Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Near Monarch Pass, Colorado

Downhill skiing at Monarch Mountain gets most of the attention, but the same stretch of highway near Poncha Market also holds some genuinely good cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, generally with far fewer crowds than the lift-served slopes nearby.

This guide covers the Nordic and snowshoeing side of winter recreation near Monarch Pass, distinct from the downhill skiing already covered in our Monarch Pass driving guide.

For travelers who want winter mountain scenery without the cost of a lift ticket, or who simply prefer a quieter, self-powered pace through the snow, this is a genuinely different way to experience the same high-elevation terrain that draws downhill skiers to the area every winter.

It’s also a more flexible option for travelers on a schedule — there’s no lift line to wait in, no lift ticket window to plan around, and trailheads are directly accessible from the highway rather than requiring a separate resort check-in process.

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing also demand less specialized equipment than downhill skiing, and the learning curve for basic technique is considerably gentler — both factors that make it a realistic option for travelers without prior winter sports experience.

Snowshoeing in particular requires essentially no prior technique at all beyond normal walking, which makes it one of the most accessible ways to experience genuine backcountry winter terrain for visitors who’ve never tried any snow sport before.

Cross-country skiing has a somewhat steeper initial learning curve than snowshoeing, but the gentle, gradual grade of routes like the Old Monarch Pass Loop makes it a reasonable place to practice basic technique without the intimidation factor of a steeper downhill run.

Pairing a Nordic morning with an afternoon stop at one of the area’s hot springs is a genuinely popular combination among locals — a cold, active start to the day followed by a warm, restful finish, all within a short drive of each other.

For visitors deciding between downhill skiing and this quieter alternative, cost, crowd tolerance, and desired pace are the real deciding factors — both options draw on the same mountain, just in fundamentally different ways.

Old Monarch Pass Loop

The Old Monarch Pass Loop is a 3.1-mile trail popular for cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing, generally rated an easy route that takes an average of about an hour and 20 minutes to complete. In winter, it works well as a backcountry ski tour or a snowshoe outing without requiring advanced technical skill.

Just 25 minutes west of Salida, the route follows the old pre-highway alignment of Monarch Pass, climbing at a gradual slope until you’re standing on the Continental Divide itself — a genuinely rewarding destination for a relatively approachable winter trail.

Reaching the Continental Divide on a trail rated easy is a rare combination in Colorado, where most Divide-crossing routes demand considerably more effort and technical skill. That accessibility is a big part of why this specific loop gets recommended so consistently for winter visitors new to Nordic skiing.

Waterdog Lakes Trail

For a steeper, more demanding option, the Waterdog Lakes Trail on Monarch Pass climbs less than two miles but reaches small alpine lakes close to 11,300 feet in elevation — a serious winter objective for experienced snowshoers comfortable with sustained elevation gain in cold conditions.

Rentals and Getting Started

Bluebird Mountain Sports, also known locally as Mt. Shavano Ski and rental shop, rents cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment for visitors who don’t want to travel with their own gear — a practical option for road trippers who hadn’t originally planned a Nordic skiing stop but want to take advantage of a good snow day.

Why Nordic Skiing Here Is Different From Downhill

	Downhill (Monarch Mountain)	Nordic / Snowshoeing
Cost	Lift ticket required	Free on public trails, rental gear optional
Crowds	Busier, especially weekends	Generally quieter
Skill level	Groomed runs for varying levels	Route-dependent, ranges from easy to demanding
Access	Ski area base facilities	Trailheads directly off the highway

Winter Safety on These Trails

Even relatively short winter trails at this elevation deserve real preparation: proper layers, sun protection despite the cold, and enough daylight buffer given how much earlier it gets dark in winter. Checking avalanche conditions before heading into steeper terrain like Waterdog Lakes is a reasonable precaution rather than an overreaction, since terrain that looks mellow can still carry real avalanche risk in the right snow conditions.

Telling someone your planned route and expected return time matters just as much here as it does for summer hiking — winter conditions can turn a minor injury or equipment failure into a genuinely serious situation much faster than the same problem would be in warmer weather.

Daylight hours shrink considerably in winter compared to summer, which changes trip planning more than people expect — a trail that felt comfortably timed on a long June evening can leave you finishing in the dark on a short December afternoon if you start at the same clock time.

Fueling Up for a Winter Trail Day

Poncha Market is a practical stop before heading up to the trailheads, and an even better one afterward — a hot meal at Mabel’s Deli is a welcome reward after a cold day of breaking trail through snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Monarch Pass Loop good for beginners?

Yes — it’s generally rated an easy trail, suitable for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing without advanced technical skill.

Where can I rent snowshoes or cross-country skis near Poncha Springs?

Bluebird Mountain Sports (Mt. Shavano Ski and rental shop) rents equipment for visitors without their own gear.

Is Waterdog Lakes Trail difficult in winter?

Yes, relatively — it’s steep and reaches nearly 11,300 feet, making it better suited to experienced snowshoers than casual first-timers.

Do I need an avalanche check before these trails?

For steeper terrain like Waterdog Lakes, checking current avalanche conditions is a reasonable precaution; the Old Monarch Pass Loop is generally more moderate terrain.

Is cross-country skiing free near Monarch Pass?

Yes, on public trails like the Old Monarch Pass Loop, unlike downhill skiing at Monarch Mountain, which requires a lift ticket.

Do I need prior experience to try Nordic skiing here?

No — the Old Monarch Pass Loop’s easy rating and gradual grade make it a reasonable starting point for first-timers, with rental gear and guidance available locally.

What should I wear for winter trail activities at this elevation?

Layered clothing, sun protection despite the cold, and gear rated for genuinely cold temperatures, since conditions at these elevations are colder than a typical winter day at lower altitude.

For general winter recreation and ski area information, see the National Ski Areas Association.