Winter Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Colorado

Winter begins early in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park’s higher elevations.

By December, trails from the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge trailheads lead snowshoers and intermediate-to advanced skiers to numerous frozen subalpine lakes. The Wild Basin and Glacier Basin areas have gentler terrain for beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers.

To those not looking for snow, Rocky offers miles of east side hiking trails that surprisingly remain snow free – or nearly so – year round.   Conditions change regularly throughout the season, so be sure to check at a visitor center for the latest hiking, snow and avalanche conditions before starting out.

Wildlife viewing is especially rewarding in the wintertime. The sights of a coyote hunting in a snow covered meadow, of herds of elk with their breath condensing in the air, of a cow and a calf moose silhouetted against the snow, are unforgettable park images.