Overview on Rocky's Winter Ranger-led Programs
A variety of programs will be offered this winter, weather and conditions permitting. Programs will be offered on both the west and east sides of RMNP. See below for details.
If you are a teacher and interested in scheduling a winter program for your school group, please visit RMNP's Education Page for details and to make a reservation.
West Side of RMNP Winter Programs (located near the Town of Grand Lake)
Snowshoe Walks:
Weather and snow conditions permitting, west side snowshoe walks will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. beginning on January 4, 2025. Programs are scheduled to run through March 30, 2025. Program location will be provided once reservations are made. These programs take place at 8,700 -9,300 feet of elevation.
Programs are free and advanced reservations are requied. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Reservations are taken 7 days in advance of a scheduled program, in the order they are received.
New in 2025 - Kid-Friendly Family Snowshoe Walks:
Kid-friendly Family Snowshoe Walks will be offered every Friday in February at 1 p.m. These programs are geared towards families and children, ages 5 and older. Programs will take place on February 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025.
Snowshoes ARE provided for West Side programs but must be turned in after the program. Snowshoes can be rented in the town of Grand Lake for visitors wanting to snowshoe on their own.
More Details on Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks:
- are conducted by National Park Service rangers, interns, and/or volunteers.
- are "moderately strenuous" and open to all skill levels, including beginners.
- are open to participants 8 years of age and older. (Children in carriers are not allowed due to safety concerns.)
- last approximately 1 - 2 hours.
- take place at 8,700 - 9,700 feet of elevation.
- meet at a trailhead but don’t follow a trail. (The exact route can vary with snow and weather conditions.)
- require at least 8 - 10 inches of base snow to safely and effectively use snowshoes.
- may be cancelled at the last minute due to poor weather or snow conditions. (If cancelled, participants will be notified.)
Safety Information:
- Appropriate clothing is essential for your comfort and safety; this includes sturdy and waterproof footwear, layered clothing, winter jacket, hat, and gloves. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Water resistant hiking boots or snow boots are required. Due to safety concerns (hypothermia and frost bite), participants wearing tennis/gym shoes will not be allowed to participate in the snowshoe walk.
- Participants must have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevation. One mile of snowshoeing is more strenuous than a typical hike. You may consider this activity level equal to hiking at least two miles on a summer trail, jogging one mile, or biking three miles. Programs take place at higher elevations, and may not be suitable for people sensistive to altitude.
Why Are Reservations Required?
- These programs are very popular and space is limited. To ensure a quality experience, reservations are required.
- Space is limited to a total of 20 people per program - for both sides of the park.
- Due to limited space, a maximum of 6 members of the same group may sign up for a reservation on the same walk.
- Snowshoe walks often fill, especially if the day is forecast to be warm and sunny. We recommend reserving a spot early.
- Once reservations are full, a waiting list will be started. Please call if you need to cancel. Once a cancellation is received, we will contact the next person on the waiting list.
- It is the responsibility of the group leader (person making the reservation) to disseminate safety information to their entire group, so that the the group arrives prepared for the snowshoe walk. This includes telling their family and friends about the walk being moderately strenuous and wearing appropriate winter clothing and waterproof footwear.
Ranger-led Cross Country Ski Tours:
Interested in going cross-country skiing with a park ranger? This winter, ranger-led cross-country ski tours will also be offered on the west side of RMNP.
Call 970-586-1513 to reserve a spot. Reservations are taken up to 7 days in advance of a scheduled program, in the order they are received.
Ranger-led Cross Country Ski Tours will be offered on Saturdays at 10 a.m. begininning on January 18, 2025. Weather permitting, they will run through March 15, 2025.
The program locations will be provided once reservations are made. The minimum age requirement is 16 years old and space is limited to a total of 12 people per program. A maximum of 4 members of the same group may sign up for a reservation on the same ski tour.
Participants must have some prior cross-country ski experience. This program is not designed to be a lesson for brand-new skiers. Program participants must bring their own cross country skis and appropriate clothing with them. RMNP does not provide boots, skis, poles, or any other equipment you will need.
Don't have your own skis? Cross-country skis and equipment can be rented at locations outside of the park. There are no ski rentals available inside the park.
Organized groups larger than 10 may request a ranger-led winter program outside of public programs. Requests are accommodated based on staff availability. To request a program, please call 970-586-1223 (East Side/Estes Park) or 970-586-1513 (West Side/Grand Lake).
East Side of RMNP Winter Programs (located near the Town of Estes Park)
Program details are still being finalized. Check back in early 2025.
Snowshoes are NOT provided for East Side programs. Participants must bring their own snowshoes or rent snowshoes prior to arriving. There are no snowshoe or winter equipment rentals available within park boundaries. Snowshoes can be rented in the town of Estes Park.
