Blocked today

Free — you'll pick up right here.

Watch this trail

Colorado

Upper Bauer Loop (Snow)

3.3 mi

Distance

78 ft

Gain

Conditions: Blocked

for hike, today

An agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 6 h ago · oldest 34 d

problem: Agency alerts
12 active alerts in San Juan National Forest; most severe: Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
USFS34 d ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 67°F / low 48°F, 0% precip — 95/100 for hike
OpenWeather6 h ago

Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.

Why you'll love it

Out & back

Here's your day, mapped

Upper Bauer Loop (Snow)

AI-suggested draft · review before you go

Building your full AI plan…

Meals

Building your meal plan…

Gear for the day

Building your gear list…

Elevation & route

Distance: 3.3 mi
Elevation gain: 78 ft

More about this trail ↓

Photos

Directions & GPX

Get Directions to Trailhead Parking

Permits & access

Managing agency: Forest Service

About this trail

Upper Bauer Loop is a 3.3-mile out-and-back winter trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, within Rio Grande National Forest's Divide Ranger District. The route offers a moderate winter hiking experience through high-altitude terrain managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This snow trail is ideal for winter adventurers seeking an accessible backcountry experience without extreme technical demands. The compact distance makes it suitable for a half-day outing, whether you're snowshoeing or winter hiking. The trail provides access to the Divide Ranger District's winter recreation network, an area known for reliable snow conditions at elevation. Before heading out, contact Rio Grande National Forest's Divide Ranger District for current snow conditions, avalanche risk assessment, and any seasonal closures. Winter travel in this region requires proper gear including snowshoes or microspikes, layers, and navigation tools. Weather can change rapidly at elevation, so plan accordingly and check forecasts before departing.

Add to a trip & share

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Point Lookout Trail

~17 min drive

<p>The Point Lookout Trail climbs up the iconic Point Lookout, the geological formation that towers above the park entrance. The trail offers views of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains, as well as Mancos and Montezuma Valleys.</p> <h4>Trail Description</h4> <p>The 2.2-mile (…

Knife Edge Trail

~18 min drive

<p>Named after the historic Knife Edge Road which was known for it's scenic value, this trail follows the old roadway and leads to a viewpoint that affords excellent views across Montezuma Valley.</p> <p>A traveler in 1892 once described a trail on this ridge as the Crinkly Ed…

Little Bauer Loop (Snow)

~1 min drive

3.3 mi · Moderate

Millset (Snow)

~1 min drive

6.7 mi · Hard

Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Station

~15 min drive

Mesa Verde National Park entrance station.

Prater Ridge Trail

~18 min drive

<p>The trail traverses Prater Ridge which divides Prater and Morefield Canyons. The South Loop offers views into Prater Canyon, named for an early pioneer family. The North Loop ascends for views into Montezuma Valley and the beautiful San Juan Mountains.</p> <h4>Trail Descrip…

Dolph Kuss

~1 min drive

3.1 mi · Moderate

West Mancos

~9 min drive

10 mi · Hard

Turkey Creek

~5 min drive

2.1 mi · Easy

Rush Creek (Snow)

~2 min drive

3.5 mi · Moderate