Emerald Lake Private Snowshoe Tour

Emerald Lake Private Snowshoe Tour

Day Hike Tours

1 Day 3.5MI / 5.6KM

Trip Highlights

Emerald Lake is the perfect half day winter snowshoe destination for couples, groups, and families looking to make the most of their time in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike includes snowshoes, transportation, entrance fees, and an outstanding guide dedicated to creating an unforgettable hiking experience.

Our trail gradually gains elevation as we head into the winter subalpine forest.  We catch a break as we pass by the stunning frozen Nymph and Dream Lakes, depending on the time of season we can hike across them. At Emerald Lake we will break to gaze upon the massive cliff face of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide. After a warm drink and snack, we will head back a different way than which we came. Allowing us the opportunity to hike in deep snow, where we can experience the beauty of the winter wonderland away from the beaten path!

We will meet at your hotel in Estes Park or at the Estes Park Mountain Shop if you are traveling into town that morning. After introductions, your guide will drive you to Bear Lake Trailhead (9,475 ft.) in Rocky Mountain National Park.

  • Check Mark Half Day Tour
  • Check Mark Breathtaking Mountain Scenery
  • Check Mark Great Family Hiking Option
  • Check Mark Hike at Your Pace
  • Check Mark Hot Drinks and Snacks
  • Check Mark Appropriate for All Ages
  • Check Mark Top-of-the-line Gear

Book This Trip

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Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Day Hike Tours
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    1 Day
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    3.5 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    1-12 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Estes Park
  • Trip Ends

    Estes Park
  • Permit Info

    No permit required
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Is This Trip Right For me?

This tour is a great introduction to snowshoeing. The snow level will vary throughout the year. Early and late winter season can be combination of hiking on dirt, hard packed snow, and freshly fallen snow. Proper winter boots, jacket, pants, hat, and gloves are essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.

Difficulty Level
2 of 5
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Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
1 of 5

3.5 mi

Backpack Weight
1 of 5

10-15 pounds

Terrain
2 of 5

Lightly Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
2 of 5

700 ft

Height & Exposure
1 of 5

None

Trip Dates

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

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Rates

  • 1 person: $280
  • 2 people: $155 per person
  • 3 people: $145 per person
  • 4+ people: $125 per person
  • 10 and younger: $105 per person

Private tours are only open to your party.

*Prices do not include guide gratuity

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Transportation in company vehicle to the trailhead from your hotel in Estes Park or the Estes Park Mountain Shop if you are traveling into town that morning.
  • Trip Included
    Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
  • Trip Included
    National Park entrance fee
  • Trip Included
    Trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    snowshoes or micro spike crampons
  • Trip Included
    backpacks
  • Trip Included
    trail snacks
  • Trip Included
    lunch on the full-day tour
  • Trip Included
    warm drinks and snacks
  • Trip Included
    Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Winter hiking boots
  • Trip Not Included
    2 liters of water per person
  • Trip Not Included
    Warm clothing
  • Trip Not Included
    lunch on half-day tour
  • Trip Not Included
    Guide gratuity

Trip Logistics & FAQs

When & Where Do We Meet?

Your Guide will pick you up at your hotel in Estes Park at 8:00 AM. If you are travelling into town the morning of the tour, you will meet your Guide at Estes Park Mountain Shop at 2050 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Your guide will contact you preceding your hike to confirm your meeting time and answer any questions. We highly recommend starting by 8:00 AM, and earlier on weekends.

What Should I Bring?

  • Multiple bottom and top layers so you can bundle up when you’re cold and shed them off if you’re warm.
  • 2 liters of water
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (we recommend polarized)
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Camera
  • Two pairs of wool socks
  • Rain/snow jacket and pants for blocking precipitation and wind
  • Waterproof winter boots

Where Can I Purchase These Items?

Either before you travel or last minute, you can obtain all of these items (some are available for rent, all are available for purchase) at the Estes Park Mountain Shop.

What Should I Wear?

The weather and amount of snow in Rocky Mountain National Park is unpredictable and will very throughout the year, so be prepared for snow, sun, cold temperatures, wind and possibly (but unlikely) rain. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose fitting non-cotton layers. You’ll also need waterproof boots and wool socks. Winter snow pants, jacket, boots and gloves are strongly advised December – March. Your guide will give the best advice for current conditions when contacting you one week out.

Food and Water

We provide snacks on the half-day tour and lunch and snacks on the full-day tour. Please bring 2 liters of water.

What If There Isn't Enough Snow to Snowshoe?

Some winters can be dry, without enough snow to merit snowshoes. In this case we will equip guests with microspike crampons and head out on an awesome winter hike!

What If It Rains Or There Is Bad Weather?

It’s unlikely we’ll have rain in the winter but it is possible. Regardless, if the weather is very stormy we may cancel the trip with a full refund. If you’re interested we will do everything in our power to reschedule. Also, please know our guides have years of experience and can discern between a casual snowfall and unsafe hiking conditions, and will err on the side of safety.

Cancellations

If you cancel a trip for any reason up to 24 hours before your trip, you are entitled to a full refund minus a $25 per person administrative fee. If you cancel within 24 hours, there is no refund.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

  • 5 and older to join this trip

Reviews

5.0 (61 reviews)
add a review
Deborah B
5.0
7 months ago

Majestic Moments

My sister and I went on an all day hike in the Rocky Mountains towards the end of April. Wildland Trekking gave us detailed instructions on what we needed to be prepared for a safe hike, along with providing key hiking gear and making sure that guide had the needed communication equipment/1st aid kit to get us help if needed. The office staff were so helpful and kind (you actually can call and talk to a person that knows something:-)). Our guide James Saunders was outstanding!! He was so kind, patient and very knowledgeable - answering all our questions. My sister and I have different fitness levels and he made sure she had the challenges and extra adventure she wanted while making sure I was able to keep up, have my own adventure, and stay safe. We will never forget this trip! As James would say, we experienced so many 'majestic moments' all in one day! Thank you so much James and Wildland Trekking!

Geoffrey W
5.0
7 months ago

It Was Amazing

James was awesome. He brought a snack that we will keep buying cause it was amazing. He was accommodating and gave us a great adventure. I feel like this is very general, but it would take too long to over every specific thing that I loved from our experience, so I will name one. He gave us options with snowshoeing and we selected one that took us off the beaten path to a "slide" in the snow. It was amazing and something my wife and I will remember forever. I really can't say anything other than he was amazing and we would request him again.

Felipe G
5.0
7 months ago

Excellent

Excellent tour guide. Made everything on his hand for taking care of all of us

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