Snowshoe to Rowley Homestead at Snow Mountain Ranch

At Snow Mountain Ranch, you can strap on the snowshoes and heading to an old homestead on the ranch. It is about 3 mile round trip adventure.

You snowshoe through the woods and by some of the cabins at Camp Chief Ouray. On the trail, check out the aspen trees. You can see the markings where the elk have munched on the trees. Elk eat bark about 6 to 8 feet up a tree so you can measure how much snow you’re standing on. You might even see the marking made by bears. In addition to elk and bears, be on the lookout for moose. They are often seen at Snow Mountain Ranch in the winter.

At the split in the road, take the right fork to continue to the homestead.

Fred Rowley’s homestead was established in 1919. Rowley was a local pioneer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The main house was the first building built in 1919.

Really well preserved, you can explore around the main house, barns, and other buildings. As you wander around, you get a glimpse into the way of life as a Rocky Mountain rancher in the early 1900s.

You can take a break and sit on the hay bales on the porch of the logger cabin.

There’s a horse hay barn, milking barn, goat barn, and hog house along with some old farming equipment.

Snow Mountain Ranch is part of the YMCA of the Rockies. It is in Granby, Colorado, not far from Winter Park Ski Resort. You do not have to be a guest of the ranch to enjoy the trails. Day passes, rentals, lessons, and guided tours are available for nordic skiing and snowshoeing.