Winter Adventures 101: Trails, Avalanche Safety, and Yes…Your Poop Plan

Hello outdoor adventurers! Winter fun in Leadville and Twin Lakes starts with knowledge and preparation—let’s make your adventures safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Photo: @leadvillehome

1) PLAN AHEAD

Let’s start with the question on everyone’s mind: what’s your poop plan?  Snow doesn’t break down your poo, so keep it out of sight and away from water sources! Follow these tips to keep the outdoors clean and pristine. 

• Plan ahead: Take care of business before you hit the trail! 

• Pack it out: No bathroom in sight? No worries! Use WAG bags (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) to pack out your poop safely. The special powder turns it into a gel – no need to worry about "liquid" problems!
• WAG bags are available for sale from many retailers, and locally at the Leadville Visitor Center and Leadville Outdoors 

• Back-up method: Forgot your WAG bag? Well, bag it like a responsible pet owner! But remember, don't toss it in the trash – give it a proper toilet send-off at home.

• Last resort: If you're in a real pickle, get 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites, and bury it in deep snow.

Photo: @silverroseleadville

“Going” outside isn’t the only activity that requires planning. Because winter weekends and holidays can get busy, please plan for crowded trailheads. Always have a Plan B in case your first choice is full. Check out the Leadville Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map or download local maps on Avenza to explore less popular spots.

These trailheads are especially likely to be busy:

• Chalk Creek
• On Highway 91 between Fremont Pass and Leadville 
• Popular with snowmobilers and backcountry skiers

• Tennessee Pass
• On Highway 24 across from the entrance to Ski Cooper 
• Popular with Nordic skiers and snowshoers

• Upper Arkansas
• On Highway 91 just south of Fremont Pass 
• Popular with backcountry skiers

These areas may have fewer visitors:

• Half Moon Road
• Follow Highway 24 a few miles south of Leadville, turn right on County Road 300 just past Saturday’s Market/Gas Station. The next road on the left is County Road 11. After about a mile, County Road 11 turns right, then dead-ends at a parking area. 
• Used for snowmobiling, backcountry and cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing

• Hayden Meadows
• Non-motorized use only
• Approximately 10 miles south of Leadville, the Hayden Reservoir recreation area is on the left immediately after crossing a bridge over the Arkansas River
• Stay on the trail leading away from the parking area directly south to avoid elk wintering grounds; do not cross the pedestrian bridge

• Turquoise Lake Road
• Off County Road 4 just 5 miles west of Leadville, parking area in front of dam
• Groomed trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing 

Photo: @aspenchristy

2) BE AVALANCHE AWARE

Exploring the backcountry in winter can be exhilarating—but it comes with serious risks. Every year avalanches injure and kill backcountry visitors in Colorado, consistently making us the state with the most avalanche fatalities. To stay safe, preparation is key. Before you head out, make sure you know how to identify and avoid avalanche terrain, or better yet, have formal training and the right gear to handle it. Not quite there yet? Stick to safer trails or team up with someone experienced.

Here’s how to get started:

• Check the avalanche forecast: Always read the daily avalanche forecast from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) before you go. It offers a big-picture view of conditions in your zone—but remember, it’s not a guarantee of slope safety.

• Take an avalanche course: Sign up with CAIC or another trusted organization to learn essential skills, from terrain assessment to rescue techniques.

COTREX now contains daily avalanche forecasts from CAIC! Simply turn on the avalanche feature on the COTREX website or free app and quickly see the current avalanche conditions at your trail. 

3) RESPECT OTHERS AND WILDLIFE

Our trails are popular – and for good reason! You might meet people on snowshoes, snowmobiles, skis, or bikes. Please be respectful. Here are some tips to help everyone enjoy the trails:

• Leash Dogs. Please keep your pup on a leash at all times, for their safety and to respect others. Doing so also protects wildlife trying to survive the cold winter.

• Share the Trail. If you’re on a snowmobile or snow bike, slow down when passing skiers, snowshoers, or bikers and give them plenty of space. On skis, snowshoes, or bikes? Step aside when motorized users approach.

• Stay Sober. Driving a snowmobile under the influence isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal.

Avoid Ski Tracks. If you spot ski tracks along the trail, please don’t snowshoe, walk, or bike on them. Your skier friends will thank you!

Photo: @shelleysamone

MORE WINTER BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY TIPS

See more winter safety tips here and check out how to be backcountry smart from the Colorado Tourism Office.

FIND LOCAL GUIDES & OUTFITTERS

New to the backcountry or need an experienced guide? Find local winter outfitters in Leadville-Twin Lakes. You can also learn to ski and snowboard, Nordic ski, and snowshoe in Leadville-Twin Lakes.



GIVE BACK

You can also support backcountry safety by donating to Lake County Search & Rescue! Please help these dedicated local volunteers, who willingly brave dangerous conditions to save lives.

Thanks for reading—now get out there and have a safe, fun-filled adventure!

Featured photo: @galenamountainprojects