Dear Just Be: We've had incredible snowfall in the high country. Can you recommend any snowshoeing trails?

Snowshoeing can be a great sport to get out and enjoy. If we had snow here in the Denver area you could just strap on your snowshoes and go around one of our parks or golf courses or even follow along a bike path. But without snow here in the city we recommend you get up into the hills and hit the trails!

Before you head out its wise to think about a few things:
1. Snowshoeing can burn 45% more energy than walking at the same speed and you can vary the workout level based on the terrain level and snow conditions you choose.

2. On a packed trail you can expect to burn approximately 450-550 calories/hour. Going uphill in unpacked snow conditions, snowshoeing burns as much as 1,000 calories/hour. So be sure to pack along plenty of drinking water and food to re-energize yourself.

3. Living in Colorado many of us are accustomed to dressing in layers and when you go snowshoeing you should keep this in mind as well. Also don't forget gloves, a hat and sunscreen.

So now that you are ready to go, we suggest the following locations:
1. Brainard Lake Recreation Area-Located less than an hour's drive from Boulder and not much farther from Denver. There are roughly 30 miles or so of well-marked and well used trails around the lake.

2. The Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass offers a 8.5 mile round trip, easy trail.

3. Near Estes Park, you can snowshoe throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. At Monarch Lake there is a moderate 5.5. mile trail to follow.

4. Wanting a great, strenuous workout? Head up to Hell's Hole which offers a 5 mile round trip trail, not too far from Georgetown.

Have a favorite trail yourself? Post a comment and share it with us and other readers!