Christina Ostner Navigating the Rockies in winter—especially after three feet of snow—has its ups (elevation pun intended) and downs. Here are my top tips for exploring the park in the winter so you can make the most of your time in the mountains:
Several routes in the park are closed for the winter. Keep an eye on the park’s official website for the latest road closures (both seasonal and temporary due to storms).
An entrance pass is required 24/7, 365! You can buy this ahead of time online OR at the gate—note that they have switched to cashless payments at the entrance stations. Passes range from daily entrance to weekly passes to annual passes. You can also purchase an all-inclusive National Park pass for the year. Research your best option before arriving to the gate on their website!
We had an amazing interaction with the park ranger at the gate. He gave us invaluable information and a map. The cell phone service is spotty in the park, so definitely ask the ranger for their advice before heading in for the first time.
Lily Lake, which is supposed to be one of the easier trails in the park, is not plowed when it snows. Dress appropriately and wear the right footwear, regardless of your hiking experience. The snow ups the difficulty level of even the easy trails.
Keep an eye out for elk and moose! Did you know the male elk is referred to as a bull? I hoped to spot the locals within the park, but of course we happened upon them while driving around town. Arguably more magical to see them planted in someone’s front yard. Such a cool surprise!
Bring lots of water! Elevation sickness is a real thing and the easiest way to combat it is to stay hydrated.
Not a hiker and just here for the views? Save Many Parks Curve Overlook to your Google Maps list (park just below the bend as there is a less obstructed view just around the curve). The beautiful thing about Rocky Mountain National Park is that as long as you have a car, you don’t have to get out on foot on the trails to see some spectacular wow moments. The entire area is a wow moment, to be fair, and there are a ton of pullover spots throughout the park where you can stop for a quick photo before cruising along again on one of the most beautiful drives of your life!
Bookmark this for your next trip to Colorado so you can put these top tips into action. Mountain lovers, stay tuned for more trip inspiration as we explore Estes Park next!
What an amazing blog! Thank you for the great information, I can’t wait to check these places out!