Trails traveled: Meadow View Trail, Bergen Peak Trail, Difficulty: Moderate (Blue)
Out-n-Back, 8.1 miles round-trip, 2,320 feet elevation gain
Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Weather: Clear, Sunny, Snow Flurries

• Winter Hike
• Snowy
• Icy
• Snowpack
• Summit
• Front Range
• Trail Runners
• Scenic Overlook
• Poles

This was a moderate winter hike that had lots of ice and snow on the trail. It was relatively long (over 8 miles) and was a good challenge to keep myself fit throughout the winter months.

There were lots of trail runners that I encountered along the trail and a few people who turned back, deterred by the snow and ice. It was not too deep, but there were definitely some dicey points that you needed some extra traction besides hiking boots. There was not too much mud on the trail, for which I was fortunate.

I think this hike also helped me see the benefit of microspikes or crampons when hiking in the snow/ice.

Hiking for me has been a continuous learning process. I have been hiking for over a decade, but since I have gotten more serious about it, I am seeing how have the right equipment when I hike can make a big difference, especially on difficult terrain like with ice and snow, or at higher elevations, when hiking a fourteener.

This was a great workout that had the added benefit of clearing my mind in the brisk mountain air.

– Jason