Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful places in America I’ve ever visited! I’ve been to over 20 US National Parks, but this national park in Colorado has a special place in my heart. Rocky Mountain National Park is stunning year-round, but I would say it’s even more so in the winter. A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park during winter is an enchanting and magical experience! The snow turns this place into a winter wonderland. It doesn’t get much than white snowy mountains peaks, frozen glistening lakes, and the gentle falling of snow. The best way to take in the wintery scenery is by hiking! Some might be hesitant to hike in the snow but I think it is something you need to experience at least once in your life. You just need to be prepared with the right gear and you should be all set. Find out the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park!
How to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado, and the closest airport is the Denver International Airport. If you’re flying, I recommend flying into the Denver airport and then renting a car. It is about an hour and a half drive from the airport to Estes Park, which is the gateway city to the national park.
Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park
I recommend staying in the town of Estes Park while you’re exploring Rocky Mountain! It is the closest town to the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is a very charming town with delicious dining options, unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. The businesses in Estes Park are independently owned which makes it the perfect place to find unique gifts and mementos. A true treasure cove! Be sure to spend time in Estes Park when you visit.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Estes Park as well from campgrounds and RV parks to lodges and inns. If you’re visiting in winter, then I recommend trying to get a cabin to truly embrace the overall atmosphere! There are numerous cabin rentals available, some even on the river! My suggestion is to also look at options on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb or Vrbo for unique private cabins that might not be part of any hospitality groups.
I stayed at Boulder Brook on Fall River and I thought it was a great stay! The price was very reasonable and I got a small private cabin on the river with great views. It has a full kitchen, tub, and was perfect for two people. Another plus is that there is a hot tub on the property!
Preparing For Winter Hikes
You need to be well prepared for winter hikes if you’ve never hiked in snow before. It is so important to gather as much information on the weather and check for trail info and notices from the National Park Service before you begin any hikes. The weather can change abruptly in the winter so I recommend wearing plenty of layers. I suggest bringing gloves, hats, waterproof clothing, and wool socks. It is also crucial that you stay hydrated so bring plenty of water, and also don’t forget to apply sunscreen! You’re at a higher altitude so you could get burnt even if you don’t see the sun. Don’t forget snacks as well!
Another important item is to make sure you wear proper shoes. You should be fine with waterproof hiking shoes on most of these hikes below, but if you are planning on walking on any frozen lakes, then look into traction chains for walking on ice. Another option you could look into is snowshoeing! If you’ve never done it before, there are several tour operators in Estes Park.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
There are so many benefits to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter! Significantly fewer people frequent this national park during the winter months so you get to avoid crowds and experience the winter landscape in peace. There were portions of trails where no other group was around and I experienced total tranquility. When I paused, I could hear the snow falling. Few people get to experience Rocky Mountain National Park like this.
However, I do have to mention that some trails are not accessible in the winter, but there are still plenty of hikes that are accessible. The west side of the Rocky Mountain National Park experiences deep snow, but the east side leaves low elevation trails open for hiking. Another drawback is that the scenic Trail Ridge Road is closed in the winter, typically from December through March.
Best Winter Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Sprague Lake
- Length: 0.8 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 36 ft
Sprague Lake Trail is a very easy trail that takes you around the frozen Sprague Lake in the winter. This could be a great first trail if you’ve never hiked in snow before. There is a parking lot at the trailhead which is located off Bear Lake Road roughly 5.5 miles from the turn-off at Highway 36. The trail is virtually flat and offers beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains. It is very beginner and family-friendly. Great for all ages!
2. Gem Lake
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 1000 ft
Gem Lake Trail is a moderate-strenuous trail that leads to Gem lake and offers great views of Estes Park, Longs Peak, and the Continental Divide along the way. The hike to Gem Lake begins from the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead, located just north of Estes Park. The trail climbs for the first two miles with several short switchbacks. Make sure to take a moment to take it all in when you reach Gem Lake! Spikes and poles are recommended for this trail.
3. Deer Mountain
- Length: 6 miles
- Rating: Strenuous
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 1,400 ft
The Deer Mountain trail leads to Deer Mountain peak and offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain National Park from above. It starts off in a valley and soon enters a forested area with many switchbacks with constant elevation gain. Once at the summit, you’re rewarded with stunning views! Snowshoes and spikes are recommended on this hike.
Note that this is one of the more popular hikes so try and get to the trailhead early to get a parking spot.
4. Bear Lake
- Length: 0.7 mile
- Rating: Easy
- Type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 49 ft
The Bear Lake trail takes you around Bear Lake and offers stunning snowy scenery in the winter with snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees. When I did the hike, the lake was frozen solid so I could run on the actual lake! The trail is very easy so it is great for all skill levels. However, the parking lot for Bear Lake is limited so I highly recommend getting here early. I had to circle the parking lot for over 30 minutes before finding a spot.
5. Emerald Lake
If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging hike, continue from Bear Lake to Emerald Lake. The Emerald Lake trail takes you to Emerald Lake, but you’ll pass by Nymph Lake and Dream Lake along the way as well. This hike is one of the most popular hikes in the park and I like to say that this hike gives you the best bang for your buck! You’ll hike through beautiful pine forests, see incredible vista points, and pass by three alpine lakes. Snowshoes and spikes are recommended. Note: this is the same parking lot as Bear Lake so arrive early to secure your spot.
5. Upper Beaver Meadows
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 140 ft
This easy hike offers a chance to see wildlife such as elk and deer! There is hardly an elevation and another great winter hike option for people of all ages.
6. Sky Pond
- Length: 9.4 miles
- Rating: Strenuous
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 1,758 ft
I have to be honest – the hike to Sky Pond is not for the faint of heart but it is so rewarding! You have to be well prepared for this hike and it is not a trail for beginners. Not only do you have to be an experienced hiker, but also well-prepared for winter conditions. Depending on when you do the hike, snow can be waist-deep and requires climbing over boulders. I am not saying this to sway you from attempting the hike, but I want you to be well-prepared. Snowshoes and spikes are highly recommended for this trail.
Now getting to the good part! The Sky Pond Trail features some of the best views in the entire park. Beginning at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along Bear Lake Road, this route will take you by Alberta Falls, the Loch, Timberline Falls towards Sky Pond. The final stretch of the trail offers incredible views of the famed jagged peaks of the Rockies.
Final Thoughts
Before you start any hikes, please check the weather and the NPS website for notices and trail closures. I also recommend downloading offline maps for the Rocky Mountain National Park area and any winter hikes you plan to attempt. Be well prepared for your hike and make sure you bring plenty of water and spikes, hiking poles, and snowshoes when necessary. I like to go on All Trails and read reviews left by other hikes who recently hiked the trail. There is also no shame in turning around if a trail is in bad condition and/or you’re not comfortable with proceeding on a hike. As always, listen to your body and enjoy the hike!
If you’re looking for more places to visit in Colorado, check out my guide on the most beautiful places in Colorado here.
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