Greatest recognized for epic alpine hikes, scenic drives, wildflowers, and wildlife, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is a summer season paradise — however in winter, the park slows down and divulges a very totally different facet. Quieter. Much more spectacular. Snow blankets the panorama, crowds utterly disappear, and the mountains in some way really feel larger, but additionally extra intimate.
For households prepared to bundle up and do some superior planning, winter delivers an much more memorable expertise simply 90 minutes from Denver. Whereas 80% of annual guests arrive between Might and October, Rocky feels nearly non-public within the colder months. Frozen, glassy lakes replicate the solar beneath craggy snow-capped peaks, elk herds and moose roam valley flooring, and even brief walks will be immersive.
You gained’t see and do all the things you’ll be able to in summer season, however what is accessible is effectively value a visit.
Know Earlier than You Go
Winter in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is a vastly totally different expertise than peak season, and tempering expectations is essential.
‘Winter’ Season in RMNP and Potential Closures
For starters, perceive that “winter” could begin as early as October and finish as late as June. (I’ve seen snowy trails into early July at increased elevations.) Though Mom Nature in the end decides, the second half of January by way of early April are probably the most dependable to ship traditional winter wonderland surroundings.
The park’s increased elevation areas shut utterly as soon as snow arrives, together with most significantly Path Ridge Highway. Whereas in the summertime, guests can drive the complete 48-mile size of the highway between Estes Park on the east facet and Grand Lake on the west, in winter, you’ll be able to solely journey a brief stretch on both facet. The highway closes at Many Parks Curve on the japanese finish, and on the west facet, the Colorado River Trailhead.
What stays open, nevertheless, is regularly plowed, simple to navigate, and particularly stunning below a glowing coat of snow.
RMNP Winter Journeys: A Lay of the Land
The Bear Lake Highway hall serves because the hub of winter entry. This stretch consists of Bear Lake itself, Sprague Lake, Moraine Park, and a number of other in style, pretty brief trailheads. The park frequently plows the highway and parking heaps, and signage is obvious, making it a cushty entry level for households. One factor to pay attention to: RMNP doesn’t use deicer, so though the roads are typically clear, they may very well be deceptively icy. Drive sluggish, particularly in shaded areas.
Climate usually adjustments rapidly. Daytime temperatures typically fall between the mid-teens and mid-30s, however you may additionally see the odd single-digit temp or a day within the 40s. Wind chill can — and does — make it really feel a lot colder, particularly close to lakes and open meadows. On my most up-to-date go to in early December, winds topped 70 mph in the future in each Estes Park and at Bear Lake! Storms roll in quick, and bluebird days can flip overcast by afternoon (and vice-versa). Planning shorter outings and constructing flexibility into your schedule helps maintain everybody glad.
For lodging and facilities, the park’s east facet, particularly Estes Park, is probably the most logical winter basecamp. Roads are reliably plowed; there’s a variety of family-friendly lodging; and eating places, grocery shops, and equipment rental retailers are all close by.
Greatest Winter Hikes for Households
You don’t want superior mountain climbing abilities to get pleasure from RMNP in winter, as a number of trails stay accessible and well-traveled. Though you might not completely want them, microspikes, generally referred to as YakTrax, come in useful, together with trekking poles. You might also need to deliver snowshoes alongside (leases accessible in Estes Park if you happen to don’t have your personal; extra on that somewhat later). I additionally advocate checking AllTrails proper earlier than heading out for probably the most up-to-date circumstances.
Professional-tip: Should you’re new to AllTrails, test each the feedback and photographs, searching for the newest.
Word that the park’s lakes freeze over in a typical winter, however please train excessive warning strolling or skating on them. Sure, wild ice skating is a factor, and within the lifeless of winter, you’ll nearly actually see a few locals gliding throughout Dream or Sprague Lakes.
Views of Hallett Peak on Bear Lake Path in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Bear Lake Loop
At simply 0.7 miles, this flat loop is without doubt one of the best (and therefore, busiest) winter walks within the park. Dense pines completely body views of Hallett Peak, and snow on the path is usually fairly effectively packed. On the furthest facet from the parking zone, anticipate deeper, softer snow which will require snowshoes. As a result of it’s a loop, you’ll be able to at all times merely flip again if you happen to want.
Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes
This traditional trio stays open year-round and feels particularly magical in winter. The path to Nymph and/or Dream Lakes is manageable for many hikers sporting traction gadgets, whereas Emerald Lake is extra technical, sitting at a better elevation (10,110 toes). Anticipate packed snow and occasional icy sections; don’t do that hike with out at the least microspikes and poles. Nymph Lake is a one-mile roundtrip, Dream Lake is 2 miles, and Emerald is 3.4 miles.
Sprague Lake Loop
One other household favourite, this 0.8-mile loop presents vast paths, minimal elevation achieve, and glorious wildlife viewing. Though Sprague isn’t any tougher to achieve, it’s usually much less visited than each Bear and Dream Lakes.
Mills Lake
Much less in style than the park’s different lake hikes this time of yr, Mills Lake presents a chance to get much more off the well-beaten path. The roundtrip trek is 5.2 miles — not significantly lengthy, nevertheless it does steadily achieve elevation. You possibly can proceed on to The Loch for a complete of 6.7 miles roundtrip, and both method, you’ll go the frozen Alberta Falls.
Snowshoeing, Sledding, and Different Winter Enjoyable
Winter in Rocky isn’t strictly about mountain climbing; it’s additionally about embracing different types of snow play.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is without doubt one of the park’s hottest winter actions. Hire snowshoes from Estes Park Mountain Store and discover by yourself round Bear or Sprague Lakes, or be part of a free ranger-led snowshoe stroll at Bear Lake on weekends mid-January by way of April.
Sledding at Hidden Valley
Former ski space Hidden Valley is the one place in RMNP that guests are allowed to sled. Broad, rolling hills make it one of many most secure locations to ship it downhill, and the open terrain means dad and mom can simply maintain a watchful eye. Wind will get brutal on this explicit valley, making the sledding hills extra ice than the rest. Verify with rangers on the Beaver Meadows entrance station on the Estes facet for present circumstances. Additionally, deliver your personal sleds, as leases aren’t accessible contained in the park. Hire them from the Mountain Store or one other outside clothes shop in Estes Park.
Wildlife Watching
Winter is prime time for wildlife viewing. To be truthful, animals are practically at all times current right here, however the lack of crowds makes it simpler to identify them. Elk herds are regularly noticed in Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park, usually proper within the highway. Moose are additionally energetic, and snowy circumstances make tracks extra seen.
Discover Estes Park
Simply outdoors the park, this lovely mountain city presents a great deal of household enjoyable all yr. Tour one of many nation’s most notorious haunted inns, The Stanley, selecting from pretty tame daytime property excursions or a genuinely eerie paranormal tour at evening. The Mustang Mountain Coaster runs even when it’s very, very chilly out, making it much more exhilarating for thrill-seekers. YMCA of the Rockies additionally has its personal sledding hill and ice skating rink, and as an enormous bonus, loans out sleds and skates. Should you’re not staying in a single day, simply see the entrance desk a couple of day go.
December views at Moraine Park
Security Suggestions for Winter Visits
Winter circumstances in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park are stunning, however they require preparation. Following primary security steerage and performing some prep forward of time helps guarantee your journey is memorable for the best causes.
Be Conscious of the Altitude
With a lot of the park’s accessible terrain mendacity between 9,000 and 10,000 toes, altitude illness is a really actual concern. This one isn’t essentially particular to winter, though wind and usually drier circumstances can exacerbate it.
Should you’re visiting from out of state, particularly a lower-lying space like Florida or the Midwest, begin consuming additional water a number of days earlier than your journey. If attainable, arrive in Colorado a full day or two earlier than heading as much as the mountains. Keep away from consuming alcohol the evening earlier than your journey, and get loads of relaxation.
Should you do discover indicators of altitude illness (particularly, excessive fatigue, a nagging headache or dizziness, or nausea), get to decrease elevation as rapidly as attainable. Cease by the Safeway in Estes Park for a fast snack, or sit right down to lunch at Fowl & Jim on the best way again into city.
Gown for Wind, Not Simply Temperature
Layering accurately is important. Insulating layers maintain you heat, however windproof outer layers are equally necessary. Keep away from cotton utterly (no denims!), opting as a substitute for merino wool or artificial. It’s higher at each regulating temperature and retaining you dry, guaranteeing you gained’t get clammy and chilly if you happen to sweat.
Don’t neglect a pair of high quality gloves (search for waterproof and snow-appropriate), tall wool socks, and waterproof boots, and contemplate bringing a gaiter or “buff” to guard your face and ears from the wind.
Surroundings alongside Bear Lake Path
Use Traction Gadgets
As I discussed earlier, microspikes or comparable traction gadgets are helpful right here within the winter, generally even in parking heaps or different elements of city. Trails could look packed and manageable however change into icy in small sections. The good factor is it’s fast to slide them on proper over your footwear, and so they’re simple to stroll in.
I additionally want to deliver telescoping trekking poles, however remember you could’t journey with these in carryon baggage. Should you’re not a checked bag individual, hire a pair from the mountain store in Estes.
Watch the Climate Intently
Circumstances can change rapidly. Verify forecasts every day, have backup plans, and purchase high-protein snacks and additional water to have readily available in case you’re caught someplace ready out a storm.
Plan for Restricted Providers
RMNP’s loos, customer facilities, and concessions function on decreased schedules in winter. Carry all the things you want with you, and gas up in Estes Park earlier than heading in.
Give Wildlife House
Animals preserve vitality in winter, making them seem additional calm, even docile. Preserve protected distances and by no means method for photographs. The overall rule of thumb (pun supposed!) is that you need to be capable to stick your arm straight out in entrance of you and canopy the animal utterly along with your thumb. Should you can’t, you’re too shut.
Elk in Estes Park (photographed from inside a lodge room)
Why Winter is Value it
Winter in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park isn’t about checking off each spotlight. It’s about slowing down and savoring the little moments. Quick walks, wildlife encounters, and the blissful absence of crowds that permit households to expertise the park on their very own phrases.
For youths, snow transforms the panorama right into a residing playground. For fogeys, the quieter tempo and simpler logistics, like no timed entry or packed trailheads, make winter surprisingly stress-free. It is probably not the season Rocky is most well-known for, however I wager it’ll be the one you keep in mind most.
Photographs by Taryn Shorr-Mckee
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