Bogus Basin guided snowshoe nature tours and seven other worthy snowshoe destinations

My son Drew and I go snowshoeing frequently. 
This photo was taken at Bear Basin in McCall. 

Hi all,

My regular readers know that I like to enjoy the winter in many different ways, using different modes of transportation, including alpine skiing, xc skiing, backcountry skiing, snow biking and snowshoeing. 

This week, for my outdoor tip of the week, I'd like to recommend a number of worthy locations to go snowshoeing. I'll lead off with guided snowshoe nature tours being offered by Bogus Basin on Saturdays and Sundays this winter. They've got tours going out on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and then again at 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon on both days. 

Ray Vizgirdas talks about nature with snowshoers at Bogus. 
(photo courtesy Bogus Basin) 

The nature tours are led by Ray Vizgirdas, a wildlife biologist, who has worked for state and federal natural resources agencies for 30+ years. The theme this weekend is all about winter animal tracks. 

The tours last 1.5 hours. Inquire with dirk@bogusbasin.org to check on availability. Private and group tours are available. Maximum 12 people per tour. They may have openings for next weekend, Feb. 11-12. The cost is $40 for full package of snowshoe rentals, trail pass and guided trip, $20 for just the tour if you have your own snowshoes and a Nordic trail pass.   

Snowshoe/ski trail going from Beaver Creek Trailhead
to the Stargaze Yurt. 

The snowshoe tours are "a great intro into the world of winter recreation while you learn a little about the flora & fauna that call Bogus Basin home," the Bogus Basin web site says. "Perfect for those new to the area or anyone interested in learning a little more about Bogus Basin and the mountain ecosystem."       

Seems like the snowshoe tours would be a good way to become acquainted with Bogus Basin's snowshoe trails and learn about nature. Great combo! Trips like these should work for just about anyone ... if you know how to walk, you can snowshoe. 

Check out these other snowshoeing destinations: 

• Freddy's Stack Rock Trail over to Stack Rock from Bogus Basin Road. See Ridge to Rivers interactive map. There's a large pullout on the right side of the Bogus Basin Road at about mile 10 where you can park and access the trail. 
• Charcoal Gulch - Idaho City. The trailhead is adjacent to the Idaho City Airport. Self-guided adventure in ungroomed trail. 
• More's Creek Summit. Climb to Sunset Lookout or Pilot Peak on snowmobile-packed or skier packed snow roads. Sunset is 5 miles one-way. Pilot Peak is 3 miles and change. 
• Idaho City Park and Ski Areas. Keep going past More's Creek Summit on Idaho 21 to the Gold Fork, Whoop Em Up, Banner Ridge or Beaver Creek parking areas. I would recommend Gold Fork, Whoop Em Up, Banner Ridge and Beaver Creek as great destinations for snowshoeing. Go to the IDPR Park and Ski web site for maps and more information.
• Crown Point Trail in Cascade. 3 miles out, 6 miles out and back. Trailhead located near Lake Cascade just outside of the town of Cascade.  
  
  Here's Drew snowshoeing in Ponderosa Park 
  on a powder day. 
  
  
• Ponderosa State Park - McCall. Multiple snowshoe trails are available at Ponderosa ... one of the most scenic parks in Idaho. 
• Bear Basin - McCall. Trailhead is on the north side of ID 55 on the way to the Little Ski Hill. There are multiple snowshoe trails to explore. 

There you have it! 

- SS