TOP is pleased to offer 7 kilometers of trails groomed for Nordic skating and classic flat-track skiing and a snowshoe trail from the parking area to the meadow. We hope all those who visit the park will appreciate it and help to preserve its pristine nature.
Looking forward to 2024-25 winter ahead!
CURRENT CONDITIONS at TOP |
Check back for updates! |
GROOMING SCHEDULE: Our volunteer groomer typically grooms the TOP ski trails in the evenings on Thursdays and Sundays, and after big snowstorms as conditions merit. If there is enough snow, both classic and skate-skiing track will be laid in the meadow area. The North 40 is groomed for everybody with a double-wide corduroy track. PARKING: The TOP parking lot in the meadow below the pavilion is not maintained through the winter season. Black Thorne Construction is plowing the road beyond the TOP cross country ski trailhead to provide its crew access to a job site at a private home on Highland Drive. TOP ski users should not attempt to drive beyond the trailhead since several vehicles have become mired in deep snow and have blocked the road. Please park your vehicles at the trailhead and proceed into TOP on your skis or snowshoes. WINTER DOG POLICY: Dogs allowed on ski trails on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. No leash required. Please clean up after them and keep them under voice control. Don't forget to drop a few dollars in the donation box for your dog! EMAIL ALERTS: If you would like to receive trail condition updates, please send us an email at [email protected] and we'll add you to the list! |
Guidelines for the Nordic Trails Program:
Please honor the request to pay a donation use fee of any amount that feels comfortable for you. Donations are necessary for trail equipment maintenance, oil and gas. The donation box is at the trailhead, or you can donate online. Even better, become a member for just $50 individual/$90 family per year. Membership gives you access to hiking, biking, skiing and disc golf for a whole year. Membership fees are fully tax deductible. Click the link above to initiate the process. Write "Annual Membership Fee" in the description field if you opt to pay through our website's payment portal.
- No horses. Dogs permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Otherwise, the only tracks on the groomed trails are to be skiers and wild animals.
- TOP is surrounded by private property. Please stay on the designated trails to minimize impacts to the land and to avoid trespassing on private property.
- The trails are open from dawn till dusk.
- Vehicle access and parking is allowed only within the designated parking area at the trailhead. Do not drive up the Highland Drive roadway past the trail head parking lot.
- Skiers & snowshoers only; no mechanized vehicles of any kind (including ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc.) are allowed. Please do not walk on the ski trails. The footstep divots tend to freeze making it dangerous for skate skiing.
- A rustic warming hut is available – located upslope of the main pavilion building in the campground area. Please stay off and away from all structures other than the warming hut. Only use the stove and fireplace for fires. Kindling and cut firewood is located outside hut. No campfires or firearms. A stove is available for warming water, tea or coffee.
- Composting toilets are near the warming hut.
- No potable water is available on-site in the winter. You must bring your own water supply.
- There are no trash receptacles. Please pack out what you pack in.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- All persons entering the property do so at their own risk. It is understood that TOP, Inc. assumes no risk or liability for use of the facilities.
Trail User Safety
- Safety must always be a high priority. You may encounter obstacles, ice, bumps, branches, holes, wires, etc.
- Be prepared for rapid chages due to bad weather or other unexpected outing circumstances.
- Ski with a buddy. Keep your group together. Don’t let someone lag and become lost. Keep small children in sight.
- Be considerate of others and use common sense and caution. Yield to uphill traffic.
- The trails are not patrolled. You are responsible for your own safety. Use at your own risk. Leaving the trail can be extremely dangerous – Stay on trail!
Featured Route: West Lake & Meadows Loop
(Route description and photos courtesy of Go Hike Colorado)
Distance: 1.7 mi (RT)
Elevation Gain: 178 ft
Elevation Min/Max: 8,565 to 8,692 ft
Trailhead Lat/Long: 38o 06' 09" N; 107o 47' 40" W
Elevation Gain: 178 ft
Elevation Min/Max: 8,565 to 8,692 ft
Trailhead Lat/Long: 38o 06' 09" N; 107o 47' 40" W
If you are looking for a winter wonderland in which you can snowshoe and Nordic ski that just so happens to have amazing views of Mt. Sneffels and the Sneffels Range, then look no further than the Top of the Pines Preserve. The preserve is located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Ridgway and has ski and snowshoe trails that are groomed in the winter. However, this is not your typical Nordic ski area. With few facilities, this preserve feels much more like a wilderness area than a Nordic park...in other words...perfect.
The hike/snowshoe from the trail access parking area north to West Lake and the Meadows Loop is a great introduction to this area. The access trail weaves through Christmas trees for about 1/2 mile and provides excellent views of the Sneffels Range peaking out from behind the pines. The trail then descends to the meadow. The trails are obvious and wide (be sure to stick to the outside of the track so as not to ruin the nordic ski path) and ring the meadow. From the meadow, the views of the Sneffels Range are wide open and incredible and Mt. Sneffels (14,150 ft) is on full display.
The 1-mile Meadows Loop hugs the edge of the forest and links to the longer snowshoe trails in the preserve. Follow the edge of the meadow and loop around the snow-covered West Lake until it returns to the access trail and back to the parking area.
This loop just begins to explore the Top of the Pines Preserve and in the winter, it's a great way to experience the Sneffels Range.