With trees covered in frost, snow clinging to rocks and waterfalls along creeks frozen into ice sculptures, hiking in Cheyenne Cañon during the winter months can be a magical adventure — as long as you heed a few seasonal precautions.
It’s always a good idea to check weather forecasts and plan for expected conditions. Remember that it can be significantly cooler in the cañon than it is in many residential areas of Colorado Springs.
The American Hiking Society (https://americanhiking.org/resources/cold-weather-hiking/) recommends that winter hikers dress in layers that can be peeled off or put on as conditions change. The organization suggests using a base layer made of wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin.
The group also reminds cold season hikers to wear a hat to hold in precious body heat, since our brains consume a third of the body’s energy.
Other good tips are to keep your water bottle somewhere that it won’t freeze, such as inside of your jacket, and don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses. While the sun is lower on the horizon during the winter, the rays can be amplified when reflecting off the snow.
Hikers should also plan ahead for the shorter days of the winter season. Temperatures drop quickly after the sunsets. It can also be a lot more difficult to watch your footing after dark, so get an early start and allow extra time for slow going on icy trails. Pack a flashlight in case you do get caught out in the dark.
Heavier snowfall may occasionally create conditions conducive to snowshoeing or even cross country skiing on the flatter trails in the canyon.
When it comes to hiking on icy trails, you might consider attaching spikes to your boots to avoid slipping and using hiking poles to maintain your balance.
In North Cheyenne Cañon Park, there tends to be a major contrast in the winter between trails on the opposite sides of the canyon. Snow and ice can melt off quickly on the sunnier north side of the canyon, leaving trails such as the Middle Columbine fairly dry.
Meanwhile, snow can accumulate on the shady south face trails, including the Mount Cutler/Mount Muscoco trails. When the snow melts into slush then re-freezes overnight, the trails can be left with some extremely hazardous ice patches. Nothing ruins a hike faster than slipping off a steep trail, so be careful as you enjoy the winter wonderland of North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
If you have ideas for topics to cover in future Cañon Echo articles, send them to Rob@cheyennecanon.org.