What You Must Know About Visiting RMNP in Winter

Winter transforms Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park right into a peaceable, snow-covered wonderland. The paths are quieter, the landscapes are blanketed in contemporary snow, and the crowds are nearly nonexistent. It’s a very totally different expertise than the full of life summer time months by which I had beforehand visited, but it surely’s simply as breathtaking in its personal manner.

From frozen lakes to serene alpine views, winter provides an entire new layer of magnificence to this unbelievable place. Listed below are the need-to-knows to your personal go to to RMNP, which is a perfect cease while you go to Estes Park in Winter.

Park Accessibility in Winter

Winter in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park brings some modifications to accessibility, but it surely’s nonetheless simple to discover its snowy magnificence. Whereas Path Ridge Highway—the enduring high-elevation route—closes for the season, Bear Lake Highway stays open and provides entry to a few of the park’s most beautiful winter trails and vistas.

Roads inside the park are repeatedly maintained, however winter situations could be unpredictable. Snow, ice, and wind could make driving difficult, so having a car geared up with 4WD/AWD or carrying chains is a brilliant alternative, particularly after a storm – although not required.

One perk of visiting RMNP in winter is the absence of timed entry reservations, which implies you possibly can plan a spontaneous journey with out worrying about reserving upfront. Nevertheless, you’ll nonetheless must buy a park cross, which is required year-round.

Passes could be purchased on-line by means of the park’s web site or on the entrance stations while you arrive. Should you’re a frequent customer, contemplate the annual cross for limitless entry.

Greatest Winter Climbing Trails

Winter mountaineering right here provides a singular alternative to expertise the quiet great thing about snow-covered trails and frozen alpine lakes. That is the best time of 12 months to discover the Bear Lake Hall, the place iconic trails are reworked into serene winter escapes with fewer crowds and breathtaking surroundings.

For shorter hikes, Dream Lake is a must-see vacation spot. Ranging from the Bear Lake Trailhead, this path takes you previous Nymph Lake earlier than opening as much as the shimmering, ice-covered Dream Lake framed by towering peaks. It’s a reasonable trek however quick sufficient to take pleasure in even in chilly climate, and it’s the one I took on my final go to. That’s what you’re seeing within the pictures!

In response to the ranger I spoke with, one other nice short-hike choice is Sprague Lake. It’s a flat, simple loop with panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and unbelievable dawn picture alternatives.

For these on the lookout for extra of a problem, the Bierstadt Lake Path is a wonderful longer hike. Starting on the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, this route climbs steadily by means of snow-laden forests, providing occasional views of the peaks as you ascend. The reward is a surprising alpine lake surrounded by snowy meadows and evergreen bushes.

The path’s elevation achieve and size make it extra demanding, however the peaceable ambiance and breathtaking surroundings make it a rewarding winter journey. It’s a great alternative should you’re trying to escape into the quieter corners of the park whereas nonetheless staying near the Bear Lake Hall.

Winter trails in RMNP usually characteristic packed snow and icy situations, so preparation is vital. Microspikes or snowshoes can assist guarantee protected footing, particularly on steeper or shaded sections of the path. The Bear Lake Hall is especially well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for each newbie and seasoned hikers to expertise the magic of RMNP in winter.

Should you don’t have spikes/snowshoes then seize them earlier than heading into the park. I rented from Estes Park Mountain Store. It was a unbelievable expertise with nice costs (they usually give again a lot to the Estes Park group.)

Extra Than Climbing

Hidden Valley, as soon as residence to a ski resort in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, has discovered new life because the park’s solely designated sledding space. The ski resort operated from 1955 till it closed in 1991, however at this time, households and winter adventurers can take pleasure in the identical slopes, simply differently. The hill, situated simply off Path Ridge Highway close to Many Parks Curve, is ideal for sledding and an excellent spot out-of-towners with little ones who need to play within the powder.

Our household visited on a weekday, so we have been ready to make use of the restrooms, however the warming hut was closed. It’s value noting you’ll must carry your personal sled or tube since there aren’t leases out there on-site. Fortunately, Estes Park Mountain Store has these for hire, as properly.

Issues to notice: There’s not a tow up the hill, so your children (otherwise you) shall be hauling the sled again up the mountain. It’s not too dangerous, really, however be ready. Additionally, should you’re bringing your personal sled, ensure it doesn’t have metallic runners; they’re not allowed. Lastly, like the remainder of the park, you’ll want to depart your pets at residence.

The ranger’s additionally supply ranger-led snowshoe walks and cross nation ski excursions. New in 2025, they’re providing family-friendly snowshoe hikes, geared towards kiddos 5 and older, with their guardians.

Lastly, sure, you can ice skate on the frozen lakes within the park. There will not be skate leases so carry your personal or hire them on the town. Additionally, speak to the rangers earlier than you get on the ice to verify it’s frozen sufficient to carry you. We visited in early December and it wasn’t fairly prepared – however yearly is totally different.

Bears, Sheep, and Elk – Oh My!

When you’re go to, you’ve received some distinctive alternatives for wildlife recognizing, with some animals changing into much more lively within the snow-covered panorama. Elk are a standard sight, with round 100 overwintering within the park and an extra 200 taking on residence in close by Estes Park.

Mule deer are much more plentiful, with populations reaching over 500 throughout the colder months. Hold a watch out for the park’s roughly 350 bighorn sheep, usually seen on rocky slopes or open areas. Smaller critters like snowshoe hares and ptarmigans mix seamlessly into the snowy backdrop, their white winter coats making them a enjoyable problem to identify. Coyotes additionally stay lively, and also you may see their tracks alongside the paths.

Whereas bears and marmots hibernate throughout the winter, it’s necessary to keep in mind that the park is residence to an estimated 20–25 black bears. Although they’re possible of their dens, please nonetheless take precautions. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to get a better look with out disturbing them, and keep on with marked trails to reduce your impression on their habitat.

Dressing for Winter Adventures

Ask any native about the important thing to having fun with winter adventures, and they’ll let you know all of it begins with dressing for the climate. And as you put together, needless to say the temperatures within the park are considerably colder and winds probably stronger than in Estes Park. Even on sunny days, the coolness can catch you off guard, so layering is crucial to remain snug and protected.

Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to maintain sweat away out of your pores and skin. Add an insulating center layer, like fleece or down, to entice warmth, and end with a water-resistant and windproof outer layer to defend your self from snow and icy gusts.

Don’t neglect the small necessities—heat gloves, a comfortable hat, and face safety like a buff or balaclava. Sun shades are a should for lowering glare from the snow, and sunscreen is simply as necessary as in summer time for the reason that solar’s rays are even stronger at larger altitudes. With the precise gear, you’ll be able to tackle RMNP’s winter wonderland.

Last Suggestions

• Deliver loads of water – dehydration occurs even in winter. And should you count on the elevation to be a problem, you may also embrace some electrolytes.

• Pack snacks, particularly for longer hikes.

• Begin early to maximise daytime and keep away from getting caught in the dead of night. The solar units early in winter.

• Be sure you cease on the Beaver Creek ranger station to speak to the rangers in regards to the situations, any particular points throughout your go to, and to take a look at the applications and reward store.

• Whenever you’re coming into the park, seize espresso and breakfast at Espresso on the Rocks. It’s on the left only a small methods earlier than you enter the park. The breakfast sandwiches listed here are scrumptious!

• After your go to, as you head out of the park, Chicken & Jim is the place to seize a chew. You’ll be famished, and that is the place to resolve that downside. It’s my favourite restaurant in Estes Park!