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!

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 March 19, 2025

NPS

Wintertime Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park

Sledding

Hidden Valley Sledding Hill Update - March 19, 2025

Conditions on the Hidden Valley Sledding Hill are poor to very poor. Even with recent snow at higher elevations, there has not been much snow accumulation at Hidden Valley.

• The sledding hill is icy and there are large patches of bare ground exposed.
• There is more ice and snow covering the right-side of the slope compared to the left-side of the slope.

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

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.

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.

 

Two people are walking sleds up the right-side of the Hidden Valley Sledding Hill, taken March 19, 2025

NPS

 

NPS/Beach

Go 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

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.

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 walks great for families as well as more adventurous snowshoe hikes. Programs are available on both the east and west sides of the park through mid-March, weather and snow conditions permitting.

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 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.