190 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
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    Panorama of Hessie snowshoe trail in Indian Peaks, Colorado

    Hessie Trail is a moderately easy winter hike that begins at the historic Hessie Townsite; an old mining town high in the Rocky Mountains. The Hessie Trail winter hike offers a lot of bang for your buck, so to speak, giving way to great mountain views without much effort.

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    Route Description for Hessie Trail

    The winter hike or snowshoe along the Hessie Trail is a great option if you don’t have a full-day for a trip. Begin the trail at the closed gate at the beginning of Fourth of July Rd. Hike along the snow-covered Fourth of July Rd. to the Hessie Trailhead where there is a sign and map of the surrounding area.

    Cross over a bridge and continue through the dense pine forests and aspen groves. You will hike past a historic log cabin which is worth checking out. The trail gains elevation up some short switchbacks to gain views of the entire Fourth of July valley. Once you’ve had enough, turn around and hike back the way you came.

    Insider Hints for Hessie Trail

    Getting to the Hessie Trail Trailhead

    From Boulder, Colorado, head up Boulder Canyon 119 towards Nederland (approximately 29.0 km) and enter a traffic circle. Take the third exit out of the circle, South onto N Bridge St. / Peak to Peak Hwy. Continue through the town of Nederland and just outside, turn right onto Eldora Rd towards Eldora Ski Resort. Travel through the small town of Eldora through the only stop sign in town; arriving at a closed gate. Parking is along the road.

    Route Information

    • 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

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Hessie Trail Elevation Graph

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    Hessie Trail Reviews

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