Rangers are Leading Snowshoe & Ski Tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here’s How to Register for Free.

Article Summary: 

• Rocky Mountain National Park recently announced this winter’s ranger-led programs, which include guided snowshoe and Nordic ski tours. 
• Events take place on the east and west sides of the park. Know your driving route because these areas are not connected during the winter months. 
• Learn about other key visitor information, like when tours take place, who they’re best suited for, how to make free reservations, and where to get rental gear. 

Albeit cold, winter is a beautiful and peaceful time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Peak season’s crowds and reservation system are months away. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t plan ahead. 

This winter, Rocky Mountain National Park will host ranger-guided snowshoe and cross-country ski tours. The programs are free but are limited to small groups which require reservations.

Snowshoe tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays through March. Cross-country ski tours will occur every Friday during February.  

There are a few other important details to know about these tours. For example, some tours are a longer commute from Denver and other major cities. There are also age and ability requirements, and gear rentals aren’t always provided. 

Here’s a full rundown of what to expect on these tours, starting with guided snowshoe walks.

Snowshoe Tours Are Available on the East and West Sides of the Park. There Are a Few Other Things to Keep in Mind…

Key Information About East Side Tours

The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is near Estes Park. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Denver. Many of the park’s key attractions, including the Bear Lake Corridor, are on this side of the park. 

Guided snowshoe walks on the park’s east side will continue through March 28, 2024. Tours occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 pm. 

Free reservations can be made up to one week in advance by calling (970) 586-1223. Once you make your reservation, the tour’s meet-up location will be provided. Note that locations vary based on snow conditions and are between 9,400 and 9,700 feet above sea level. 

Gear rentals are not provided on-site. Before your tour, I recommend collecting rentals from Estes Park Mountain Shop. Snowshoes and poles are just $7 for the day.

Key Information About West Side Tours

The park’s west side is near Grand Lake. Keep in mind that Trail Ridge Road, which connects the east and west sides of the park, is closed during the winter. The alternate route is about a 2-hour drive from Denver. 

West-side snowshoe tours happen on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and will continue through March 17, 2024. 

Free reservations can be made on or after the Wednesday before a scheduled tour. Call (970) 586-1513 to book. Again, the program location will be shared at the time of booking. These tours take place at 8,700 to 9,300 feet above sea level. 

Snowshoe gear rentals are provided on-site at no cost. 

👉 Important Pricing Note: Ranger-led programs are free. However, a one-day vehicle entrance pass to Rocky Mountain National Park costs $30. For the best value, buy an $80 America the Beautiful Pass. It gets you a year of access to all US national parks! 

General Information About Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks

The below guidelines apply to both east and west-side snowshoe tours: 

• Tours are limited to 20 people. A singular group can reserve no more than 6 people. A waitlist is started when programs exceed capacity. 
• Participants must be 8+ years old. Children in carriers are not permitted. 
• No experience is required but these guided walks are “moderately strenuous.” 
• Tours are roughly one mile long and take 1-2 hours.
• You must wear outdoor clothing appropriate for winter, including water-resistant hiking boots or snow boots 
• You should arrive 10-15 minutes before your reserved program. 

Cross-Country Ski Tours Happen on the West Side of the Park. Here Are a Few More Details…

Head to Grand Lake if you want to join a ranger-led Nordic ski tour. These programs are available at 1 pm every Friday during February. 

Free reservations can be made as early as the Wednesday before a scheduled program. Call (970) 586-1513 to reserve your spot. 

The exact tour location will be given at the time of booking. Cross-country ski programs occur in the forested Kawuneeche Valley, set at 9,000 feet above sea level. Trails are not groomed and are “moderately strenuous.” Tours are about 1-2 hours in length. 

Note that these tours are limited to 12 participants who must be at least 16 years old. You cannot book more than 4 people from the same group. All participants must have at least some experience in cross-country skiing. 

You should also have your own Nordic ski gear. Alternatively, I suggest renting from Never Summer Mountain Products in Grand Lake. Its cross-country ski package costs just $20 for the day and includes personally-fit skis, boots, and poles. 

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How do you enjoy winter in Colorado’s national parks?

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