In this internet age where nothing is secret, where Colorado’s wonders can’t hide from social media, how can a hidden gem stay hidden?

Perhaps, for one, by the limits of geography. Take the geography around Walden, for example.

The Front Range masses might arrive to this northern Colorado hamlet via the long, winding drive through Poudre Canyon from Fort Collins — the drive ill-advised in winter’s harshest elements. Equally feared in whiteout conditions is the drive over Rabbit Ears Pass toward Steamboat Springs. That’s the other common route taken by those from Colorado’s population centers.

And, indeed, they are commonly en route to Steamboat, bound for the massive ski resort putting northwest Colorado on the map. This is another way a hidden gem stays hidden: by such major nearby destinations stealing the attention.

And so Walden remains — a hidden gem worthy of discovery during winter, especially for pure outdoor lovers.

State Forest State Park

How could Colorado’s largest state park, sprawling 71,000 acres, remain a hidden gem? We once heard a ranger here blame the obscure name. For those in the know, State Forest State Park has gone by another name: “little Rocky Mountain National Park.”

Surrounded by the Never Summer and Medicine Bow mountain ranges, in view of the legendary Nokhu Crags and never far from an alpine lake, it can very easily feel like that much more famous park. And like Rocky Mountain National Park, State Forest is highly regarded for its vast array of trails.

The state park also is regarded for its yurts, making for a memorable camping or “glamping” trip in the winter. And did we mention moose? Your chances for a sighting in the state park are about as good as it gets across Colorado. Moose have expanded their reach in the state since starting in this area with a government-led introduction effort in 1978.

Snow and ice

Anglers from near and far head to North Delaney Lake, a Gold Medal fishery rated for its thriving brown trout. North Delaney is situated along a chain of lakes where lunkers have exceeded 24 inches. Another popular spot is Lake John, which hosts an annual ice fishing tournament. And another: Cowdrey Lake, teeming with rainbow and cutbow trout.

The most knowledgeable and adventurous ice fishermen have snowmobiled up to Big Creek Lake. And then there are those who seek not fish, but the fast, wind-in-your-face thrill that comes from snowmobiling.

Walden serves as a base camp for excursions out to the powder-packed wilds of Rabbit Ears and Buffalo passes. Or one might drive north toward Laramie, Wyo., for the Snowy Range, the nation’s premier snowmobiling destination.

‘City’ life

Drive about an hour to Steamboat Springs, and you’ll find highly trained chefs pleasing resort-goers. Around Walden, you’ll find locals who know what’s best: nothing fancy and good company.

Stockman Bar & Grill is the trusted home away from home when other establishments close or change hours for winter. It’s the place hosting lonely locals and travelers for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the place that was recently pouring free drinks for hunters who showed off their racks. Whether hunters are lucky or not, they know they can always score a cheap burger and beer here.

Burgers and beer as well at the 10th Frame — and bowling. That’s right: a bowling alley in Walden.

Like Stockman, River Rock Cafe is similarly dependable while contrasting with white linens. In the cozy, lodge-like dining room, guests splurge on chicken fried steak, St. Louis style ribs and shrimp dinners.