Your Guide to Winter Camping & Midweek Adventures ❄️

Hey Boulder! 🌞

As we kick off a new week, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to explore hidden winter camping spots, gear up for a new hiking challenge, or simply get outside and enjoy Boulder’s beautiful landscapes, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ve included some must-know tips for winter camping and updates on local events.

In today’s issue:

🏕️ Hidden Winter Camping Spots – Discover lesser-known sites perfect for a cold-weather getaway.

❄️ Essential Winter Camping Tips – Stay safe, warm, and prepared for your next adventure.

📅 Midweek Events – Mark your calendar with all the best happenings around town.

🌤️ Weather Forecast – Get the latest outlook to plan your outdoor activities.

Let’s dive in and embrace the great outdoors this week!

— The Boulder Buzz Team 🕸️

Winter Camping Spots Near Boulder 🏕️

Looking to step up your camping game and try something a bit more adventurous this season? Winter camping offers a serene escape into the snow-covered wilderness, with the added bonus of fewer crowds and the quiet beauty of frosty landscapes. Picture yourself under a star-filled sky, wrapped in layers beside a crackling fire, as snow softly blankets the ground around you. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, Boulder’s surrounding areas have plenty to offer.

We've rounded up five of the best spots near Boulder for those looking to explore winter camping. Whether you're a seasoned winter camper or just starting out, these locations provide a mix of accessible terrain and stunning scenery. Let’s dive in!

1. Brainard Lake Recreation Area 🌲

Why Go: Just a 50-minute drive from Boulder, this popular spot is perfect for first-time winter campers. The area tends to clear out at sunset, allowing campers to enjoy the pristine wilderness in solitude. Pitch a tent or dig a snow cave just beyond the trailhead for a cozy camping experience.

Pro Tip: Bring snowshoes or skis to explore further into the park. No backcountry permits are required in winter!

2. East Portal / Moffat Tunnel ❄️

Why Go: Located an hour from Boulder, the East Portal area is a favorite among day hikers and climbers, but it’s also a great winter camping destination. Set up camp near the creek for easy access to snowshoe trails and ice climbing routes.

Pro Tip: Venture past the Moffat Tunnel entrance for more secluded spots. Ideal for those looking to mix camping with winter sports.

3. Mammoth Gulch Road 🌄

Why Go: With sweeping views of the Indian Peaks, Mammoth Gulch is a hidden gem for winter campers. Park at the base of the road and hike up to find sheltered spots tucked away in the trees.

Pro Tip: For the best views, hike up the road for about 2.5 miles. It’s usually quiet, even on weekends, making it great for solitude.

4. Herman Gulch 🚶‍♂️

Why Go: A quick jaunt off I-70, this area is perfect for more experienced winter campers. After a 1-2 mile trek along the Herman Gulch Trail, you’ll find flat terrain ideal for setting up camp. Be mindful of avalanche risks in the surrounding areas.

Pro Tip: The lesser-known Watrous Gulch Trail is a great alternative with fewer crowds.

5. Peaceful Valley / Camp Dick Campgrounds 🌲

Why Go: Although closed for regular camping in the winter, the area around Camp Dick offers easy, flat terrain for a relaxed winter camping experience. Set up camp along Middle St. Vrain Creek and enjoy mellow snowshoe trails.

Pro Tip: This area is ideal for those who want a low-effort winter camping trip without sacrificing the scenic beauty.

Winter Camping Tips: Stay Warm & Comfortable 🏕️❄️

Winter camping can be magical—think starlit skies and snow-covered landscapes—but it requires extra prep. Here’s how to stay cozy and safe:

Layer Up 🧥 : Start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating mid-layer, and finish with a weatherproof shell. Avoid cotton since it traps moisture and cools you down.

Stay Dry 🌧️ : Wet clothes are your enemy. Opt for waterproof boots and gaiters, and pack extra socks to keep your feet dry.

Keep Gear Warm 🔋 : Store gadgets and damp clothes inside your sleeping bag overnight to prevent battery drain and dry them out.

Cowboy Coffee ☕ : A simple hot brew in the morning makes leaving your sleeping bag a little easier. Just add coffee grounds to boiled water, steep, and enjoy.

Hydrate Smartly 🚽 : Don't hold it in—your body uses extra energy to keep urine warm. Use a bottle in your tent for late-night relief.

Sleeping Bag & Pad 🛌 : A liner can boost your bag's warmth by 10-15°F. Don’t skip the sleeping pad—it insulates you from the cold ground.

Choose Your Campsite Wisely 🏕️ : Pick a spot sheltered from wind and avoid low-lying areas where cold air collects.

Eat & Hydrate Well 🍲 : Your body burns more calories in cold weather, so fuel up. Stay hydrated, but keep your water bottle from freezing by storing it upside down.

Hot Water Bottle Trick 💧: Fill a bottle with hot water before bed and tuck it into your sleeping bag for extra warmth.

Try Car Camping 🚗 : If you're a beginner, camping in your car can provide added insulation and protection from the wind.

Winter camping is all about preparation and smart planning. Bundle up, stay dry, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the snow-covered outdoors!

Events: November 19-20 📅

Boulder Weather Forecast 🌤️

Mon, Nov 18

🌥️ Partly Cloudy | High: 56°F / Low: 30°F | 0% chance of rain

Winds from the west at 11 mph. Perfect day to get outdoors!

Tue, Nov 19

🌥️ Partly Cloudy | High: 40°F / Low: 26°F | 15% chance of rain

Gusty winds from the west at 15 mph. Bundle up—it’s getting colder!

Wed, Nov 20

☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 49°F / Low: 34°F | 1% chance of rain

Gentle ENE breezes at 6 mph. A bright, crisp day to enjoy the outdoors!

Thu, Nov 21

🌥️ Partly Cloudy | High: 59°F / Low: 39°F | 0% chance of rain

West-northwest winds at 5 mph. A mild day—perfect for that late fall hike!

Ready for Your Next Adventure? 🌄