Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park
For an Epic Adventure – Snowshoe in RMNP!
The other winter sport
Are you tired of carrying your kids ski gear and waiting in line for a ski lift? Tired of the resort crowds and the $25 hotdogs? It’s time to try snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
While snowshoeing may still be a sleeper-sport, it is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. and can be enjoyed by just about anyone. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
Here we cover the following topics:
- What to Wear
- What to Bring
- Snowshoeing with Kids
- Bear Lake Snowshoe Trails
What to Wear
Layers, layers, layers. Did we say layers? When you’re snowshoeing you will go from cold to hot to cold – multiple times!
Be sure you have a good windproof/waterproof pant and jacket for an outer layer.
Once you get hot, wool or synthetic under layers that are breathable will allow heat and moisture to escape and keep you dry.
A down or synthetic down sweater is a great layer to put on when you stop for a break so that you don’t cool off too much.
Be sure to have warm gloves, a hat, and a neck gaiter that can be pulled up over your chin to keep your neck warm.
Depending on the conditions eye protection may be necessary and allow you to better enjoy your beautiful surroundings.
Keeping your feet warm and dry is essential. Quality, moisture wicking socks and waterproof hiking/snow boots will do the trick.
What to Bring
Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, tea or coffee and something yummy for high energy snacks.
But don’t forget plenty of water. Snowshoeing is good exercise and you will likely work up a sweat.
Be prepared: a topo map and compass, a small flashlight or headlamp, a space blanket, a first-aid kit for blisters & cuts, and a multi-tool like a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife.
Snowshoes! – If you don’t have your own you can rent them through Kirks Mountain Adventures/Kirks Flyshop. Kirks is also a great place to gear-up for your trip. And they offer snowshoeing trips if you want a guided adventure.
Don’t forget poles — they help with balance if the surface is tracked and uneven. Just make sure they are the right size.
Snowshoeing & Kids
Kids will love snowshoeing – if you follow these tips:
1) Make sure you keep them warm! Follow the rules above for layering! If they are going to wear a snowsuit, which works well, just make sure they can “open up” a bit when they start getting hot.
2) A hat and quality mittens are a must. Little fingers are hard to keep warm. And throw in some hand warmers!
3) If warm boots don’t fit well the kids won’t have a good time. That goes for the snowshoes as well.
4) Kids are not always used to wearing sunglasses, but on a sunny day with the snow reflecting all around they can make the difference of having fun or not. Ski googles are also a great option to block the glare.
5) If your kids are small or might get tired, bring along a sled and pull them behind you.
7) Bring extra snacks and warm drinks! Those little buggers get hungry.
8) Check the weather report for RMNP and plan on going on a nice, sunny day. If you’re going on a windy day pick a trail that is more protected. The Pool which begins at Fern Lake Trailhead is nicely protected from the wind and quite easy for the kids.
Bear Lake Snowshoe Trails
Easier destination : Nymph Lake
Go to the Bear Lake Parking Area. Be sure to put your snowshoes on at the shelter. If it’s a windy day, don’t be deterred. As soon as you get going and get into the trees the world will be a wonderful place.
Just beyond the shelter and kiosk, take the Emerald Lake Trail 1/2 mile to little Nymph Lake. On arrival, look to the right. At the other end of the lake you’ll see a trail marker. To the right of that marker is a fire trail which will take you back to Bear Lake where you can exit back to the parking lot or make a trip around Bear Lake.
Harder Destination : Dream Lake and Emerald Lake
Follow the directions above to Nymph Lake. At the lake you have two choices. The winter route turns left into the trees and eventually climbs steeply up to Dream Lake. Follow the tracks or you can go right to a marker where you’ll see the main trail that continues from Nymph to Dream Lake. It’s fun to take the winter trail up and the main trail down.
At Dream Lake, continue across the lake or to the right of the lake and pick up the track that heads up higher to Emerald Lake.
Bear Lake is a fun, relatively high altitude area with several beautiful destinations in a short distance, and a big trailhead parking area. You’ll really feel like you’re “in” the mountains.
We highly recommend a guided trip. In addition to the outfit mentioned above, the NPS offers Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks January – March.