Five Winter Activities Inside Rocky Mountain National Park
Almost everyone who visits Rocky Mountain National Park does so in the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall. However, for those who don't mind the cold, a winter visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing opportunity to explore the park without the crowds. Here are five winter activities you can do inside the park over the winter months.
Participate in a Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walk. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean park rangers stay inside! Strap on a pair of snowshoes and join a park ranger to explore areas on both the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are snowshoe walks available for various levels of experience. Check out the website of Rocky Mountain National Park for more information on these walks.
Winter Camping. Winter doesn't mean an end to camping at Rocky Mountain National Park. Moraine Park Campground is open for winter camping, and those who are up for more of an adventure can go on a backcountry camping trip any time of the year.
Sled Hidden Valley. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the few national parks with a dedicated sledding hill. For many years, Hidden Valley was a ski resort; today, there is no more skiing, but sleds are allowed on the old bunny slope.
Watch for Winter Wildlife. Although some of the park's wildlife hibernates when the weather turns cold, other park residents are frequently seen during the winter months. Snowshoe hares show off their white fur coats, blue Steller's jays stand out against the snow, and bighorn sheep are regularly seen in the Fall River area of the park.
Ski the Park. Although the downhill ski hills at Hidden Valley are closed, cross country skiers have the entire park to explore. Although the west side is known for deeper snow and better skiing, the entire park is open for skiing.
Want to learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park and winter activities in the park? Check out 101 Travel Bits: Yellowstone National Park.
