Meyer Ranch Figure 8

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Evergreen Mountain Sports (10875 US Hwy 285 d101, Conifer, CO 80433) is just up the road if you forgot anything or need to trade in your snowshoes for some skis!

This is one of the many possible cross country ski loops in Meyer Ranch Open Space. The route attempts to avoid the hard icy packed foot trails in a pleasant meandering exploration of the meadows and forests.

Begin right from the parking lot by leaving the main trail and following the marshy meadow downstream to the East. Aim gradually southeast toward the corner of the park and power line easement. Switchback hard to the west and gain the power line hugging the fence and park boundary for a quarter mile or until you reach the main trail and bathrooms.

From here you choices abound—hop on the foot trail if the snow is fresh, or turn due south and stay in the forest for better grip and fresh snow. No matter which route you take try to generally follow the power line as it cuts its way through the park.

Eventually the power lines will bring you to the far west end of the meadows and the old ski run. Meander your way up this slope choosing a line that allows for a gentle grade. Near the top, you'll encounter a neighborhood access trail which will bring you back to the main bootpacked trails of the park. After crossing the bridge, choose the path of your liking (I like to turn downhill here as it offers less rocks and more turns).

A fun option if you turned left after the bridge is to leave the trail at a point where there is a covered sitting area bordering a meadow. Aiming northeast will deliver you to the top of the sledding hill where you can practice your telemark turns and impress or humiliate yourself in front of hordes of people.