Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those national parks that keeps pulling me back. I’ve been to Rocky Mountain a total of five times — more than I’ve been to any other national park. I am always in awe of its sheer beauty and grandeur.
Every other time I have visited, it’s been during the summer. But this was the first time I have visited in the winter. And it’s definitely just as spectacular in the winter — maybe more.
Rocky Mountain is home to some of the most striking mountain landscapes in the U.S. and when these peaks are blanketed with snow they are incredible.
My favorite activity at Rocky Mountain has always been hiking during the summer months. But I was so excited to visit during the winter and try snowshoeing for the very first time!
Even though the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park look snow barren, the higher elevations areas are where the snow sticks and stays, the trails are thick with powder, and the views are astounding. It’s up here that the conditions are ideal for snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing for the First Time
Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for first-time snowshoers. The park has an extensive network of different trails that accommodate different skill levels. There are several trail options with limited elevation gain which are a great way to learn!
Trail Etiquette For Beginners
- Step aside for faster snowshoers/skiers – As a first-timer (& especially if you’re not used to the elevation), snowshoeing can be quite strenuous and slow-moving. Don’t frustrate other snowshoers, be courteous and step aside for those who are moving faster than you.
- Leave nothing other than footprints – Don’t leave your trash on the trail. Pack out all trash and everything you bring with you.
- Yield to the uphill snowshoers – This is the same for hiking. Downhill snowshoers should yield to uphill snowshoers.
Warning: Be cautious and don’t walk out on the lakes without being certain that they’re completely frozen over. A park ranger informed us that a hiker had walked out onto a lake in the park and fallen through the ice the day before we got there. Don’t be that person.
Gear You Will Need for Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain
- Snowshoes – You can’t snowshoe without snowshoes. If this is your first time snowshoeing, you may not want to spend the money to purchase a new pair of snowshoes. There are plenty of places around Colorado (including a few in Estes Park) where you can rent Snowshoes for a very reasonable price.
- Water-proof boots/Ski boots – Snowshoes will strap to most boots & shoes. But you will want to make sure your boots are waterproof to avoid wet feet from all of the snow.
- Lots of layers – Temperatures will fluctuate depending on if you’re in the sun or shade. Physical excursion will increase your body’s temperature so you will want to make sure that you are able to shed a layer or two.
- Gloves – Bring a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm. Nobody wants cold fingers.
- Water – Drinking plenty of water is essential during physical excursion, especially at the high altitudes in Rocky Mountain.
- Camera – The mountain views here are insane. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take some pictures.
When to Go
Obviously, to snowshoe you have to visit when there is adequate snow on the ground. Rocky Mountain starts getting snow in October and lasts until at least April, but the snowiest months are January-March. Depending on the year, shoulder seasons can also provide enough snow for a good snowshoe route.
Best Snowshoeing Trails in Rocky Mountain
The best areas for snowshoeing are found near the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge areas.
Here is the complete Bear Lake/Glacier Gorge area trail map from the National Park Service. Copies of this map can be picked up at the visitor center or you can print at home and take with you.
Trails Recommended for Beginners
The best trails for beginners are ones that are lower mileage, minimal elevation change, but still provide amazing views. Here are a few of my favorite recommendations:
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is easily accessible from the Bear Lake Area parking lot. The trail around the lake is very flat and a great place to learn and adjust to walking in snowshoes if you’re a beginner.
The trail around the lake is only 0.8 miles round-trip and has great views all the way around.
Keep in mind that this area can become quite crowded on good weather days, so plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Bierstadt Lake
Another great lake hike is Bierstadt Lake. There are a couple trail options for reaching this lake.
You can either reach Bierstadt Lake from the Bierstadt Lake trailhead or from the Bear Lake trailhead.
I would recommend you begin at the Bear Lake trailhead if you are a beginner. The total mileage for the trail is 4.4 miles and the trail from Bear Lake does not change much in elevation. There are still many uphill and downhill sections of the trail but the trail has a negative net elevation gain. Relatively level compared to many of the other trails in Rocky Mountain.
If you choose to start at the Bierstadt Lake trailhead, the mileage is much shorter but you will definitely encounter a lot more elevation change during your hike. The total length is only 2.4 miles but the trail climbs
675 feet.
Either route you decide to take, Bierstadt is a very peaceful spot for a picnic or to just stop and enjoy the views.
Alberta Falls
Another quick and easy, but worth-while snowshoe route is Alberta Falls. The route to the falls is only 1.7 miles road-trip and is fairly easy as it only climbs 240 feet in elevation.
I’ve seen these falls during the summer months many times when they are full on roaring. Seeing them in the winter time is a completely different and much more peaceful experience. The falls were completely frozen over and we were able to snowshoe over them.
Alberta Falls is a must-see in both winter and summer!
Trails with More Elevation Gain
Mills Lake
One of my all-time favorite hikes in the summer-time. I can only imagine how beautiful this lake would be in the winter-time.
From Alberta Falls, you can continue on the trail for an additional 1.5 miles and reach Mills Lake. The total trail length is 5.3 miles round-trip.
We did not have the time (or energy) for the hike to Mills Lake on this trip but it will always be my favorite.
Emerald Lake
Another summer-time favorite! I haven’t done this one in the winter, but it is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain, for good reason.
Emerald Lake is only a 3.5 mile round-trip trail from the Bear Lake trailhead with only a 650 foot elevation net gain.
On this hike, you’ll pass Bear Lake and Nymph Lake before making it to Emerald Lake. So if you’re looking for the perfect alpine lake trail then this is the one for you.
It’s been a few years since I’ve done this trail, so it’s definitely #1 on my list for next time.
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