This Western Colorado Hike is Infinitely More Fun in the Winter [VIDEO]

You may find this very popular Western Colorado trail is considerably more fun in the winter months. The next time you want to take a hike without having to travel too far out of town, make your way to the Mica Mines on the way to Glade Park. It's a great trail year round but is at its best in the winter.

Chances are you've probably hiked the Mica Mines several times already. Most people have. That, unfortunately, is one of the trail's problems - it's extremely popular. In the winter, though, it doesn't see nearly as much traffic.

Watch the video above, and you'll notice one common trait in almost every shot: shade. The walls are fairly steep on this hike, and the trail is narrow. As a result, very little sunlight makes its way to the path. Even after a mild snowfall, there are still plenty of winter-like conditions. The video above was shot right around 10 a.m.

Along with the shade comes cold temperature. Whatever the outside temperature is at the trailhead, you can knock several degrees off that when walking to the mine. Dress warm, be ready for ice, even in the months leading up to and after winter. You would be wise to keep your hands free and be ready to catch yourself. In other words, leave the coffee cup in your backpack.

For the most part, the trail is moderate. There are a few challenging steps early on the path, but that portion is well before the path gets narrow. Sunlight keeps the trail easy to walk at that point.

Start to finish, you can enjoy a couple of hours of walking, all without encountering another person. This is a sharp contrast to other times of year when the trail can get packed.

Before Winter ends, or in this case, before it officially begins, make a point to head to the Mica Mines. It's a short drive from the valley, features excellent parking and facilities, and makes for an especially good hike in the colder months.