Winter Programs - West Side (Near Grand Lake, CO)

Ranger-led Snowshoe Hike in the Kawuneeche Valley

NPS

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 for programs happening on the west side of RMNP, near the town of Grand Lake, CO.

Snowshoe Hikes:

Enjoy an afternoon of winter exploration! Participants will travel across hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and forest areas. Snowshoe hikes are 1 to 2-hours in duration. Along the way, learn about different plants and wildlife that call Rocky home.

No prior knowledge or experience is needed and snowshoes are provided. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are open to participants 8 years of age and older.

Weather and snow conditions permitting, west side snowshoe hikes are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. Programs will be available through Sunday, March 30, 2025.

More Details on Ranger-led Snowshoe Hikes on the West Side of RMNP:

Programs are free and advanced reservations are required.

• To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513 to sign up.
• Snowshoe Hikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full. Space is limited to 20 people. Reservations can be made up to 7 days ahead of a scheduled Snowshoe Hike.

Due to limited space, a maximum of 6 members of the same group may sign up for a reservation on the same walk. Program location will be provided once reservations are made.

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. Participants may want to bring or rent hiking poles to use on the program.

• Snowshoe hikes are conducted by National Park Service rangers, interns, and/or volunteers.
• They are "moderately strenuous" and open to all skill levels, including beginners.
• Children in carriers are not allowed due to safety concerns.
• They last approximately 1 - 2 hours.
• These programs take place at 8,700 - 9,000 feet of elevation.
• They are located at a trailhead inside the park entrance gates, so park entrance fees apply (when you sign up, you will be provided with instructions on where to meet your guide.
• Snowshoe hikes do not follow a trail. (The exact route can vary based on snow and weather conditions.)
• Snowshoe hikes require at least 8 - 10 inches of base snow to safely and effectively use snowshoes.
• They may be canceled at the last minute due to poor weather or snow conditions. (If canceled, participants will be notified.)

Safety Information:

• Appropriate clothing is essential for your comfort and safety; this includes appropriate 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 program.
• 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 sensitive to altitude.

Ranger-led Cross Country Ski Tours:

Thank you to all who joined us earlier this year. Rocky's Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours have ended for the 2025 winter season.