Winter Programs - East Side (Near Estes Park, CO)

NPS

For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Often, the park is less crowded. For those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to experience the beauty of the southern Rockies. A great way to explore the wonders of the park in winter is to attend one of Rocky’s Ranger-led winter programs. Weather and snow conditions permitting, programs will take place on both the east and west sides of the park.

New to Snowshoeing? Join a Kid-Friendly Snowshoe Walk!

Are you new to snowshoeing? On this walk, come and learn what snowshoeing is all about. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call Rocky home. This snowshoe walk is great for the whole family!

Beginning on January 25, these programs take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and they are 1-hour in length. Participants must bring their own snowshoes or rent them outside of the park. For additional program details and to register, visit https://rmconservancy.org/rmnpsnowshoe/

Looking for a More Adventurous Snowshoe Hike?

Enjoy an afternoon of winter exploration! Participants will travel across hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and forest areas 9,400-9,700 feet in elevation. Snowshoe hikes are 2-hours in duration. Along the way, participants will learn about plants and wildlife that call Rocky home. Beginning on January 28, snowshoe hikes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Participants must bring their own snowshoes or rent them outside of the park. Advanced reservations are required. For details and to register, visit https://rmconservancy.org/rmnpsnowshoe/

Things to Know Before Attending Any of Rocky's Ranger-led Snowshoe Programs:

All ranger-led snowshoe programs are free (park entrance fees are required) and advanced reservations are required.

Reservations open 7 days in advance of a scheduled program, in the order they are received. Space is limited to a total of 20 people per program. Due to limited space, a maximum of 6 members of the same group may sign up for a reservation on the same walk.

Program locations will be provided once reservations are made.

For all east side snowshoe programs, you must bring your own snowshoes or rent snowshoes outside of the park. Additionally, all programs are:

• Are guided by RMNP park rangers or Rocky Mountain Conservancy Winter Naturalists.
• Are open to all skill levels. Prior experience is not needed. All Snowshoe Hikes are considered "moderately strenuous".
• Children in carriers are not allowed due to safety concerns as we travel over variable and uneven terrain.
• Last approximately 1 - 2 hours.
• Take place at high elevations ranging from 8,700 - 9,000 feet of elevation.
• Take place within Rocky Mountain National Park and park entrance fees do apply.
• All programs will meet at a designated trailhead inside RMNP (the exact location will be provided after you register). The exact route will vary and do not always follow a designated trail.
• Require at least 8 - 10 inches of base snow to take place. At least 8 inches of snow is necessary to safely and effectively use snowshoes.
• May be canceled last minute due to poor weather or snow conditions.
  • If canceled, all registered participants will be notified.

Safety Information:

• Appropriate clothing is essential for your comfort and safety; this includes appropriate footwear, layered clothing, winter jacket, hat, and gloves. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
• Water resistant hiking boots or snow boots are required. Due to safety concerns (hypothermia and frost bite), participants wearing tennis/gym shoes will not be allowed to participate on the snowshoe program.
• Bring your own water and snacks.
• Participants must have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevation. One mile of snowshoeing is more strenuous than a typical hike. You may consider this activity level equal to hiking at least two miles on a summer trail, jogging one mile, or biking three miles.
• All snowshoe programs inside RMNP take place at higher elevations. These programs may not be suitable for people sensitive to altitude.

 

Additional Fun Winter Program Include:

 

Snowshoe hare tracks in the snow

NPS Photo/B.Beach

Become a Track Scene Investigator!

Have you ever seen wildlife tracks in the park and wondered what left them behind? On this 1-hour program, take a walk with a park ranger guide and learn about the wildlife that leave behind their tracks and stories in the snow.

We will look for tracks and other signs left behind by elk, deer, coyote, ermine, and more!

Join us on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the West Alluvial Fan Parking Area, located on the east side of RMNP on Endovalley Road. Weather and snow conditions permitting, this program will be happening through Saturday, March 22, 2025.

This program is free and great for all ages. No prior knowledge is needed to attend.

This program takes place outside and all participants should be dressed for the anticipated conditions. A warm jacket, waterproof boots, and traction devices are advised for your comfort. A park entrance fee or annual/lifetime park entrance pass is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park.

 

NPS

Experience the fun of Ice Fishing!

Sprague Lake may be frozen, but the fish are still biting! Bundle up and give ice fishing a try. Beginning on January 19, join a ranger guide at Sprague Lake anytime from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays and Fridays.

Weather and conditions permitting, these programs will continue through mid-March. Ice fishing programs are drop-in programs and participants are welcome to come at any time and stay as long as they choose.

Ice Fishing programs are free (park entrance fees are required) and no prior experience is needed. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older who plan to fish. Due to icy conditions along the trails and walkways, all participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own, or rent, traction devices before arriving at the park.

 

NPS

Basic Avalanche Rescue Skills at Hidden Valley

Are you interested in learning some basic avalanche rescue skills? Join us at Hidden Valley on Sundays at 1 p.m. for a Ranger-led Avalanche Rescue Basics Program. Weather and snow conditions permitting, this program will be offered through Sunday, March 23, 2025.

This 2-hour program is free and open to the public. A park entrance fee or annual/lifetime park entrance pass is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. No prior experience is needed to attend. Practice rescue equipment will be provided.

Program participants will learn how to identify potential avalanche terrain and hazards, learn what tools to use when traveling in avalanche terrain, how to use those tools, and more! Program participants will meet your park ranger guide at the Hidden Valley Warming Hut, located near the Hidden Valley Parking Area. Hidden Valley is located on the east side of RMNP and accessed via Trail Ridge Road approximately 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances.

The program will start at the Warming Hut and take place mostly outdoors. Participants should bring their own food, water, traction devices, and dress in warm layers to be comfortable for the full program.

Based on weather and conditions, the program may move to the Hidden Valley Warming Hut. At an elevation of 9,240 feet, Hidden Valley can be very windy and cold.

 

Fall River Visitor Center

NPS

Learn More About Rocky Mountain National Park at RockyLab!

Interested in learning more about Rocky Mountain National Park? Meet with a park ranger guide and explore different topics during RockyLab.

Fun, interactive activities include wildlife track identification, bird identification, tree identification, design your own national park, and more! Join us at Fall River Visitor Center from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays now through April 13, 2025.

This program takes place inside the Fall River Visitor Center, located along U.S. Highway 34 near Estes Park. These are drop-in programs. Visitors of all ages are welcome to drop in anytime between 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and stay as long as they choose. This program is free and a park entrance fee is not needed to attend.