Snowshoe to St. Mary's Falls

After reaching the Gold Camp parking lot, strap on your snow shoes and head west past the gated road continuing on Gold Camp. The road will continue west for half a mile before passing the Seven Falls trailhead and turning east for another half a mile.

At the collapsed tunnel, Gold Camp Road ends. The trail will get get steep and veer to the left of the tunnel. After a short climb above the road, the trail heads west for a few minutes. Take a minute to look out over Colorado Springs. This part of the trail offers one of the best views over the city. You will reach a trail split and a metal sign. Keep right and follow the St. Mary's Falls directions.

The trail dives deep into the forest for almost the next two miles. It will follow the creek which peers out of ice and snow. Even covered in snow the path is clear and easy to find.

Enjoy the snow blanketed paradise. The trail will begin climbing higher out of the dense forest until you reach the first switchback. The terrain turns steeper as in a little under a mile you climb 400 feet. The trail will turn two switchbacks.

After the first switchback you will reach another metal sign with directions towards the falls to the left or to continue on to Mt. Rosa. Follow the last switch back north. It will bring you over rocks to the snow covered falls. This last stretch of trail is difficult in snowshoes so take your time.

The trail is shade in the afternoon which can be cold so make sure to pack extra warm layers. The hike will take anywhere from two to three hours.

This trail is a beautiful hike in the summer as well, but the snow lends it an other worldly beauty. Enjoy the woods and treat them well!