Rocky Mountain National Park is set to host a series of ranger-led programs this winter, offering visitors opportunities to explore the west side of the park near Grand Lake, Colorado.
Beginning January 4 and running through late March, these programs will provide activities for various age groups, aiming to showcase the park’s winter beauty and educate participants about its natural environment. Weather and snow conditions will determine availability, but the schedule promises memorable experiences for all attendees.
According to a press release, one of the highlights of the offerings is the snowshoe walks, which will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. These guided outings traverse hilly, snow-covered landscapes, including meadows and mixed conifer forests.
Participants will learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in the park during winter. The walks are designed to be moderately strenuous, suitable for individuals with a baseline fitness level to snowshoe approximately one mile at elevations ranging from 8,700 to 9,300 feet. No prior snowshoe experience is necessary.
Advanced reservations for the snowshoe walks are mandatory and can be made up to seven days in advance. Each program is limited to six participants per group, and attendees must be at least eight years old.
This year, the park is also introducing a new program aimed at families: Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks. Tailored for families with children aged five and older, these walks offer an accessible way to engage with the park’s winter landscape.
Scheduled for Fridays at 1 p.m. during February, the programs include interactive elements designed to spark curiosity about the natural world while making the experience enjoyable for younger participants.
Family-Friendly Snowshoe Walks will take place on February 7, 14, 21, and 28, with reservations required.
Participants in both types of snowshoe walks will be provided with snowshoes, available in a range of sizes to accommodate adults and children. All equipment must be returned at the end of the program. Visitors who wish to snowshoe independently can rent equipment from businesses outside the park or bring their own.
Another option for winter recreation is the Ranger-led Cross-Country Ski Tours, set to begin on January 18, 2025. These tours, offered on Saturdays at 10 a.m., will continue through March 15, weather and snow conditions permitting.
