Snowshoeing at night? Sounds like a cold and not very enjoyable experience, right? It can be, but not if you pick a mild, full-moon night. The peacefulness, beauty and silence of snowshoeing under the full moon has been one of my very favorite wintertime experiences.

With our warming climate, it will probably get easier to find a night that fits that description. When daytime temperatures get into the 40s, they often don’t get below the 20s at night. And if you get even luckier, you might find a night like that after a fresh snowfall.

How to find the perfect trail for a moonlit snowshoe? Look for trails that are somewhat open and less densely forested, allowing the moonlight to filter through. Some of the best places for a moonlit snowshoe serve as roads in the summertime — pick ones that in the wintertime are closed to motorized traffic, including snowmobiles. 

Some areas that allow motorized recreation by day, like Vail Pass, are closed to motorized traffic at night, making for easy access to a spectacular moonlit snowshoe opportunity, with excellent views in all directions.

As you head up through the forest, the tree shadows created by the full moon and sparkly snow create a winter wonderland scene. Listen — let the subtle sounds of the forest drift to your ears. The soughing of the wind through the evergreens will provide a gentle melody for your travels.

Watch carefully for small nocturnal animals such as ermine and snowshoe hares that are only active at night. And look for wildlife tracks, a great way to keep younger snowshoers entertained.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot lynx tracks. The Interstate 70 East Vail Pass area has been identified as containing one of the few known breeding populations of lynx in Colorado outside of the southwestern part of our state. These rare, endangered cats are considered crepuscular, meaning that they are most active during dawn and dusk.

Depending on the route you choose, at timberline you’ll come face-to-face with the moonlit jagged peaks of the Tenmile Range, Gore Range or Sawatch Range, the forest filling the valleys below in a silent and peaceful scene.

And although a full moon may interfere with stargazing, you will be away from other light sources such as streetlights and headlights. So, even under a full moon, the stars and planets will provide an extra attraction. Download free stargazing apps on your cell phone to help you identify star names and constellations. 

A few reminders to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Bring a buddy, for company and for safety.
• Dress in layers. You’ll be warm heading uphill, but cool coming down.
• Bring a headlamp and cellphone. Hopefully, you won’t need either, but it’s a good safety precaution in case a cloud drifts across the moon, or you need to signal for assistance.
• Leave your pup at home. Wildlife views dogs as predators, and you’ll be more likely to spot nighttime wildlife without your dog. If you must bring your dog, keep him or her leashed for your and their safety. And remember, leashing is required at all times in the Eagles Nest, Holy Cross, and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Areas.

Our next full moon is Jan. 13. Weather permitting, grab your snowshoes and warm layers and head out for a moonlit stroll. The sun sets at 5 p.m., so you’ll be home for dinner.

Dave Owens is a Volunteer Wilderness Ranger for the Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance.