Secrets of Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter

Oh, how I love Rocky Mountain National Park!  RMNP is one of my favorite places to go with kids, by myself, or with friends and family.  There's a power in the immensity and beauty of the mountains, the trees, the wildlife, and being out in nature.  With this in mind, if you've never been, what are you waiting for? 

Any season is a great time to visit the park, but today let's focus on winter with a few pointers.  Over the years the park has gotten busier and busier due to the popularity of tourism in the area and an outdoor lifestyle.  I'm going to share some of my secrets with you for exploring the park in winter, although I admit somewhat reluctantly!

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Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Snowshoeing is a great way to see the park in winter, get some exercise, and leisurely enjoy yourself.  Furthermore, this is an activity you can do without any lessons or preparation, you just strap some snowshoes on.  Recently I went on a trip with family, including my four and eight year olds, and they did awesome!  If you can, plan your trip during the week and not on a holiday to avoid some of the crowds, although you never will completely avoid the masses.

Where to go

You can get a park map from a ranger when you enter the park.  Take a look at it whilst I recommend a few choice spots to visit.

There are some great trails around Bear Lake, and depending on the amount of snow you can also take the easy trail around Sprague Lake. Warning! These parking lots fill up quickly, and you will be surrounded with other explorers. 

If you like this atmosphere that's great! However, if you are looking for a chance to get out on your own in the snowy expanse this is not the choice for you.

I'm going to let you in on my little secret: Hollowell Park.  I'm struggling right now typing this because instinctively I don't want to share this blissful spot.

Even when Bear Lake trails are packed, and the entire road is cut off due to the amount of traffic, Hollowell Park is a peaceful, wide-open trail with very few people, and when you do occasionally meet someone you share that knowing smile that yes, you've discovered a gem of a hike.  You can take it fast or slow, with kids or without.

Chasm Falls

Chasm Falls is a fantastic winter snowshoe outing for families, short enough for younger kids to manage, but long enough that everyone will sleep well afterward. In winter, you'll park at the lot and picnic area where Endovalley Road meets Old Fall River Road and follow the snow-covered road about one scenic mile uphill to the falls.

Don't let the distance fool you, the steady climb keeps everyone moving and builds anticipation. At the top, you're rewarded with a stunning icy waterfall tucked into a narrow rocky gorge, often rimmed with snow and sparkling ice. It feels like a winter secret the park shares only with those willing to trek for it.

Trail Difficulty & Elevation Gain:

This route is considered easy to moderate in winter, mostly due to the steady uphill grade. The hike clocks in at roughly 2 miles round trip with approximately 300-350 feet of elevation gain from the winter trailhead. Most families with active kids handle it well, especially with snack breaks.

What Ages Does This Work Well For?

This is a great pick for roughly ages 6+ with snowshoes, though younger kids can absolutely go if they're used to walking and are motivated by a waterfall at the end (nothing beats a good reward!). For toddlers, a backpack carrier works beautifully, parents often choose this option on snowier days.

Winter Safety & Gear Notes

Chasm Falls is not in avalanche terrain, which makes it especially approachable for families and winter beginners. That said, traction still matters. The road can be slick and packed in winter, so snowshoes or microspikes are recommended depending on conditions. Waterproof boots, layered clothing, gloves, and a thermos of something warm go a long way toward keeping morale high.

Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks

If you prefer to explore with a guide, or you want some extra education mixed in, the park often offers ranger-led snowshoe walks in winter. These are a fun way to learn about wildlife, snow science, and winter ecology. Offerings change with staffing, weather, and conditions, so check in at a visitor center or call ahead to see what's scheduled during your visit.

Where to Warm Up Afterward

Back in Estes Park, there are plenty of cozy spots to thaw out and celebrate your adventure. A few favorites include:

☕ Kind Coffee - warm drinks + pastries with river views
🍫 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - for kids who insist waterfalls require chocolate
☕ Inkwell & Brew - inviting shop with great coffee and browsing
🍴 Claire's Restaurant & Bar - hearty meals for hungry hikers

Hot chocolate tastes approximately 10x better after snowshoeing, and this is a scientifically accepted fact by most kids.

Hidden Valley Sledding

In the event you have a child set on sledding, the only place in the park where it's permitted is the old Hidden Valley Ski Area.  The sledding area is the bunny hill, and there are no tows so you'll get some exercise!  Also, make sure you bring your own sled because there aren't any on site to borrow or rent. 

This can be a fun family activity, but it is a valley and when it's windy it is COLD.  You can call the park Information Office to ask about the wind before you go, 970-586-1206.

Wildlife quest at Rocky Mountain National Park

Another secret of Rocky Mountain National Park is the wide range of wildlife you can see, especially if you get back on a quiet path with snowshoes.  What can you find?  Even in winter you may see elk, moose, deer, and bighorn sheep.  My son was incredibly excited to see a coyote walking through the snowy woods the other day. 

Also, we've seen snowshoe hares before, and the kids are fascinated by the fact they change colors depending on the season.  On this trip, unfortunately we were only able to find the tracks of a snowshoe hare, but finding tracks is a great way to learn about all the wildlife in the area.

For the birdwatchers out there, you will find no shortage of camera candy in RMNP.  Fun fact: there are 280 bird species in the park, and it's been designated as a Global Important Bird Area.  Take special note, Lumpy Ridge, which is north of Estes Park in RMNP, is actually closed to hikers at certain times while the peregrine falcons nest there.  Swoon! 

For the Wild Kratts obsessed four year old boy, this is a paradise.  You can also see the white-tailed ptarmigan, three-toed woodpecker, blue grouse, northern pygmy owl, and oh so many more.  Take some binoculars and a camera and see how many different species you can find.

Equipment

If you don't have your own snowshoes and poles, don't worry, Estes Park makes it incredibly easy to gear up before heading into Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the best one-stop shops for winter rentals is the Estes Park Mountain Shop right in town. They're known for their friendly staff, solid pricing, and a surprisingly extensive rental department that's geared toward both newcomers and seasoned snowshoers.

They offer a full lineup of winter gear including adult and kids' snowshoes, trekking poles, and insulated gaiters. If you're traveling with little ones, they also carry options that make family outings doable (and fun), plus waterproof layers and accessories if you realize you're short on something once you arrive. The rental process is straightforward, the staff is great about sizing and fit, and you can walk out the door confident you'll be comfortable out on the snow.

With everything under one roof, Estes Park Mountain Shop is an easy and reliable place to get set up before you drive up to the Bear Lake Corridor, Hidden Valley, or any of the other snowshoe-friendly trailheads inside the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Soundtrack

This is one of my last little secrets for today.  First of all, remember music is extremely powerful, and your mind will associate it with experience.  Secondly, make an appropriately majestic soundtrack to listen to as you drive the magical roads through the park, and force your kids (and spouse) to listen to it.  Don't succumb to putting on the Wiggles (while we still love them), a Disney mix, or the Laurie Berkner Band!

You can create your own mix, but might I suggest:

• The Last of the Mohicans soundtrack
• Anything by Loreena McKennitt
• "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver (or any John Denver mix)
• Braveheart soundtrack
• Dances With Wolves soundtrack
• Out of Africa soundtrack
• Legends of the Fall soundtrack

So, I got stuck on soundtracks, but I do recommend The Last of the Mohicans along with some John Denver above the others.  Gotta love it!  Just humor me and try it out, or at least nod.  There you go!

Above all, have some fun on your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure in winter!  In particular, get some exercise, breathe the mountain air, and search for wildlife.  I am certain you will not regret it.

SUMMER BONUS!

What? Why bring up summer camping in a post about winter?  Well, if you want a good campsite this summer, and you know when you'll be in the area, now is the time to book your perfect campsite before all the good spots fill up.  Gone are the days when you can drive in and be pretty certain of finding a campsite.  Dream, plan, and book your trip on-line here!