Longmont is located northeast of the county seat of Boulder, about 31 mi/49.9 km north-northwest of the Colorado state capitol in Denver. It is a home rule municipality in Boulder, Weld Counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.
It is an easy going community only 16 mi/25.8 km away from Boulder. Snowshoeing is one of the most popular sports in Boulder. One of the best places to snowshoe is Hall Ranch. It is a 9.6 mi/15.4 km, singletrack loop with an elevation of 5499 to 6636 ft/1676 to 2023 m. It is a very popular park, so if you want solidarity, don’t go on weekends. Be careful, the park is full of wildlife.
At the trailhead for the mountain, there is warning for mountain lion spotting on the way. Start at the parking area and then follow a singletrack, intersecting with the upper parking area trailhead. After 4 mi/6.4 km there is a trail junction. The trail splits there away from Bitterbrush trail.
Turn right and follow it up the hill. The trail becomes wide with sections of large rocks and you might have to go around them. At 1 mi/1.6 km, you cross a double track, fire road and head downhill. At the bottom of the valley there is a technical section.
At 1.3 mi/2 km further, the trail heads again into a rocky section, which is the most technical spot of the trail. 2.1 mi/3.3 km more, the technical part is over and you are rewarded with a magnificent view. Take a moment to catch your breath on the benches, while admiring the nature’s work.
On the way down you pass an easy grade trail through the end of Bitterbrush, after 3.8 mi/6.1 km. Then the Nelson loop begins and circles the old homestead and silo. If you turn left, climb the hillside, pass the bridge and navigate a series of switchbacks.
If you turn right, it is a more gradual and longer climb. Continue snowshoeing on the hill until you reach Nighthawk trail at 4.7 mi/7.5 km, where you find a lovely place to stop again and watch the magnificent view of Longs Peak.
From there is an easy downhill to the parking lot. Physical level of the path is moderate and technical level, difficult, so be prepared.
