Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter

Most think of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park as a summer destination. With its majestic peaks, frozen lakes, and snow-covered meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park is a winter enthusiast’s dream. Whether you’re looking for winter sports, tranquil nature walks, or simply the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped landscapes, here are the top things to do in and around Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter.

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Unlike in the summer, the park’s eastern and western sides are not connected during the winter. Trail Ridge Road closes, making for a great spot for cross country skiing. This means that visitors need to choose to visit the east side near Estes Park and Allenspark or the west side near Grand Lake on any given day. Driving from Estes Park to Grand Lake takes 3 hours 15 minutes on average.

Our Top Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Activities:

• Winter Hiking
• Snowshoeing
• Sledding and Tubing
• Ranger-led Programs
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Wildlife Watching
• Photography
• Ice Skating
• Ice Climbing
• Snowmobiling
• Additional Winter Activities

 1. Winter Hiking

While many trails are covered in snow, winter hiking is still possible in the park. Lower elevation trails, such as Gem Lake, Cub Lake, and Deer Mountain often have less snow and offer peaceful hikes through the winter landscape. It’s crucial to check trail conditions, wear appropriate winter gear, and consider using micro-spikes on your boots.

If you’re more comfortable with a tour, try this guided hike from Denver.

See our Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking post for more ideas on trails to explore. Before heading out on the trail, we check trail conditions on Alltrails.com and the national park site.

2. Snowshoeing 

Winter in the Rockies provides a perfect backdrop for snowshoeing. The park boasts numerous trails that cater to all skill levels, offering a unique way to explore the forests and meadows blanketed in snow. The Bear Lake area, in particular, offers some of the most picturesque trails, including the popular Bear Lake Trail, Emerald Lake Trail, and the Sprague Lake Loop.

Beginners can enjoy guided snowshoe walks offered by the park, providing a safe adventure and educational insights into the park’s winter ecology. These ranger led programs are offered on both the Estes Park and Grand Lake sides of the park.

The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park and Granby locations are also great options for snowshoeing, with rentals available onsite.

3. Sledding and Tubing

There are a variety of sledding and tubing options in and around the park.

• Hidden Valley: on the east side of the park, this is the only area for sledding in the park. Plan to bring your own sleds and walk up the hill between runs. This is usually unstaffed.
• YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park: on the east side of the park, this sledding hill is open to those staying at the YMCA and those purchasing a day pass. Bring your own sled or check one out at the Sweet Memorial Program Building.
• YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch on the west side of the park has both sledding and tubing, open to those staying at the YMCA and those purchasing a day pass. Tubes can be checked out at the Winter Pavilion, where the ice skating rink is located.
• Grand Lake Nordic Center on the west side of the park has a free tubing hill with 10 tubes available to check out. You can bring your own sleds and tubes as well.

4. Ranger-led Programs

Participating in ranger-led programs is a great way to learn more about the park’s winter ecosystem, history, and wildlife. Their winter programs often include snowshoe tours, wildlife talks, and night sky programs, providing insightful and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.

 5. Cross-Country Skiing

There are a variety of options for cross-country skiing within and just outside of the park. Cross-country skiing in the park is not at an organized nordic center and is only on un-groomed trails. This is not suited for true beginners. You can rent equipment in Estes Park or Grand Lake before coming in to the park. The best opportunities in the park to cross-country ski are:

• Ranger led Nordic programs on the west side of the park
• Bear Lake corridor trails on the east side of the park
• Calypso Cascades Trail near the Wild Basin park entrance in Allenspark
• Trail Ridge Road is closed in winter. When the snow starts to fall, this is a great spot to ski either from the west or east side. This is my personal favorite ski spot in the park.

If you prefer groomed trails, rentals, or lessons, there are plenty of options on the west side of the park.

• Grand Lake Nordic Center is the closest groomed cross-country skiing to the park, offering a low key and uncrowded cross-country ski experience.
• YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch has one of the largest cross-country centers in the area, with gorgeous views to the continental divide. In addition to skiing, check out the biathlon, ice skating, tubing, and many family programs available.
• Devils Thumb Ranch offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, biathlon, and more at this luxury resort. Cross-country is available to non-guests. Some options such as fat biking are only available to resort guests.

6. Wildlife Watching

Winter is a fantastic time to watch for wildlife in the park. The snow-covered landscapes make it easier to spot animals against the white backdrop. Elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep are commonly seen in lower elevations, such as Moraine Park. Moose tend to be spotted in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park, often around the parking areas in winter.

Remember to keep a safe distance and use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe the wildlife. There have been numerous reports of moose charging or chasing people who get too close in Colorado.

7. Photography

Photographers flock to the stark beauty of the Rocky Mountains in winter. Rocky Mountain National Park in winter offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes. The light at sunrise and sunset is magical, especially at locations like Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Moraine Park.

8. Ice Skating

For beginners, those needing skate rentals or lessons, and those looking for smooth ice, these rinks just outside the park are great options:

• YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park: on the east side of the park, the ice rink is open to those staying at the YMCA and those purchasing a day pass. Bring your own skates or check some out at the Sweet Memorial Program Building.
• YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch on the west side of the park, the ice rink is open to those staying at the YMCA and those purchasing a day pass. Bring your own skates or check some out at the Winter Pavilion.
• The Town of Grand Lake has two skating rinks, one in Town Park and one on the lake. Free skates can be checked out next to the lake front rink. Check the town’s site for conditions of the lake rink before going skating to ensure the ice is safe.

Another option is to skate on the lakes in the national park. Popular lakes for skating include Bear Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Chasm Lake. Skaters need to bring their own skates. Ensure that the lakes are safe before skating and be aware that the ice may be covered in snow and may not be smooth.

9. Ice Climbing

Rocky Mountain National Park offers exceptional ice climbing opportunities for the more adventurous visitors. The park’s frozen waterfalls and ice formations create an exciting challenge for climbers. Hidden Falls in Wild Basin is one of the classic introduction to ice climbing spots in Colorado. There are plenty of alternatives for the more experienced climbers.

It’s essential to be experienced and well prepared. If you are newer to the sport, hire a guide to ensure a fun and safe experience. Colorado Mountain School is local to Estes Park and has a long history of ice climbing instruction.

10. Snowmobiling

Join a guided snowmobiling excursion into the pristine backcountry. Experience the thrill of exploring hidden trails and untouched wilderness areas. Our recommended option on the west side of the park is Grand Adventures.

Additional Winter Activities

Rocky Mountain National Park in winter is a place of quiet beauty and thrilling adventure. Whether you’re gliding through a snowy forest on skis, capturing the perfect sunrise shot, or simply enjoying the silence of a winter’s walk, the park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Remember to plan ahead, check the weather, and prepare for the conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this winter paradise.

If you are planning additional winter activities on the west side of the park, you might like our post How to Plan the Perfect Winter Park Ski Vacation Week.

Travel Tips

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park offers an unforgettable experience, blending awe-inspiring natural beauty with adventure. To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to plan ahead.

Where to Stay

One of the choices to make is whether to stay on the east or west side of the park. The west side has more options for winter activities. The east side is closer to Boulder. Planning part of your winter trip on each side may be the best option.

The only campground open in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter is the Aspenglen Campground. Reserve spots on the government recreation site.

Estes Park Lodging

• Rams Horn Village Resort: this resort offers 2-3 bedroom holiday homes in Estes Park. There is a pool, hot tub, and fitness center onsite.
• Stanley Hotel: recently renovated, this classic hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
• YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park: just outside of the Park, the YMCA offers a classic camp feel. Stay in lodge rooms, cabins, yurts, or even reunion cabins. Camping and a large variety of activities are available.

Grand Lake Lodging

• Grand Lake Lodge. this lodge provides a century-old national park type ambience. It has mountainside bungalows to half-cabins and more. If you are looking for a classic, camp feel with close access to the park and gorgeous views of the lake, this is a great choice. In winter, a subset of the lodging is available and the dining room may be closed.
• Winding River Resort: right next to the park, this resort has camping and cabins, trail rides in summer, and sleigh rides in winter. This is closed winter of 2024.
• YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch: about 30 minutes from the west park entrance, Snow Mountain Ranch offers a classic camp feel. Stay in lodge rooms, cabins, yurts, or even reunion cabins. Camping and a large variety of activities are available, including a large nordic center.

If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in winter, check out our tips on renting a car for your ski vacation.

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