Beyond The Horizon: A Guide to Snowshoeing Historic Sites in Northern Colorado, Second Edition

Beyond The Horizon:

A Guide to Snowshoeing

Historic Sites in Northern Colorado,

Second Edition

By

James C. Hess

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

James C. Hess on SMASHWORDS

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Beyond The Horizon:

A Guide to Snowshoeing

Historic Sites in Northern Colorado,

Second Edition

Copyright 2017 James C. Hess

All Rights Reserved

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Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only, and may not be re-sold or given away. If you would like to share this book, please purchase an additional copy for each intended recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of the writer.

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Second Edition

Introduction

A History of Snowshoeing

The Basics

Equipment

The Snowshoe

The Design and Function

The Size

The Strap Systems/Bindings

Maintenance and Use

Poles

Clothing

How to dress in layers

Goggles, gloves, socks, boots, and gaiters

The Pack

Technique

Taking the first steps

Going the distance

The Physical Requirement

Altitude

Dehydration

Sun Protection

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Avalanche Awareness

Trail Etiquette

Environment

How to use the Guide

Historic Snowshoeing Trips

A few words on historic snowshoeing trips

The Snow-Shoe Itinerant

Historic Sites

Roosevelt National Forest, Lady Moon Trail

Roosevelt National Forest, Greyrock Meadows Trail

Roosevelt National Forest/City of Loveland, Foothills Nature Trail

Roosevelt National Forest, Crosier Mountain, Garden Gate Trail

Roosevelt National Forest, Homestead Meadows via Lion Gulch Trail

Roosevelt National Forest, Coulson Gulch

Colorado State Parks, Lory State Park, West Valley Trail

Colorado State Parks, Lory State Park, Shoreline Trail

Colorado State Parks, Lory State Park, Kimmons Trail

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Mill Creek Trail

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Horsetooth Rock Trail

City of Fort Collins, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Valley Loop Trail

City of Fort Collins, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, D.R. Trail

City of Fort Collins, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Power Line Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park, North Fork Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park, Hidden Valley

Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road

Rocky Mountain National Park, Hollowell Park/Mill Creek Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake

Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake Trails

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Cone

Rocky Mountain National Park, Wild Basin Trails

Rocky Mountain National Park, McGraw Ranch, Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Comanche Peak Wilderness Area, B-17 Bomber Crash Site

Additional

Notes

Snowshoe Manufacturers

Resources

References

Acknowledgements

Biography

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For my father and mother,

Daniel and Jane

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Beyond The Horizon:

A Guide to Snowshoeing

Historic Sites in Northern Colorado,

Second Edition

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Introduction to Second Edition

My inaugural snowshoeing outing was not a graceful undertaking: I misjudged the spacing of my feet after donning snowshoes, and put one snowshoe on top of the other. The resulting imbalance caused me to react in an awkward manner and I fell, tangling my feet and lower legs, and smacking my backside with one snowshoe before I came to a resting position at the bottom of a small, icy incline.

The second attempt at snowshoeing was slightly more successful where grace and elegance were concerned: I only fell once, and did so in such a manner that other snowshoers interpreted my faux pas as an attempt to make a snow angel.

My third sojourn into snowshoeing - less-than lithe - involved a shallow creek bed I assumed was dry. The assumption was incorrect: The snow I stood on turned out to be snow-covered ice.

It was thin ice - which I plummeted through, soaking my boots, socks, and pants in a few inches of very cold water before I wadded out of the mishap.

Despite my less-than stellar entrance into snowshoeing and mishaps that might have been a reason for discouragement I became and remain a supporter of the pursuit, and advocate the sport.

The enthusiasm and passion for snowshoeing provided reason to write about the subject, but when the decision was made to do so I also decided that I needed to write about it from a perspective that would contribute to the existing canon of work.

More than a few expressed genuine surprised when I made my intention known - snowshoeing and history. Some actually asked how I intended to bring the two seemingly dissimilar topics together.

A few expressed delight at the result. Others remained unimpressed, but their curiosity won them over to my side.

Although I was pleased in the interest expressed in in my writing I found myself wondering - often while snowshoeing - if there was more I could offer by way of my perspective.

When the opportunity was presented to update my literary effort I knew how to do so.

Experiencing the outdoors in any season is a wonderful thing. Adding to it with knowledge of the place you are visiting makes it more so, but when you put yourself in harm’s way the only thing that matters is your safety and well-being.

Information added to this edition emphasizes safety and well-being, but it also includes an additional focus on the historical aspect of the locales provided.

May your days on the snow, in the seemingly infinite whiteness of winter be joyous ones and may your experiences into history be memorable.

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Introduction

One of the first hikes I participated in involved a small pack and my father’s strong back. I was about two years old, and trying to keep up with his long legs was not a realistic option, so he carried me in the pack on his back, each step bouncing and jiggling me with delight.

The first hike I personally undertook was a few years later, and over the years the hikes pursued have totaled thousands of miles.

Several years ago, after years of hiking often alternated off-season with cross-county skiing, I took to offsetting hiking with snowshoeing. Like hiking, the number of miles logged on snowshoes shows no sign of diminishing or ending soon because I intend to remain part of it for as long as possible.

Over the years these outings have resulted in memorable moments and unforgettable experiences that, when recalled for others, instigate many comments and responses, including the familiar exclamation: I wish I could do that!

Because everyone lives busy lives, trying to organize a snowshoeing event that would accommodate everyone is not always realistic. Regardless, the opportunity to take advantage of what Nature offers through beauty and splendor is not something to forgo. Hopefully, the excursions and historical information included provide the encouragement needed to do so.

The trips included range from easy to challenging. They should appeal to the beginner and the experienced snowshoe alike. Each found inspiration and motivation from the Snowshoe Itinerant Preacher, Father Dyer, whose historic trips took him from one end of Colorado to the other, and back again.

On the subject of history, all the trips included share at least one thing: Each not only offers specifics about the outing but also information about relevant historical fact. Snowshoeing provides for a good physical workout. Knowing about the place where snowshoeing takes place provides for an intellectual workout. Together they make memories that last forever.

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A History of Snowshoeing

The snowshoe boasts a long history and interesting pedigree. According to some a version of the known snowshoe dates to more than 12,000 years ago, with origins reportedly in Asia. Over time it underwent evolution in form and functionality when human migration across the Bering Land Bridge took place, and a means of travel, specifically in winter, was needed to traverse snowpack that proved not only challenging but dangerous. In Alaska and Canada, where simplicity in design was embraced, it underwent a change in configuration - the result of which was considered to be almost perfect.

Despite changes in design, the basic function of the snowshoeing remained constant - The need to explore new places and to learn about the world beyond the immediate when the cold and whiteness of winter may reveal the secrets of Nature.

The first snowshoes were relatively big, clumsy, and unwieldy, and proved problematic for long-distance travel. Thankfully, design improvements continued, and the popularity of what is now a growing sport continues to increase, owing much to this evolution. The desire to know about the world beyond remains as well.

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The Basics

Snowshoeing is relatively simple to accomplish: Put one foot in front of the other, and you are snowshoeing. Continue this particular form of locomotion for just a few minutes, and you can legitimately claim that you are an experienced snowshoer. Add an incline, fresh or packed snow, and varying terrain and the next step is to break trail through the whiteness that defines so much of winter.

But before setting out into the great white unknown seemingly infinite there are things to know about when it comes to snowshoeing. Specifically: Equipment, clothing, the pack, technique, the physical requirement, and trail etiquette.

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Equipment

The Snowshoe

Some decide to undertake snowshoeing by investing in a pair of snowshoes, a set of poles, and an outfit dedicated to the purpose.

Others approach the sport of snowshoeing more pragmatically: They research snowshoeing, locate the nearest business that offers snowshoe rentals, and rent a pair, while wearing clothing better suited for other outdoor activities or sports.

The individual who spends a lot of money on equipment and related gear may go snowshoeing once and then store their acquisitions until the following year, when they can be traded or sold.

Those who rent snowshoes may find in doing so they favor a specific type of snowshoe. They may determine that they prefer to snowshoe without using poles. They may learn about the design and functionality of snowshoes and that one style is better for what they want do to over another - inclines, running, or open, level spaces where they can undertake a stroll or test their physical endurance.

Simply, the approach taken to snowshoeing is and should always be a personal one just as snowshoeing is an individual undertaking.

Regardless of preference give due consideration to the following: Design and function, size, strap systems/bindings, maintenance, and use.

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The Design and Function

With very few exceptions the modern-day snowshoe consists of a sturdy but lightweight frame comprised of a platform, a strap system/binding that secures the foot to the snowshoe, and an anchor-like mechanism around and under the foot that allows the foot to move in a manner suggestive of walking or running with little or no restriction. Additionally, many contemporary snowshoes feature crampons - also known as claws or talons - on the bottom that assist in gaining traction when moving over icy surfaces, up and down steep inclines, or both. When considering a pair of snowshoes through rental or purchase give serious consideration to ensuring the pair selected features crampons - your personal safety and well-being may depend upon it once you undertake the journey.

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The Size

When it comes to snowshoes size matters, especially regarding the weight of the individual and the intended function, as previously noted. Increasingly snowshoes increasingly are specialized, as expressed in the shape and the size, and these attributes require additional attention given to the intended function.

For example, a smaller snowshoe with a larger person on it will probably sink into powder or light snow while a larger snowshoe on packed snow is too much snowshoe for the basic intended purpose, and will only serve to degrade the subsequent experience.

It might be cause for confusion, so keep the following in mind when determining the size of snowshoe best suited to the purpose: Your body weight, the snow conditions, and the intended use of the snowshoe.

The snowshoe for a child, for example, measures about six inches wide by sixteen or seventeen inches long.

A snowshoe measuring seven or eight inches wide by twenty-one inches long is appropriate for young adults and women with an average physical build.

The snowshoe eight inches wide by twenty-four inches long or nine inches wide by twenty-five inches long, which is considered a medium-sized shoe, is suitable for most adults and works in most conditions - powder, pack, new trail, or established trail.

Finally, a snowshoe measuring nine inches wide by thirty-four inches long or ten inches wide by thirty-six inches long will support a large person wearing a heavy pack.

More specific information on snowshoes is available on manufacturer web sites - a modest introductory list of these companies is provided.

When researching snowshoes keep