❄️ Winter Hikes That Hit Different in Longmont
Winter Hikes In & Near Longmont (That Are Actually Worth It)
Happy Wednesday, Longmont!🧡
Ben here — Winter hiking season is quietly one of our best-kept secrets — fewer crowds, clearer views, and that sharp, fresh-air feeling you can’t fake. From in-town strolls to foothills favorites, here are some go-to winter hikes that still deliver when the temps drop.
What’s your winter hiking style?
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Winter Hikes In & Near Longmont
Sandstone Ranch
Winter is one of the best times to hit the trails around Longmont — fewer people, clearer Front Range views, and that crisp, can’t-beat-it air. From easy in-town loops to foothills hikes just a short drive away, there are plenty of options that shine this time of year.
Let’s make this a choose-your-own-Longmont-adventure kind of day.
🥾 Local Favorites (Easy to Moderate)
Rabbit Mountain (Eagle Wind Trail) — Big Front Range views, reliable winter conditions, and usually less packed than summer. Microspikes help on the initial climb.
Hall Ranch (Antelope + Bitterbrush) — A step up in elevation and effort, just down the road in Lyons. Check conditions first — closures happen when it’s muddy or icy.
🌿 Close-to-Town Winter Walks
McIntosh Lake — Flat, peaceful, and perfect for cold, sunny days.
Golden Ponds & St. Vrain Greenway — Easy miles, wildlife sightings, and great for casual winter wandering.
Sandstone Ranch — Quiet overlooks and frequent deer sightings.
❄️ Feeling Adventurous?
Button Rock (East Side Access) — Creekside hiking with winter scenery (note: seasonal wildlife closures apply).
Brainard Lake Area — Snowy magic about 30–40 minutes away with packed trails, snowshoe routes, and serious winter vibes.
🎉 What’s Happenin’ Longmont
Wednesday, December 17
Thursday, December 18
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Local Happenings
High Winds Alert for Longmont (Wednesday)
Wind gusts up to 65 mph are expected Wednesday, and the city is asking residents to take a few quick precautions.
Put Wednesday trash bins out by 7 a.m.
Bring bins in immediately after pickup
Keep lids closed and don’t overfill
Extra trash trucks will be out to speed things up
LPC will not preemptively shut off power
Xcel Energy may issue Public Safety Power Shutoffs in nearby counties
Safety note: Stay at least 35 feet from downed power lines and report them to LPC at 303-651-8386.
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Catch You Friday, Longmont 💛
Winter doesn’t slow Longmont down — it just makes everything a little quieter and a lot prettier. Bundle up, bring traction, and enjoy having some of our best trails mostly to yourself.
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Longmont even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
Catch you out there… or warming up afterward with something hot. ☕
— Ben
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