Mesa Cortina Snowshoe

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,824 ft - 9,473 ft
Elevation Gain: 649 ft net (790 cumulative)

A family frolics in the large meadow the Mesa Cortina Trail crosses

The Mesa Cortina Trail is a popular trail in Silverthorne that in summer can be used as an after work doggie outing or connector to South Willow Falls. In winter, it makes for a pleasing snowshoe because it alternates between deep forest and open meadows.

The initial part of the trail travels through Aspens.

The trailhead is located in a residential area of Buffalo Mountain. There is a parking lot but no bathroom.

Looking back towards Lake Dillon from one of the early meadows

Shortly after the trailhead, the trail narrows and winds downwards through thick Fir trees covered in thick globs of snow. Protected and dark, I suspect this snow stays on the trees all winter. The only thing missing from this winter tableau was a Starbucks kiosk selling eggnog lattes.

The narrow Fir-laden part of the trail

Below this section is one of my favorite local meadows. The official route stays on the upper side with views of the Williams Fork Range, but the steep slopes and piles of snow are inviting and many a track attest to those who chose to frolic in the open.

Crossing another meadow

Beyond the meadow, the route begins a steep climb through a stand of mostly dead Lodgepole Pines. Stark and lonely, this segment will at least get your heart rate up.

Looking towards the Williams Fork Range

While in summer, I have traveled the entire length of the trail, in winter, I usually go out after work when time is limited and will stop after the trail levels out and begins its shift back towards the north. If you have plenty of time, you can continue all the way to the intersection with the Gore Range Trail. The scenery won't change much, though if you do.

Heading up hill into the trees. This segment is steeper than it looks.

McCullough Gulch

View looking east from the end of the McCullough Gulch trail

Here are a couple of photos from McCullough Gulch (see my official trail post) near Breckenridge. I finally got out and snowshoed this past weekend. Amen. I have been on near continuous travel since the beginning of October with Hamburg, Princeton NJ, Portland Oregon, Monmouth Oregon, and finally Ft. Lewis WA for two weeks of Army training. I will get back to serious blogging over the holiday.

Aspen sentinels

It has been three years since I snowshoed this route and now I have a GPS. I found it to be 1 mile shorter than the guide book. With all my travel, I am not in Colorado shape, and found the 700 ft elevation gain to be a chore, but you have to start somewhere!

Quandary Peak looms over McCullough Gulch