Snow begins to fall in Estes Park as early as October. Once the snow blankets the mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park hosts new fun opportunities while winter approaches. A typical hike can be tricky while the vast trails are snowy, but there’s still a way to explore the outstanding beauty within the park! Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park makes for a terrific day of taking on the hiking trails. Just like hiking, the snowshoe trails vary from leisurely to challenging. If you’re trying snowshoeing for the first time, here’s our snowshoeing beginner guide!
Lily Ridge Trail
The Lily Ridge Loop at Lily Lake is a terrific trail for those snowshoeing for the first time! There’s little elevation gain while snowshoeing, and it takes roughly an hour to complete. This snowshoeing trail hosts beautiful views of the frozen lake and Longs Peak in the distance!
Bear Lake Trail
The Bear Lake Trailhead is always a great way to start a day of hiking within the park, and it makes for a terrific starting point for snowshoeing too! The loop is only 0.7 miles, with a panoramic view of the alpine waters of Bear Lake and towering rock formations acting as a backdrop.
Nymph Lake Trail
Snowshoeing at Nymph Lake brings in more views of icy frozen lakes and blankets of snow. This snowshoeing trail is a mile long and can be found while you continue to explore the Bear Lake Trailhead. Once you arrive at Nymph Lake, you’ll see another fantastic sight of frozen waters, along with Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Dream Lake Trail
The Dream Lake Trail is a lengthier journey while snowshoeing. The trail is 2 miles long, giving you more time to explore! A beautiful lake and a towering view of Hallett Peak surround the area!
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Complete your day snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park with a stay at the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Our updated hotel is just a few minutes from the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and a short drive to downtown Estes Park. Our cozy rooms feature rustic modern mountain decor and beautiful mountain views, complete with today’s amenities to make you feel at home.
Plus, we are also minutes from dining, breweries, and our favorite Estes Park coffee shops. Enjoy the best of both worlds when you book with Alpine Trail Ridge Inn!
