• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Fox in the Forest

Fox in the Forest

Freelance Outdoor Writer. Life Outside

  • About
  • Freelance Services
    • Clips and Partners
    • Adventure Photography
  • Blog
    • Skills
      • Outdoor Women
      • Camping, RV, and Vanlife
      • Mountaineering
      • Hiking and Backpacking Skills
      • Snow Skills
      • Rock Climbing Skills
      • Freelance Writing, Travel, and Life Skills
    • Destinations
      • International
      • US Destinations
      • Colorado
    • Gear
    • Stories
  • Contact
  • Free Stuff!
    • Free Backpacking Packing List
    • Free Hiking Planner and Checklist
    • Free Desert Road Trip Packing List
    • Free Guide to Photos on the Fly

Get Outside with These Fantastic Winter Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park

November 21, 2019 By foxintheforest

789shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

As a Colorado local, I love visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in winter. The crowds are long gone and the snow adds a dynamic element to the landscape. Despite having less terrain open, there are still plenty of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter.

The Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter

When it comes to the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter, there are a few key things to know. In this guide you’ll find:

  • A locally-curated list of what to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter
  • Safety tips for visiting the park
  • What to know about winter conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park

Ice Climbing

Part obscure sport, and part thrilling activity, ice climbing is taking Colorado by storm. Bundle up and strap on your crampons for a fun-filled day climbing chandeliers made of ice. Hire a guide (I recommend Mountain Guides Colorado), or head out on your own ice climbing adventure (experienced climbers only. Ice climbing is a unique way to experience Rocky Mountain National Park in winter.

Go for a Winter Snowshoe or Hike

Some of the best winter hikes in Colorado are found in Rocky Mountain National Park. When it comes to snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park winter is top-notch! Hit the trails from December through March for the best snow.

Local Tip: Rangers lead free snowshoe hikes throughout the winter, check with the ranger program to learn more.

Sled at an Abandoned Ski Resort

Did you know that there is an old ski resort in Rocky Mountain National Park? Hidden Valley is an only resort that operated in the park until 1992. Today you can skin and backcountry ski the trails, have a snowball fight or go sledding at the remnants of the park.

Watch a Sunrise with Some Hot Cocoa

If you just need to get out of town, set the alarm early and enjoy a sunrise view. You can opt to hike to the famous Dream Lake or you can simply park at the Many Parks Overlook (right before the Trail Ridge Road closure gates) for this winter activity in Rocky Mountain National Park. Don’t forget to pack the coffee and cocoa!

things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter

Spot Wildlife

When it comes to seeing wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park, winter is still a great time of year. The animals stay active, despite the freezing temps. You’ll likely find lots of elk herds at lower elevations. Ptarmigans often bathe in the snow during the early morning light. It’s truly a beautiful sight to behold.

Cross Country Ski Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter, but don’t worry, you can still go backcountry and cross country skiing along one of Colorado’s most scenic roads. Pack plenty of snacks and be prepared to grin like a child with all of the epic beauty along this classic cross country ski route.

rocky mountain national park winter

Safety Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter

Unlike the summer, there are a variety of safety hazards to worry about. First and foremost, Colorado has a very dangerous snowpack and is susceptible to avalanches. Don’t venture into the backcountry without previous avalanche experience. If you don’t have any, you can still visit the park, just ask the rangers where it is safe to visit.

Other important safety factors include:

  • Take a headlamp. The days are short and you don’t want to get caught out in the dark.
  • Bring plenty of snacks and water. The cold, dry air makes you thirsty and you burn more calories in winter.
  • Pack extra layers. The park is typically quite windy in the winter, so you’ll want to protect your body from the biting cold.

Related: How Not to Freeze Your Ass Off this Winter

Get Your Free Colorado Packing List!

Get Your Free Colorado Packing List!

Travel like a local, not a tourist! (Psst, perfect if you've just moved to CO too!)

Get organized with local advice on what to pack for your awesome Colorado adventure. This packing list includes separate checklists for camping, hiking, backpacking, winter travel, and trip details.

Fill out your email below to get exclusive access to the ultimate Colorado packing list! Plus get bonus local travel tips, gear deals, and more to your inbox once a month!

Hold on, I'm thinking.

Awesome!

Now you're ready to travel like a local, not a tourist.

Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE Colorado packing list.

While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? I love hearing from my community about all the badass adventures.

Find me on Facebook and Instagram.

colorado packing list

Things to Know About Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter

Enjoying Rocky Mountain National Park in winter takes a little bit of pre-planning. Here’s a little bit of local insight for visiting the park from November through February.

  • Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter. This means that the east and west side of the park are cut off from each other. Plan accordingly.
  • The Bear Lake Parking Lot will still fill up this time of year, plan to be at the lot before 10 am if you want to park. Parking on the side of the road is prohibited.
  • The bus system does not run in the winter, so again, arrive early!

Plan Your Trip to Colorado Like a Local with These Amazing Resources:

  • Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Tips for visiting Colorado
  • The Ultimate List of Things to Do Besides Ski in Colorado this Winter
  • Amazing Colorado Hot Springs to Soak in this Winter

So who wants to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in winter? *raises hand* I know I love making a few trips out to the park each winter.

Amazing things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter. Local advice for fun-filled winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. #colorado #travel #nationalparks
Amazing things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in winter. Local advice for fun-filled winter activities in Rocky Mountain National Park. #colorado #travel #nationalparks

Primary Sidebar

Let’s connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hi There!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. She'd rather be dirty than done up.

Visit Colorado Like a Local, Not a Tourist

Explore the outdoors in Colorado like a local, not a tourist.

As an absolute outdoor PRO (seriously, I get paid to write about the outdoors) and Colorado local of over 12 years, you've found the best outdoor blog on the internet. ;)

Get the FREE Colorado trip planning checklist and get the inside scoop on hiking, camping, climbing, and more in the great Centennial State.

Hold tight, I'm thinking.

Awesome!

Now you're ready to travel like a local, not a tourist.

Check your inbox for instructions on your FREE Colorado packing list.

While you're waiting why not follow me on socials? I love hearing from my community about all the badass adventures.

Find me on Facebook and Instagram.

Footer

Note: This website participates in affiliate marketing. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more, see the Fox in the Forest Privacy Policy.

All opinions are my own.

Copyright © 2021 Fox in the Forest LLC