Programs Offered During The Holidays At Rocky Mountain National Park

The holiday season is a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing and a variety of winter recreational activities to do on your own, some fun activities with park rangers are offered. Rocky Mountain National Park has a calendar full of fun family activities for the holidays.

On the east side of the park:

Read with a Ranger! – December 26, 29, 31 and January 1 at 10:30 a.m. daily. Hear stories about the wonders of the winter season. Meet at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (located on Highway 36) for this 30 minute program.

Animals in Winter – December 27, 30, and January 1 and 3 at 10:30 a.m. daily. Meet Rocky's wildlife! Come to this 30-minute program at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (located on Highway 36) for a hands-on experience.

Wild in Winter – December 21, 28, and January 4 at 10:00 a.m. Drop in for an informal chat with a ranger to explore how the park's animals handle the winter season.

Snowshoe Ecology Walks – December 28, 30 and January 2 at 12:30 p.m. Join a ranger for a beginner- level snowshoe tour exploring the natural world of a subalpine forest. Ages 8 years old and above. Participants will need to bring their own snowshoes which can be rented at local sporting goods stores. Reservations required, can be made beginning December 21; call (970) 586-1223.

Full Moon Walk: Sunday, January 4 – Explore the wintery world of Rocky Mountain National Park under the light of a full moon. Join a park ranger on a moderate walk and share stories of the magic of moonlight. Dress in warm layers and wear waterproof boots. Gaitors and traction devices may be helpful. Reservations required, and can be made beginning December 28; call (970) 586-1223. Time and location will be given at the time of reservation.

On the west side of the park:

Ski the Wilderness – December 27 and January 3 at 9:30 a.m. Join a park ranger for this 1.5 hour cross-country ski tour of the Kawuneeche Valley. For ages 8 and above. Reservations required, and can be made beginning December 21; call (970) 627-3471.

Snowshoe in the Kawuneeche – December 27 and January 3 at 1:00 p.m. Beginner-level snowshoe tour with a ranger. For ages 8 and above. Bring your own snowshoes and poles. Reservations required, and can be made beginning December 21; call (970) 627-3471.

Intermediate Snowshoe Walk - December 28 and January 4 at 1:00 p.m. A more rigorous tour with elevation gains up to 500 feet. This tour requires the ability to maintain a good pace over uneven terrain at high altitude. Bring your own snowshoes and poles. For ages 8 and above. Reservations required, and can be made beginning December 22; call (970) 627-3471.

On both the east and west side of the park:

Spirit of the Mountains – Park Movie - Shown by request daily. See the stunning 23 minute park film at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (located on Highway 36 west of Estes Park) and the Kawuneeche Visitor Center (located on Highway 34 north of Grand Lake).

Programs continue through the winter. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206. All park visitor centers and the Information Office will be closed on December 25.

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If you do plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park this winter, please note that our hiking website offers a wide variety of accommodation listings for both Estes Park and Grand Lake to help with all your vacation planning.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com