Dec 25, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
If you are looking for a fun and scenic winter activity in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you should definitely try snowshoeing up Blackmer Trail. This trail is a year-round path that takes you to a viewpoint near the summit of Emerald Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the ski resort. The trail is a wide dirt road that is popular with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer, and snowshoers and skiers in the winter.
We decided to snowshoe up Blackmer Trail on a sunny and cold day in December. We parked our car on the side of a residential road, where there was a sign for the trailhead. We put on our snowshoes, which we brought from home, a Costco special. However, you can rent from a local shop if you don’t have your own. We started walking up the trail, it was well-packed and groomed, but took a detour. We decided to hike up a powder incline that takes you up to the crest of the hill between the trailhead and Howelsen Hill. It started off with a pretty steep incline, and then became less challenging as we climbed higher and crossed the ski run. From there we could see the Howelsen ski resort down below and the town to the north east of us. Howelsen Hill is Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area, since 1915. It was an amazing view, we could see the whole town of Steamboat Springs and the ski slopes of Steamboat Resort in the distance. The view was stunning and breathtaking, and we felt like we were on top of the world.
From there we headed up the mountain which had new snow and no trail. We found a ski trail to follow up towards the tree line and to the top where the ski jump starts. Howelsen Hill has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. We wound through a forest of pine and aspen trees, which were covered with snow and ice. We saw what looked like rabbit tracks in the snow but didn’t see any wildlife other than some dogs and owners running around and playing in the snow. The trail that we were on was quiet and peaceful, and we only met a few other snowshoers and hikers when we crossed back over the ski run and onto the actual Blackmer trail. From there we headed back down towards the car, passing many hikers making their way up the trail. From there we could see the mountains to the west and one specifically that I heard was called The Sleeping Giant. From certain angles it looks like a giant on his back with a blanket over himself and his head sticking out to the south. I could kind of see that but you need to use your imagination. Down below before we got to the car, we ran into a group of people having a lot of fun sledding down the hill. It looked like a lot of fun too.
The Blackmer trail is about 3.7 miles round-trip, but we only went up maybe a half mile, if that. If you go all the way to the top, the elevation gain is about 938 feet, and the highest point is about 8,000 feet. The trail that we made was moderately difficult due to some areas that had deep powdery snow, but it was not too strenuous. We took some breaks to catch our breath and admire the scenery. If we would have stayed on the Blackmer trail it would have been a lot easier, but where’s the challenge in that. The best part of the trail was the viewpoint of the town below where I took some 360 photos and pictures. We were glad we chose this trail for our snowshoeing adventure.
Snowshoeing up the Blackmer Trail area was a wonderful experience, and we would highly recommend it to anyone who loves snow and nature. It was a great way to exercise, explore, and enjoy the winter wonderland of Steamboat Springs. Plus, it is a very short drive from downtown.
If you have hiked or snowshoed here before, we would love to hear about your adventures, comment below.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
