Winter Recreation

 

NPS/D Bialeschki

Winter is a Special Time to Visit Rocky

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 get outside and enjoy activities like snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing, and more!

Update as of March 9, 2026

In many areas, recent snow has melted. At lower elevations, expect patches of snow and ice on most trails. In areas above 9,000 feet in elevation, expect trails to be covered with a layer of hard-packed snow. Traction devices are advised when hiking to help prevent slips and falls. When recreating In higher elevation areas of the park, the snow is deep enough that snowshoes may be needed to help with flotation and prevent postholing.

 

• 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 the afternoon of Sunday, March 8, 2026

NPS Photo

Wintertime Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sledding Conditions

As of Monday, March 9, following a sunny weekend, sledding conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park at Hidden Valley are very poor. Most of the snow on the sledding hill has melted or blown away in the wind. Most of the sledding hill is now clear of snow with vegetation and rocks exposed.

Before going sledding, have a plan for how to slow down and how to stop. When sledding, it is advised to sled feet-first down the hill for your safety.

The Hidden Valley Sledding Hill is the only place inside Rocky Mountain National Park where sledding is allowed.

Where is Hidden Valley Located?

Hidden Valley is located along Trail Ridge Road/U.S. Highway 34, 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance and the Fall River Entrance on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

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.

 

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 Walk, Talk, or Activity

A variety of ranger-led programs are available on both the east and west sides of RMNP from mid-January to Mid-March, as weather and conditions allow.

Remember to plan ahead - these programs are very popular and for some programs, advanced reservations are required.

To see the current program schedule and details for each program, visit Rocky's Winter Programs webpage.

 

NPS/Beach

Go Snowshoeing

In higher elevation areas of the park, enjoy snowshoeing. 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 above 9,000 feet can be explored with snowshoes when snow conditions allow. 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

Enjoy 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.

 

NPS

Wildlife Viewing

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.