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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 participate in one of Rocky’s ranger-led winter activities. Programs will take place on both the east and west sides of the park, weather and snow conditions permitting. Programs will be offered beginning in January 2025 through mid-March. New to Snowshoeing? East Side of RMNP (Near Estes Park, CO): Are you new to snowshoeing? Step into the basics and learn what snowshoeing is all about. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call Rocky home. This beginner snowshoe walk is great for the whole family! Participants of all ages are welcome. Beginning on January 25, these programs will take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and they are 1-hour in length. For additional program details and to register, visit https://rmconservancy.org/rmnpsnowshoe/ West Side of RMNP (Near Grand Lake, CO): Join a family-friendly snowshoes walk! 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. Family-friendly snowshoe walks will take place at 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: February 7, 14, 21, and 28. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Looking for a More Adventurous Snowshoe Hike? East Side of RMNP: 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. For details and to register, visit https://rmconservancy.org/rmnpsnowshoe/ West Side of RMNP: Enjoy the quiet of winter in Rocky as you walk across a snow-covered landscape with a park ranger. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call the park home. These programs are two-hours in length and participants will walk through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and mixed conifer forest areas. These snowshoe walks are considered moderately strenuous and take place at 8,700-9,300 feet in elevation. Ranger-led snowshoe walks take place on Saturdays & Sundays at 1 p.m. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. To Participate in a Ranger-led Snowshoe Program, What Do I Need to Know? To attend any of RMNP’s ranger-led snowshoe programs, know that these programs are free (park entrance fees are required) and advanced reservations are required. No prior experience is needed. These programs are very popular and space is limited to 20 participants per program. Reservations can be made up to 7 days ahead of a scheduled program. All snowshoe programs will fill quickly. Due to poor weather or snow conditions, all programs may be cancelled last minute. If cancelled, participants will be notified. For all snowshoe programs happening on the west side of RMNP, snowshoes are provided for the duration of the program. For all snowshoe programs happening on the east side of RMNP, participants must bring their own snowshoes or rent them outside of the park. For the more adventurous snowshoe hikes, participants must have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevation. Programs take place at higher elevations and may not be suitable for people sensitive to altitude. To Participate in one of Rocky’s Snowshoe Programs, What Do I Need to Bring? For your comfort and safety, appropriate clothing is essential. Recommended items include waterproof winter jacket, snow pants, warm socks, waterproof boots, gloves/mittens, a hat, and sunglasses or goggles. All participants should bring their own snacks and water. Enjoy Additional Ranger-led Activities This Winter East Side of RMNP – Experience 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. West Side of RMNP – Enjoy 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 and participants must be 16 or older. Advanced reservations are required. Space is limited to 12 people per program and the park’s ski tours are expected to fill quickly. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Participants must bring or rent their own skis and appropriate clothing. Equipment rentals are available outside of the park. For More Information Thank you to Rocky Mountain Conservancy for their support of programs like these. For more information on Rocky’s winter activities, visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/winter-programs For information on Rocky Mountain National Park, call the Information Office at 970-586-1206 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/romo  Ranger-led Cross Country Ski Tour, Courtesy RMNP
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