XCountry Ski Trails near Salida

[dsr1986]

I'll be in Salida this weekend, and weather permitting (these 60 degree temp swings are throwing me off), I'd like to get my skis out. Was planning on Monarch for one day, but looking for recommendations on some good cross-country skiing trails for another day. The only information I've been able to find points me in the direction of good hikes (probably more elevation gain than I'm looking for). I've been up exploring near Old Monarch Pass, so that's a backup plan for me, but other suggestions would be great.

[climbnowworklater]

One thought was Waterdog Lakes which is about 1 mile south of Monarch on the 50.
We hiked it in snowshoes but ran into people on XC skis.
Hope it helps.

[dsr1986]

One thought was Waterdog Lakes which is about 1 mile south of Monarch on the 50.

I think I've spent extended periods of time looking for this trailhead under a ton of snow, unsuccessfully of course.

[tomcat32]

The North Fork Basin is a beautiful outing. It starts at Angel of Shavano TH and continues up FSR 240 all the way to Billings Lake ending in a stunning alpine basin. It was somewhat groomed by a snowcat all the way to treeline last weekend. It is about 8 miles to Billings and gains 2600' but it's gradual and not too taxing of a climb. The 8 mile return is fast but not scarey since the path is wide (unless it gets icy) I recommend metal edge xc skis. It's not really a skate type place at least with the conditions I had. Here is a trip report from my outings earlier this week: http://tomcatoutdoors.blogspot.com/2015 ... rk-of.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tomcat32]

The trailhead is plowed. And there doesn't seem to be any serious Avy danger ever even at when the trail ends above treeline for the North Fork too.