Emerald Lake Private Snowshoe Tour
Estes Park, Colorado
5.0 (52 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Half Day Tour
- Breathtaking Mountain Scenery
- Great Family Hiking Option
- Hike at Your Pace
- Hot Drinks and Snacks
- Appropriate for All Ages
- Top-of-the-line Gear
Description
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.
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.
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!
$125-$280 Per Person
Season: Nov-Apr
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
3.5 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
700 ft
Heights Exposure:
None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking/snowshoeing uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 4-5 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on a variety of surfaces including packed snow, freshly fallen snow and dirt/rocks
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
- 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
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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
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 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.
- 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.
- National Park entrance fee
- Trekking poles
- snowshoes or micro spike crampons
- backpacks
- trail snacks
- lunch on the full-day tour
- warm drinks and snacks
- 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
- lunch on half-day tour
- Guide gratuity
Physical Requirements
Private tours are open to all fitness levels. We’re more than happy to adjust the length of the trip and the pace of the trip to fit what you are most interested in! For extremely fit parties our guides are ready and willing to move quickly and get you as far into the mountains as possible. And for folks interested in a slower pace and soaking up the magic and serenity of the mountains, we’re more than happy to do that too.
Trip Logistics
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
Trip Reviews
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Zsofia B
Highly recommended!
This was a fantastic tour! Floyd got in touch with me ahead of time, so I was able to tell him that, as a fit and experienced hiker and snowshoer, I wanted a tour that was more of a physical challenge. He planned an excellent route for me and took me to areas where he normally doesn’t take people (and in fact, we saw very few people in general for the most part). I appreciated his willingness to work with me and design a tour that fit my needs. Floyd was also very knowledgeable about the park, as well as about the wildlife in the area. The snacks and hot drinks were a nice addition to the tour. Highly recommended!
Ashley K
It was a trip I won't forget.
I had an amazing experience. Floyd helped take advantage of an opportunity, even though it didn't go to plan. I got altitude sickness and he was understanding and got us out there. Even though it was disappointing we couldn't finish the hike, he offered to give me a driving tour of the park. He told me about the park and we ended up seeing some unique wildlife. It was a trip I won't forget.
Julie Y
Extremely knowledgeable guide
We were so fortunate to draw Floyd as a guide. He was extremely knowledge about the park, the trails, and the gear. He was also extremely kind and gentle with the two teenagers on the trip. He gave us the knowledge and confidence to set out on our own the following day.
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