Winter in Rocky Rocky, as Rocky Mountain National Park is known to rangers and locals, is as spectacular and dramatic as it sounds like it should be. One of the most visited parks in the country, winter is a great time to visit thanks to the combination of lower visitor numbers (especially on weekdays) and spectacular winter scenery.
that will see you explore the majestic park under the glow of a full moon. For those that really want to get a handle on the inner
group’s needs. Entrance to the park is included in the tour and hot beverages are complimentary.
Family Time Rocky is a great place for families thanks, in part, to the ranger-led programs that offer the chance to explore the winter world of Rocky Mountain National Park with an expert guide. Every week on Saturday and Sunday at 10 am throughout winter there is a free talk at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Wild in Winter will educate you as to how winter affects your visit and how animals adapt to the conditions. Then there are the once-a-month (Dec. 11, Jan. 10 and Feb. 9) Walk in the Moonlight hikes. Reservations are required for this free two-hour walk 26
Photos: NPS photo by John Marino
workings of the park’s ecosystem or just can’t stand the cold, the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Conservancy operates Wintertime Wonders: On-demand Bus Tour. Get comfortable on a warm bus and listen as a naturalist explains various facets of the park. The tour also includes short walks which can be tailored to the
Activities Snowshoeing and hiking: Depending on when and where you go, it is possible snowshoes may or may not be required for a jaunt around the park. When the snow really does start flying, however, snowshoes mean you can still explore and enjoy a snow-covered park.
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Rentals are available in Estes Park and at The Warming House on Hwy 36 (Moraine Ave.) on the way to the Beaver Meadows entrance. If you’re staying at a hotel nearby, be sure to ask them if they have snowshoes you can borrow. For a gentle winter hike, Bear Lake Loop is just 0.6 miles with an elevation gain of 20 feet making it perfect for families with younger children. The leisurely walk around the high-mountain lake offers amazing views of the surrounding peaks. Short it might be, but it’s one of Rocky’s most famous trails thanks to a combination of accessibility and sheer beauty. For something significantly more challenging, opt for the three-mile hike to the summit of Deer Mountain. Over on the north side of the park, this hike will see you gain over 1,000 feet as you hike up to 10,013 feet, making this a challenging three miles. You will be well compensated, however, with incredible views of the Continental Divide. Snowshoes or skis are a good idea for the