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Winter Hikes
This Week in the Foothills
Tyler Burke
December 23, 2025
It’s a slower week around town with Christmas just around the corner. Consider taking advantage of the mild weather for a winter hike, or settling in with a cocktail and enjoy the slower pace. You’ll find a few ideas for both below. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. - Tyler
WINTER HIKES
Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Dream Lake is a short hike with outsized views, passing Nymph Lake before ending at a stunning alpine lake that freezes solid in winter. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park and starting from the Bear Lake trailhead, it’s a popular winter outing. Despite the modest distance, conditions can be harsh—strong winds are common at the lake, so dress warmly and come prepared.
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Mestaa’ehehe Mountain Fire Lookout, West of Evergreen
Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain (also known as Owl Woman Mountain) is a relatively short hike with huge payoff, featuring a rare and unique fire lookout perched on the summit that’s even reservable for overnight stays. From the top, sweeping panoramic views stretch to Mount Blue Sky, Pikes Peak, and Longs Peak. In winter, snowshoes or traction are often needed, and conditions can turn windy and severe quickly, so come prepared.
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Chief Mountain Trail, Evergreen
Chief Mountain is a short but steep hike through the pines of Arapaho National Forest that quickly opens up to expansive 360-degree views over the Front Range. Once above treeline, prominent peaks like Longs Peak and Pikes Peak come into view, making the climb well worth the effort. In winter, the rocky upper section can be icy, so microspikes or snowshoes are recommended, and roadside parking can be limited on busy weekends.
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HOLIDAY SPIRITS
A cold weather twist on a classic. herbal, citrusy, and perfect after a winter hike cozied up next to the fire. Maple replaces sugar for a deeper, wintery sweetness, and the rosemary gives it that pine-forest, mountain lodge feel – ideal for Christmas week.
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon or rye
½ oz maple syrup
2–3 dashes aromatic bitters
Orange peel
Fresh rosemary sprig (or spruce tip if you’re feeling adventurous)
How to Make
Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a rocks glass with ice.
Stir until well chilled.
Run the orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig or spruce tip.
THE BRIEFING
Sunrise 7:20 AM
Sunset 4:41 PM
Snow Report: It sucks… pray for some snow
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TUESDAY
Green Mountain Brewery, Lakewood- Weekly Run Club, 6pm. Run, then beers
Colorado Tap House, Arvada- Nomadic Fire Mobile Sauna on site, 5-9pm. Grab your spot
Arvada Center, Arvada- Disney’s Frozen Musical, 7pm. Holiday cheer
Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden- The Polar Express Train Ride, 5-10pm. Check it out
Luki Brewery, Arvada- Sourdough Pop-Up, 4-7pm. Holiday bread
WEDNESDAY
Miners Saloon, Golden- Live music Wednesdays, 6-9pm.
Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden- Live music with Chrispy, 2-3pm.
Boone Mountain Sports, Evergreen- Christmas Eve Parking Lot Party: 40 year Boone Tradition, 9am-12pm. Come on down
THURSDAY
Runner’s Roost, Golden- Weekly Run Club, meet at 6pm
BP Run Co, Wheat Ridge- Weekly run club, starting at 6pm. Lace ‘em up
Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Thank you Thursday. Locals get 10% off all day while the kitchen is open, and a great warm up for Open Mic Night 👇️
Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Almost Famous Open Mic Night, starting at 7pm
FRIDAY
Cheese Ranch Artisan Deli, Golden- Fondue Friday, 5pm. Yummy
The Woodcellar, Evergreen- Atlas Radio in concert, 8pm. Learn more
SATURDAY
Miners Alley Performing Arts, Golden- The Story of the Nutcracker, 12pm. Tickets
Buffalo Rose, Golden- Ten Years Gone: Tribute to Led Zeppelin, 7pm. Rock show
The Woodcellar, Evergreen- Sarah Bauer Band, 8pm. Deets
Little Bear Saloon, Evergreen- Jakarta Band, 8-11pm. Unique Jazz
Snowpack Taproom, Conifer- Saturday Morning Yoga, 10am,-11am. Flowy
SUNDAY
Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden- Board Game Night, 5pm-close. Have fun
MONDAY
Golden Game Guild, Golden- Teach Me to Play Mondays, 6-9pm. Learn new games
New Terrain Brewing Co, Golden- Yoga on Tap 🧘 Yoga from 6-7pm, beers anytime. Get your ticket
Coors Baseball Club, 1940
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See you around the next bend!