Photo Credit: Riverstone and Bear Paw
Experience Memorable Winter Activities in Estes Park
Why visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter?
One of the best things about the winter season is the peace you can find in nature while the earth is blanketed in snow. The park is less visited but still very much open and alive with activity.
Reach beautiful backcountry areas on snowshoes, skis, and at lower elevations – even in hiking boots!
Elk, coyotes, deer, snowshoe hares, and other wildlife remain active through the winter. They tell their story by their tracks left in the snow. For those visitors who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the park.
If you have grown tired of the long lines at ski resorts or the weekend traffic on I-70, or you are the type of person who seeks outdoor adventures –either way, here are winter activities that are sure to shake your winter blues!
Winter Activities around Estes Park:
1. Take a Ranger-led Snowshoe Walk
Anyone 8 and older can do it, and you will love the views and all that you learn! Rocky Mountain National Park offers ranger-led snowshoe ecology walks for beginner level snowshoers. No previous snowshoe experience is required. Programs are offered January – March, 2025.
No additional fees are charged to participate, however reservations are required, and must be made at least 7 days in advance. Call the Visitor Centers at 970-586-1223 (East Side – Estes Park) or 970-586-1513 (West Side – Grand Lake) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily to reserve your spot. Snowshoes are not provided on the East Side, so you must bring your own, or rent them in Estes Park. Snowshoes are provided on the West Side, but must be returned after the program.
Note: This program takes place at high elevation and may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to high elevations.
2. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
Snowshoeing Epic Rocky Mountain National Park for All Ages.
Renting snowshoes & poles is very affordable, and there are several businesses in town that rent them. Many lodges loan you free snowshoes when you stay with them. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and opens up a new way to see the beauty of nature during its quietest season. For beginners, a great spot to head is Sprague Lake for a relatively flat two-hour exploration of the natural world of the subalpine forest with beautiful views across the lake.
3. Head to the Backcountry on Skis
Backcountry or AT Skiing and Split Boarding let you experience the wild and rugged side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hidden Valley is a good base location for visitors interested in trying backcountry or AT skiing or snowboarding in and around Hidden Valley, which until the 1980’s was a real ski area inside the Park. There are no ski lifts now – you’ll have to “earn your turns”!
Be prepared and realistic! Winter winds can blow hard and cold in Rocky presenting very real danger.
RMNP has installed an avalanche beacon training park at Hidden Valley where backcountry skiers can practice locating buried beacons and test their skills before heading out.
Backcountry users should be aware of avalanche conditions, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website at http://avalanche.state.co.us/
4. Take the Family Sledding or Tubing
Family fun sledding & tubing, head to Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley slopes have been contoured for safety for sledding and other snowplay activities. Facilities at Hidden Valley include a warming hut, which is open weekends, and heated restrooms which are open daily. There’s no charge for use of the area, but a Park entrance fee is required.
5. Rent a UTV to explore the National Forest trails near Estes Park
Want a totally unique Colorado winter adventure? Backbone Adventures offers Private Polaris UTV Snow Rentals. You can explore trails around Estes Park and have “wicked fun in the snow”!
They rent top of the line 2, 4 or 6 passenger Polaris UTVs with sounds systems and heated cabs (in the 6 passenger) for a half-day rental. Helmets are required and provided. Staff will provide trail maps and instructions and you can head out on a trail of your choice. When you arrive the truck and trailer will be fully loaded and everything fueled up so you’re ready to go for 3 hours of adrenaline pumping fun!