Black Lake Private Snowshoe Tour
Estes Park, CO
5.0 (3 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Full Day of Snowshoeing
- Stunning Mountain Scenery
- Private Snowshoeing Experience
- Gear, Snacks, Lunch Provided
- Frozen Lakes
- Potential Wildlife Viewing
Description
Be prepared for a full day of alpine wonderland exploration on this Rocky Mountain National Park snowshoe tour! We will experience a spectrum of terrain and changing weather as you will be out the entire day. Our full day tour will truly be a custom adventure, your guide will work with you and gauge the best options for what you desire. Snacks, lunch, and warm drinks are provided during the full day tour.
For those seeking a challenging all day hike, we will travel to Black Lake. In order to complete our full hike, this tour will require an early departure. Starting from Glacier Gorge trailhead, your guide will lead you on trails less traveled. We’ll pass by Mill’s Lake, and the crowds will begin to dissipate, as we gain elevation. This region is seldom visited in winter, resulting in deeper snowpack and ample opportunities for off-trail hiking. Reaching our destination, we ascend above the tree line to gaze upon the awe-striking summits of Mount Pagoda, the Spearhead, and Long’s Peak.
Perhaps your ambition is to take it slow and embrace being in nature, take photographs, or learn about Rocky Mountain National Park. Whatever your pace or goal, our experienced guides will ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable experience on your all-day adventure.
$170-$430 Per Person
Season: Nov-Apr
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
This tour has up to 1,440 feet of elevation gain and loss over 7-9 miles, depending on whether we reach Black Lake. Some groups choose to turn back earlier, which does not impact the quality of the trip because of the stunning scenery throughout our entire journey.
- Level 1: 2-6 miles, less than 500 feet elevation change on good trails
- Level 2: 3-8 miles, up to 2000 feet of elevation change on good trails
- Level 3: 4-10 miles, up to 3000 feet of elevation change on good to rugged trails
- Level 4: 4-12 miles, up to 4000 feet of elevation change on rugged trails or off trail
- Level 5: 6-16 miles, up to 5,500 feet of elevation change on rugged trails or off trail
SOLITUDE LEVEL 4
- Level 1: around other hikers the entire time
- Level 2: around other hikers most of the time
- Level 3: around other hikers some of the time
- Level 4: see a couple other groups during the hike
- Level 5: most likely to have the trail to ourselves
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsRates
PRIVATE FULL DAY SNOWSHOE RATES:
- 1 person: $430
- 2 people: $215 per person
- 3 people: $205 per person
- 4+ people: $170 per person
- 10 and younger: $95 per person
Private tours are only open to your party.
*Prices do not include guide gratuity
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Transportation to the trailhead from the Estes Park Mountain Shop
- Picnic style lunch
- National Park entrance fee
- Trekking poles
- Snowshoes or micro spike crampons
- Backpacks
- Trail snacks
- Warm drinks
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device
What's Not Included
- Winter hiking boots
- 2 liters of water per person
- Warm clothing
- Guide gratuity
Trip Logistics
The Guides
Our guides are exceptional, passionate professionals with solid wilderness resumes, plenty of patience, lots of knowledge about the mountains, and a love for leading people into the wilderness.
When & Where Do We Meet?
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 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 in Rocky Mountain National Park is unpredictable, 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.
Food & Water
We provide snacks on the half-day tour and lunch and snacks on the full-day tour. Please bring 2 liters of water with you.
Group Size
The group tours are limited to 6 guests and 1 guide. Custom Tours can go up to 12 guests and 2 guides.
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 are as follows:
- 5 and older to join this trip
- Anyone younger than 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Trip Reviews
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David S.
exceptional guide
Our guide was exceptional. The snowshoeing trip was my first and exceeded what I expected.
Kathleen J.
Beautiful Day
Enjoyed the snowshoe. Beautiful route . Glad our guide Zion chose a route through the trees since much less wind also made it more enjoyable.
Alex S.
Experience of a Lifetime
Exceeded my expectations, experience of a lifetime
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