If you are looking for some exercise, but want to stay on a marked trail, consider snowshoeing on ungroomed snowshoe trails.

The Park N’ Ski trails near Idaho City have plenty of snow, and a long snow season thanks to the high elevations. There’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the snow.

Early this winter, I explored the Stargaze Trail, one of newer ungroomed trails in the Idaho City system. We parked at the Beaver Creek Summit Park N’ Ski area located 25 miles northeast of Idaho City.

It’s the highest point along the road before heading into Lowman, and the Stargaze Trail goes uphill from there. Along the trail, there are good views of peaks in the area.

The trail accesses the Stargaze yurt, one of the newest yurts in the system. As you snowshoe or Nordic ski on the trail, you can catch glimpses of it perched on a ridge.

From the trailhead, it’s a gradual uphill climb on the trail for about a mile to an intersection. The left trail leads to the Stargaze Yurt, but it’s only open to people who rent it for an overnight stay.

We came from Boise for a short day trip, so we veered to the right and continued up the trail to Stargaze Point, which is 1.5 miles from the trailhead.

At 6,682-feet elevation, the point is the end of the trail. It’s an ideal location to have lunch and take photos. We were there on a clear day, with broad vistas of the surrounding mountains and the bright snow-covered slopes.

I was relieved to be on my snowshoes instead of Nordic skis. The freshly fallen snow on the trail had been packed by skiers and snowshoes, and the ungroomed trail would have been tricky on skis. My snowshoes were stable and maneuverable on the uneven snow.

My yellow lab was along for the day and enjoyed trotting on the trail and meeting other snowshoers.

Dogs are allowed on the trail, and you should carry plastic bags to pick up your dog’s poop and then pack it out. Dog owners also must keep their dogs in control at all times.

The trailhead is about 100 yards from the Beaver Creek Summit Park N’ Ski lot to the trailhead. Be cautious — you have to either walk along the edge of the road to get to the trail, or travel on the berm created by snow plows.

The trailhead and parking area do not have a toilet, but there is an information kiosk in the parking area.

There are several Park N’ Ski areas in the extensive trail system near Idaho City, where you can access approximately 30 miles of ungroomed snowshoe trails.

Trails are marked with a blue blaze, shaped like a diamond, posted on trees and poles.

Parking areas in the system fill quickly on the weekend. Go early in the day to secure a parking spot. Carry a snow shovel in your vehicle in case you need to dig out from heavy snow, or if a plow piles snow and blocks your vehicle.

Getting there: Take Idaho 21 northeast of Boise through Idaho City. The Park N’ Ski parking areas are located between 17 to 25 miles past Idaho City off Idaho 21. Beaver Creek Summit Park N’ Ski area is located between mile marker 62 and 63.

Parking passes are required. They are $7.50 for a three-day Park N’ Ski pass, which is the minimum available, and $25 for a season pass.

You can buy passes at Parks and Recreation headquarters at 5650 Warm Springs Ave. in Boise on weekdays during standard business hours.

You can also buy them online at the idpr.idaho.gov or in Idaho City at Tom’s Service Station, Idaho City Grocery Store and Donna’s Place.