Winter Activities

Ski, snowshoe, sled, and hike the Rockies during the winter months.

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Winter Activities Details

The snow-capped Rocky Mountains are an obvious draw for winter recreation, and there are a wide variety of winter activities permitted in the park. Winter hiking is possible on trails below 8,700 feet of elevation, including those leading to The Pool, Cub Lake, Chasm Falls, Gem Lake, Deer Mountain, and Upper Beaver Meadows. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is also permitted on these and other trails in the park. Park rangers regularly lead winter skiing and snowshoeing tours during the winter, including beginner snowshoeing outings. Equipment rentals can be found in nearby Estes Park. For family fun, head to Hidden Valley, the one place in the park where sledding is permitted. You'll need you own plastic sled, saucer, or inner tube, and you'll have to hike up to the top of the bunny slope at the former Hidden Valley Ski Area before sliding down. There's a restroom and (usually) a warming hut at the bottom of the hill. Another popular winter activity in the park is wildlife viewing: elk, mule deer, moose, and other large mammals may be seen along the park roads that remain open year-round.

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Activities