Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful landscapes you will ever see—especially in the winter. The snow-capped peaks, breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and exhilarating winter activities make this area a must-visit destination. Plus, the end of the summer tourist season means there are fewer crowds, less traffic, and plenty of room to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the mountains. Plan your visit with these reasons to visit Rocky Mountain National Park this winter.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Rocky Mountain National Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, but the majority of them are buried under snowfall come winter. That’s why snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are so popular during the cold season. Strap on your snowshoes and take a guided hike to see snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes and waterfalls, and so much more. You can also rent skis in Estes Park or Grand Lake and have your own cross-country skiing adventure through areas like Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Glacier Gorge.
Watching Winter Wildlife
If you want to see some incredible animals in their natural habitat, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places in Colorado to observe wildlife. While some creatures—like marmots and bears—will be hibernating out of sight, others become more prevalent with the cold. Coyotes don’t mind the cold and wander the park as they please. Elk and deer retreat from the snow-capped mountain into the plains, making them easy to spot from some of the park’s major areas like Bear Lake Road and the Fall River Entrance.
Experiencing the Quiet
One of the best reasons to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is the feeling of pure serenity the park offers after a fresh snowfall. With fewer crowds and thinner traffic, Rocky Mountain National Park in winter is a peaceful and tranquil place to visit. There are no lines, no jostling with hordes of tourists to catch a glimpse of the park’s landscapes and wildlife, and no fighting for the perfect spot to take your pictures.
By visiting the park in the winter, you get to experience nature in its most raw and serene form. You can find solitude hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing on one of the many trails that are open, making you feel like you have the park all to yourself.