Surveyor Reporter Finds Snow in Wild Basin for Winter Hike

Despite warm weather, a father-son duo discovers a snowy trail for an adventure in the Colorado mountains.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A highly stylized, geometric landscape illustration depicting towering snow-capped peaks and dense evergreen forests in shades of blue, white, and green, conveying the grandeur and serenity of a winter hike in the Colorado mountains.A father-son duo's determined quest to find the last remnants of winter snow in Colorado's Wild Basin reveals the resilience and beauty of outdoor adventure.Berthoud Today

Surveyor reporter Ron Bolton and his son set out on a winter hike in Colorado's Wild Basin area, unsure if they would find any snow. After driving to a trailhead on a back road near Allenspark, they encountered a snow-covered trail and enjoyed a picturesque father-son outing, even with the challenge of 'post-holing' through the soft snow at times.

Why it matters

This story highlights the unpredictability of winter weather in the Colorado mountains and the resilience of outdoor enthusiasts who are determined to find snow for a seasonal hike, even as climate change brings warmer temperatures to the region.

The details

Bolton and his son prepared for their hike with the proper gear, including traction devices for their boots, hiking poles, and warm food and drinks. They followed a trail near the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, finding the dirt roads mostly clear but encountering deep snow on the hiking path. Despite the challenge of 'post-holing' through soft snow at times, the pair enjoyed a scenic father-son outing and conversation amidst the pristine winter landscape.

  • The hike took place on a spring break day in early April 2026.
  • There had been some snowstorms in March, but the weather was forecast to warm up to over 80 degrees in a few days, making it a 'now or never' opportunity for the winter hike.

The players

Ron Bolton

A surveyor reporter who enjoys winter hikes in the Colorado mountains.

Ron Bolton's son

Bolton's son who accompanied him on the winter hike in Wild Basin.

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What they’re saying

“Don't let the snow, or the possible absence of it, stop you from adventuring on a winter hike on the Berthoud horizon.”

— Ron Bolton, Surveyor Reporter

The takeaway

This story serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the face of unpredictable winter weather, outdoor enthusiasts can still find opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Colorado's mountain landscapes through determined exploration and adaptability.