Winter Recreation

 

NPS/D Bialeschki

The winter and spring seasons are a special time of year to recreate in Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the park when many areas are covered with a blanket of snow. It is a great time to enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, and more!

Most trails in RMNP are covered with a blanket of snow from late October through mid to late May.

In late May to early June, snow begins to melt with the arrival of summer in the Rockies, but continue to be prepared for snow and ice on trails above 9,000 feet.

 

• Trail Conditions
• Avalanche Forecast
• Bear Lake Snow Depth
• Kawuneeche Valley Snow Depth
• Wild Basin Snow Depth

Before Heading Out on a Trail, Be Prepared: Learn About Avalanche Awareness, Snow Depth, and Trail Conditions

Before hitting a trail this winter, take time to learn about the park's trail conditions, snow levels, and make sure you are avalanche aware. Explore the links located to the right to learn more!

 

Hidden Valley Sledding Hill, taken on January 12, 2025

NPS

Wintertime Activities to Enjoy in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sledding

Hidden Valley Sledding Hill Update - January 13, 2025

Following recent winter storms, sledding conditions have improved at Hidden Valley. The sledding hill is now covered with a layer of 2-4 inches of fresh snow.

When walking from the Hidden Valley Parking Area to the Sledding Hill, traction devices are advised as the path is icy and there are icy patches in the parking area. Remember to dress warmly. At an elevation of 9,240 feet, Hidden Valley can be very windy and cold.

Sledding is a fun winter activity that the whole family can enjoy. Hidden Valley, located 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance and the Fall River Entrance on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, is the only place inside Rocky Mountain National Park where sledding is allowed.

Things to Know When Sledding in Rocky

To go sledding, you will walk your sleds or tubes up the designated sledding hill and sled down. It's a pretty gentle hill. Skiers, snow boarders, and snowshoers may pass, but must use caution around sledders, slow down, and yield the right-of-way to sledders.

There are no tow facilities at Hidden Valley and there are no rentals available inside the park. Plastic sleds, saucers or tubes can be purchased or rented in communities outside of the park. Sleds with metal runners are NOT allowed to be used on the sledding hill.

Please obey all signs; you MUST sled within the sledding area boundary. Pets are not allowed on the sledding hill.

The sledding hill is unstaffed. There may be park rangers and volunteers in the area, but for the most part you are on your own and sled at your own risk.

Flush restrooms are open daily. They are located at the bottom of the sledding hill, close to the Hidden Valley Parking Area. The Warming House may be open limited hours on weekends.

 

NPS/Beach

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a fun activity for all ages! It's as easy as strapping snowshoes on your boots and grabbing a couple of poles. No training is necessary and if you can hike, you can snowshoe.

Most park trails can be explored with snowshoes, conditions permitting. A few pieces of equipment are essential: you will need a pair of snowshoes and waterproof boots. Hiking poles are helpful. Wearing a waterproof jacket and pants can help keep you warm and dry.

 

Cross-Country Skiing in the Kawuneeche Valley of RMNP

NPS

Cross-Country Skiing

Picture yourself gliding through a silent forest full of fresh, white snow. Cross-country skiing is a rejuvenating sport that pairs physical exercise with the beauty of nature. You will need cross-country skis made for use in areas without a groomed track and poles with large baskets. There are no groomed trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

In general, the terrain and deeper levels of snow found on the west side of Rocky make for better for cross-country skiing, but you are welcome to strap on your skis and explore winter trails throughout the park.

Interested in going on a Ranger-led Ski Tour? Visit the park's Winter Programs webpage for dates, times and more details.

 

A park ranger is providing interpretation on a guided snowshoe hike in RMNP

Image Credit: Courtesy John Berry, Visit Estes Park

Join a Ranger-led Snowshoe Hike

Have you ever wanted to go snowshoeing with a park ranger? Rocky offers a both beginner and more adventurous Ranger-led Snowshoe Hikes on both the east and west sides of the park beginning in January through mid-March, as weather and snow conditions allow.

Remember to plan ahead - these programs are very popular and advanced reservations are required. For program schedules and details on how to register, visit Rocky's Winter Programs webpage.

 

NPS

Wildlife Watching

Winter is a wonderful time to view wildlife, especially Snowshoe hare, White-tailed ptarmigan, coyote, elk, and Mule deer. It is also a good time to see Bald eagles and Clark's nutcrackers. All areas of RMNP are great for wildlife viewing.

Remember to keep your distance when viewing wildlife. If an animal reacts to you, you are too close. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to help you get a better view.