Snowshoeing, Backcountry and Cross Country Skiing

Trails and Guided Snowshoe & Backcountry Tours

Backcountry skiing and Snowshoeing provide a unique and fun way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. Valley excursions can range from full moon guided outings, to solo explorations of a quiet trail, or a group dash-to-dine picnic adverture on a sunny afternoon. Strap on a pair of new, lightweight aluminum snowshoes or reach out to our members below for a guided tour of the Taos area.

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You can Snowshoe or backcountry ski (skin) up to Williams Lake—a 4-mile round trip hike from The Bavarian. Other options include Gavilan Trail (3.3 miles one way), Italianos Canyon Trail (3.7 miles one way), Bull of the Woods Trail (3 miles one way), Manzanita Canyon Trail (4.2 miles one way) and Yerba Canyon Trail (3.9 miles one way). All of these trails are accessible from Road 150, the Taos Ski Valley road. The two most popular trails for snowshoeing are Williams Lake and Bull of The Woods. More trails including popular cross country ski trails can be found at Carson National Forest. Skis and Snowshoes can be rented at Cottams's Ski Shop. For a groomed cross country ski trails check out the Enchanted Forest XC Ski Area near Red River.

Name of Trail	Print Map	Distance one way			Wilderness Area	Degree of Difficulty
Gavilan Trail	Map	3.3miles		X	X	Intermediate/Expert
Italianos Canyon Trail 59	Map	3.6 miles		X	X	Intermediate
Long Canyon/Bull-Of-The-Woods	Map	3.6 miles	X	X	X	Expert
Manzanita Canyon Trail 58	Map	4.2 miles		X	X	Expert
Wheeler Peak Trail 90	Map	8 miles	X	X	X	Expert
Williams Lake Trail 62	Map	2 miles	X	X	X	Novice/Intermediate
Yerba Canyon Trail	Map	4 miles		x	X	Expert