For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded, yet alive with activity. For those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the scenic beauty of the southern Rockies.
Interested in experiencing the wonders of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park with a park ranger? Weather and snow conditions permitting, beginning on Saturday, January 4, and continuing through late-March, enjoy one of RMNP’s ranger-led winter programs! These programs will take place at various locations inside the park near the town of Grand Lake, CO.
Join a Snowshoe Walk
Enjoy the quiet of winter in Rocky as you walk across a snow-covered landscape using snowshoes. These snowshoe walks are two-hours in length and program participants will walk through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and mixed conifer forest areas within Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call the park home. No previous snowshoe experience is required. These walks are considered moderately strenuous. Participants should have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevations. These programs take place at 8,700-9,300 feet in elevation.
Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks are free (park entrance fees are required). These programs will take place on Saturdays & Sundays at 1 p.m. and advanced reservations are required. It is recommended to plan ahead when possible, as these programs are very popular and fill quickly.
To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Reservations can be scheduled up to seven days in advance of a scheduled program. A maximum of 6 people in the same group may sign up per walk. Participants must be 8 years or older.
New in 2025: Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks
Rocky Mountain National Park is offering a new program this year, Family-Friendly Snowshoes Walks! Designed for families with children ages 5 and older, these programs offer a great way for the whole family to get outside and explore the wonders of winter in Rocky. These snowshoe walks are two-hours in length.
Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks will take place at 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: February 7, 14, 21, and 28. Advanced reservations are required and these programs are expected to fill quickly. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513.
To Participate in a Snowshoe Walk, What Equipment is Provided?
For all Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks on the west side of RMNP, snowshoes are provided for your use. A range of adult and child sizes are available and all snowshoes must be turned in at the end of the program. Planning to go snowshoeing on your own? Visitors can rent snowshoes at locations outside of the park or bring their own.
For your comfort and safety, program participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing to help keep you warm. Recommended items include waterproof winter jackets, snow pants, warm socks, waterproof boots, gloves/mittens, a hat, and sunglasses or goggles.
Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours
Do you like to go cross-country skiing? Would you like to go skiing with an experienced ranger guide? Beginning on Saturday, January 18, Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours will be available on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Weather and snow conditions permitting, they will continue through March 15.
To participate, some cross-country skiing experience is required. Program participants must be 16 or older. These programs are expected to fill quickly and advanced reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Space is limited to 12 people per program and a maximum of 4 people in the same group may sign up per program. Participants must bring or rent their own skis. Equipment rentals are available outside of the park.
For more information on all winter interpretive programs, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-snowshoe-walks.htm.
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