Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter is an absolutely wonderful time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park, as well as the area surrounding it, offers many outstanding outdoor opportunities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, downhill skiing, wildlife watching, dog sled rides, fat biking, ice fishing and even hiking. Even if you don’t own your own equipment there are many outfitters in Estes Park and Grand Lake that will rent everything you’ll need to enjoy your adventures.

Winter in the Rockies can typically last from November through April. The lower elevations along the eastern slope of Rocky Mountain National Park are usually free of deep snow. However, at higher elevations, arctic conditions prevail. Sudden blizzards, high winds, and deep snowpack are common in these areas of the park. The west side of the park usually experiences more snow, less wind and clear cold days during this time period. Skiing and snowshoeing conditions are usually at their best in January, February, and March. Unpredictable weather alternates between warm and cold, wet and dry conditions during April.

Based on the latest ten years of precipitation data, Estes Park (7522 feet) receives approximately 34 inches of snow each year, while Grand Lake (8369 feet) receives roughly 147 inches annually.

Visitors to the park should make note that the upper portion of Trail Ridge Road is closed during the winter. Depending on weather, the road usually closes for the season around mid-October or early-November, and reopens by Memorial Day Weekend. During the winter season, weather permitting, Trail Ridge Road is normally open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park, and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. For the latest information on closures you can call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line at 970-586-1222, or visit the park website.

The following are a few of the winter adventures you can enjoy in and around the national park:

Snowshoeing – is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the park and surrounding areas during the winter. Basically, if you can hike, you can snowshoe! Within the park you can join a ranger-led snowshoe excursion. Several outings are offered throughout the winter. Participants will learn techniques to traverse various terrain as they explore the natural world of subalpine forests. No previous experience is needed for these programs. Outside of the park are several other areas you can explore. On the west side you may want to note that 70% of Grand County is public land. Therefore, snowshoers will have access to hundreds of miles of trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Never Summer Wilderness, Arapaho National Forest, Arapaho National Recreation Area, Byers Peak Wilderness, Vasquez Peak Wilderness, Medicine Bow/Routt National Forest, Winter Park and Fraser Valley areas. You can find additional information on these areas, as well as equipment rental outfitters and various Nordic centers by clicking here. For information on equipment outfitters and snowshoeing opportunities in the Estes Park area, please click here.

Cross-country Skiing – is another popular winter sport in and around the park. On the west side of the park, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers offer the "Ski the Wilderness in Winter" program each winter. Cross-country skiers also have access to trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Never Summer Wilderness, Arapaho National Forest, Arapaho National Recreation Area, Byers Peak Wilderness, Vasquez Peak Wilderness, Medicine Bow/Routt National Forest, Winter Park and Fraser Valley areas. You can find additional information about these areas, as well as equipment rental outfitters and various Nordic centers by clicking here.

Although the terrain and the amount snow on the west side of the park make for better cross-country skiing, the Estes Park area also offers many cross-country skiing opportunities as well. For additional information on these opportunities, as well as equipment rental outfitters on the east side of the park, please click here.

Hiking – Depending on the amount of snow on the ground, visitors can also enjoy hiking in the park, especially on the east side. Destinations such as Cub Lake, Chasm Falls, Deer Mountain, Gem Lake and Upper Beaver Meadows are all great choices during the winter. For more information about these hiking destinations in winter, please click here.

Sledding - Hidden Valley is the one place in Rocky Mountain National Park where sledding is allowed. Please note that no tows are provided, and you must provide your own plastic sled, saucer, or tube (if you don't bring your own they can be rented in Estes Park at most outdoor shops). This gentle hill is at the bottom of the bunny slope of the former Hidden Valley Ski Area. On most weekends there's an attendant here. A warming room is also available. Winter winds can scour the area, causing conditions to vary, so you should call the park Information Office at 970-586-1206 for the latest information.

Wildlife Watching - Many park roads are usually open during the winter, which provide access for viewing park wildlife. Winter is an especially good time to look for elk, mule deer, moose, and other large mammals. Visitors should look for moose along the Colorado River on the park's west side. Elk and mule deer are most active at dusk and dawn, and are usually seen in meadow areas. Look for bighorn sheep along the Highway 34/Fall River corridor on the park's east side. Coyotes may be seen any time of day. Members of the Jay family, including Steller's jays, gray jays, Clark's nutcrackers, and the iridescent, long-tailed black-billed magpies are commonly seen in the winter as well.

Other Outdoor Activities – in addition to the winter activities already mentioned above, the Grand Lake area offers several other winter adventures, including downhill skiing, dog sled rides, fat biking, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding and snowmobiling, among many other options. You can click here for a full list of winter activities.

Before venturing into the park during the winter months be sure you’re properly prepared for cold and snowy conditions. Be sure to layer up with insulating, waterproof clothing, wear sunglasses, use sunscreen, carry water and carry a good topographical trail map.

Other info:

For the latest information on weather conditions, please click here.

* Current Bear Lake Snow Conditions

* Overall Trail Conditions

* Colorado Avalanche Information

If you do plan to visit Rocky Mountain this winter, or anytime of the year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your vacation planning.



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From Montana to New Mexico, the American Rockies stretch for more than a thousand miles. Within this spectacular mountain range are thousands of miles of hiking trails. With such an overwhelming number of options, how will you find and choose the most scenic and rewarding hikes?

Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Rocky Mountains takes all the guesswork out by focusing on some of the most amazing hikes across this range, and provides you with a handpicked list of options that will allow you to make the most of your trips in the Rockies:

Rocky Mountain National Park Considers Allowing Bicycles on Section of East Shore Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park staff are considering whether to allow bicycle use on a two-mile section of the East Shore Trail within the national park. The East Shore Trail runs roughly parallel to the east shore of Shadow Mountain Lake, which is located near the town of Grand Lake, Colorado. The East Shore Trail area is not part of designated wilderness within the park.

The National Park Service has prepared an Environment Assessment (EA) to analyze the effects of allowing bicycle use on the northern two miles of the East Shore Trail within the park. Two alternatives are analyzed in the EA:

Alternative A – No Action / Continue Current Management: The National Park Service would manage the East Shore Trail as it is currently. Pedestrian use would continue to be allowed along the entire two-mile section of trail and livestock use would continue to be allowed on the East Shore Trail north of its intersection with the Ranger Meadows Trail. The use of bicycles would not be permitted anywhere on the trail within the park.

Alternative B – Allow Bicycle Use with Minor Trail Modifications: This alternative proposes minor improvements to a two-mile portion of the East Shore Trail within the national park to accommodate bicycle use and other existing trail uses. The proposed improvements include construction of a short reroute of the trail for the purposes of improving public safety, trail sustainability, and to avoid impacts to natural and cultural resources. A number of management strategies are included in this alternative to avoid conflicts among users.

Park staff will host two public meetings to present the project and answer questions. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Lake Fire Station, located at 201 West Portal Road in Grand Lake. The second meeting will be held on Monday, February 24th, at 7:15 p.m. at the Alfalfa's Market Community Room located at 1651 Broadway in Boulder. Parking is available at the Boulder Public Library across the street. Participants may submit written comments at the public meetings.

Park staff welcome comments on this project. The EA is now available for public review and comment for 45 days. Comments must be received in writing by close of business on March 3, 2014.

The preferred method for reviewing the EA and submitting comments is to use the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. A list of current planning projects will be displayed, including the "East Shore Trail Environmental Assessment."

Comments can also be submitted by mail to: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 U.S. Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can ask the park in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, the park cannot guarantee they will be able to do so.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Summer Rocks on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park

Home to the western slope of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand County, Colorado is a summer favorite for families preferring to experience this adventure wonderland in less-crowded destinations. To help visitors grasp the big picture, the park offers complimentary ranger-led programs throughout the season.

From daytime hiking past meadows and rivers along the Continental Divide Trail, to roasting marshmallows with a wrangler around a campfire, all ages can celebrate the great outdoors. Regardless of the day or evening you visit, there’s something on the calendar.

Here’s a look at the programs being offered on the park’s West Side throughout the summer:

Walks & Hikes

* Hike Through History – Discover hidden remnants of mining and dude ranch history along the Colorado River on a gentle three-mile hike.

* Inside The Fence – Enter an "exclosure" to learn about moose, elk and beaver, and explore habitat recovery firsthand.

* Beyond The Falls – Take an easy one-mile stroll to Adams Falls and soak in the spectacular view beyond.

* Mountain Wildflowers – A ranger leads the way to current blooms and explains what makes them so special. Ends 8/13.

* Rocky Mountain Heritage Walk – Learn Kawuneeche Valley history while exploring a historic guest ranch. Starts 6/22.

* Wilderness Connections – This moderate two-mile hike along a new section of the Continental Divide Trail features a meadow and river.

Children’s Programs (End Mid-August)

* Junior Ranger Program – Earn a Junior Ranger badge with a one-hour program and activities.

* Web Walkers – Explore a section of the Colorado River (6 -12 years).

* Come Bug A Ranger – Learn fun facts about insects. Includes puppets, stories and activities (4 - 10 years)

* Walk Backwards – Step back in time and experience life on a 1920s dude ranch with chores, games and period costumes (6 - 12 years).

Talks & Activities

* Holzwarth Historic Site – Tour a 1920s-era dude ranch for a taste of early homesteading and tourism.

* Skins And Things – Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of park mammals.

* Ranger’s Flyfishing School – Learn about the park’s fish management program, stream ecology and flycasting. Bring your flyfishing gear or borrow the ranger’s. Runs 6/24 - 8/12

* Behind The Scenes – See short videos documenting how the park addresses challenges like elk management, pine beetles and bear safety. Starts 6/22

* Sisters Of Courage – Learn about the pioneer experience through the story of the remarkable Harbison sisters and their family. Includes a half-mile walk to homestead sites. Starts 7/1

* Exploring With A Camera – Focus on composition, light and basic tips to improve your photos during this photography walk. Ends 8/2

Evening Programs

* Timber Creek Evening Program – Presentations are available nightly at Timber Creek.

* Saturday Night In The Park – Enjoy an evening program in the Kawuneeche Visitor Center auditorium.

* Walk Into Twilight – Take a leisurely stroll as darkness, night sounds and wildlife fill the valley. Bring warm clothes, good hiking shoes and a flashlight. Ends 8/11

* Old Ranch Campfire – Roasting marshmallows (bring ’em), hearing tall tales (the old wrangler will tell ’em) and crooning campfire songs bring back the old days. Dress warmly. Ends 8/9

Night Sky Programs

* Celestial Wilderness – Use a telescope to explore night sky astronomy. Ends 8/10.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and open to the public. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park, call 970-586-1206.

For details on dates, times and locations, please click here.

For overnight accommodations in the Grand Lake area, please click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire Grows To 600 Acres

The Big Meadows Fire grew to an estimated 600 acres with no containment as of last night.  Winds were not as strong yesterday, which resulted in less fire activity and spread. Firefighters conducted numerous recon flights which will be crucial in planning efforts. The fire is burning in remote, steep, rugged terrain with extensive hazards and more than 80 percent beetle killed trees. The plan continues to be to hold the fire east of Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34), west of the Continental Divide, and north of Tonahutu Creek. There are no structures or communities at immediate risk.

A map published on InciWeb yesterday shows the fire is currently located just north of Granite Falls, and towards the east of Big Meadows, roughly 4.5 miles from the Green Mountain Trailhead.

There are 107 firefighters currently on the Big Meadows Fire plus the Type II team who will be taking over command of the fire from the Boise Smokejumper Type III team this morning. Air resources include one Type I helicopter, one Type II helicopter and two Type III helicopters. Many firefighters planned to camp out near the fire last night in order to get an early morning start to continue with fire suppression tactics.

A challenge continues to be filling additional Type I crews. Due to other fires in Colorado, as well as in other states that are impacting communities and homes, resources are being spread across the nation.

There are now seven trails that have been temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail, the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail, the Timber Lake Trail and the trail which branches toward Mount Ida from Milner Pass.

All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are the neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.

The park has set up a recorded Fire Information Line at (970) 586-1381 which will be updated when new information on the Big Meadows Fire is available.

The weather forecast for today for the Grand Lake area calls variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon hours. High 78F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph, and the chance of rain is 40%.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Moose Injures Woman Near Grand Lake

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the public about the dangers of approaching moose after recent activity in Grand Lake that has heightened concerns with moose/human conflicts.

Tuesday afternoon, a cow moose injured a 60 year-old woman as she walked her dog in a neighborhood southwest of Grand Lake, along County Road 4721.

"It's an unfortunate situation for the victim in this case, and we hope she has a quick recovery," said Area Wildlife Manager Lyle Sidener of Hot Sulphur Springs. "This is a reminder that approaching these large animals can in certain situations be dangerous."

According to a witness, the woman and her dog reportedly came as close as 10 feet to the cow and its calf before the moose charged her and knocked her down. The injured woman was taken to Granby Medical Center, then later transported to St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood.

Due to an abundance of caution for human health and safety, wildlife officials euthanized the cow and calf.

"People should remember that approaching wildlife often puts the animal at risk as well," added Sidener.

Moose do not differentiate dogs from wolves - their natural predator - and will instinctually attempt to stomp them in self-defense. If the dog runs back to its owner for safety, it can bring an angry, thousand pound moose with it, putting people at risk as well.

Late spring is calving season and cow moose will aggressively protect their young. Wildlife officials advise that people watch all wildlife from a distance with binoculars or a scope. In addition, people should keep their dogs on leashes at all times, especially in areas where moose are common.

Grand Lake made headlines recently after several national news organizations reported on a local bull moose's seemingly amorous attention to a large statue of a bull moose located within city limits.

Wildlife officials say the cow moose attack is not related to the bull moose's unusual behavior, but remind onlookers to keep their distance from the bull, and all other moose they may encounter.

"We have heard reports of people coming as close as 20 feet to take a picture of this bull," said Sidener. "Many people see it as a curiosity, however we caution the public to give it plenty of space or it may feel threatened and could react."

For more information about living with wildlife, click here. For more information about how to safely enjoy moose, click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Programming Note: Grand Lake motel to appear on Hotel Impossible tonight

The Western Riviera Motel in Grand Lake will be on tonight's episode of Hotel Impossible. The episode will air on the Travel Channel at 10:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 p.m. MST.

Back in early February the star and host of Hotel Impossible, Anthony Melchiorri, and designer, Blanche Garcia, spent a week in Grand Lake filming the final episode of Season 2 at Western Riviera with owners Mike and Jackie Tompkins. Anthony told Sky-Hi News that Grand Lake is "the most beautiful place he’s ever been". He went on to say:

“I was blown away. Grand Lake is a piece of art. Every single time you turn around there is either frozen lake with a beautiful cloud over it, or there's a part of the lake that's not frozen with a sun over it, or there's a mountain by itself or a formation of mountains. I've not seen the same landscape since I've been here.

“And then you take this beautiful town of Grand Lake that looks like the back lot of a Hollywood studio and you incorporate that with just beautiful open-hearted people that know each other - it's my favorite place, and it is the most beautiful place I've ever been. And I thought Alaska and Hawaii would be tops, and this surprised me.

“I'd rather come here in the winter rather than the summer,” he continued. “In the summer you can get a lot of this stuff in other places. You can get the beautiful landscape, you can get the lake, but in the winter I imagine this place is even more beautiful. It's atypical of most places.”

As a fan of Hotel Impossible, my wife and I are definitely excited to see this episode.

We're also proud to mention that the Western Riviera Motel is one of our advertisers on the accommodations page of our RockyMountainHikingTrails.com website.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Grand Lake motel to appear on Hotel Impossible next month

The Western Riviera Motel in Grand Lake will be the focus on an episode of Hotel Impossible next month. The episode will appear on the Travel Channel on March 25th at 10:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 p.m. MST.

Last week the star and host of Hotel Impossible, Anthony Melchiorri, and designer, Blanche Garcia, spent several days in Grand Lake filming the final episode of Season 2 at Western Riviera with owners Mike and Jackie Tompkins. Anthony told Sky-Hi News that Grand Lake is "the most beautiful place he’s ever been". He went on to also say:

“I was blown away. Grand Lake is a piece of art. Every single time you turn around there is either frozen lake with a beautiful cloud over it, or there's a part of the lake that's not frozen with a sun over it, or there's a mountain by itself or a formation of mountains. I've not seen the same landscape since I've been here.

“And then you take this beautiful town of Grand Lake that looks like the back lot of a Hollywood studio and you incorporate that with just beautiful open-hearted people that know each other - it's my favorite place, and it is the most beautiful place I've ever been. And I thought Alaska and Hawaii would be tops, and this surprised me.

“I'd rather come here in the winter rather than the summer,” he continued. “In the summer you can get a lot of this stuff in other places. You can get the beautiful landscape, you can get the lake, but in the winter I imagine this place is even more beautiful. It's atypical of most places.”

As a fan of Hotel Impossible, my wife and I are definitely excited to see this episode.

We're also proud to mention that the Western Riviera Motel is one of our advertisers on the accommodations page of our RockyMountainHikingTrails.com website.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com