Emerald Lake Private Snowshoe Tour
Estes Park, Colorado
4.9 (18 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 snowshoe rentals, transportation, entrance fees, and an outstanding guide dedicated to creating an unforgettable hiking experience.
We will meet at the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 8:00am, where we will acquire our snowshoes and any last minute winter clothing. 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
This tour has 630 feet of elevation gain and loss. More details on our Difficulty Ratings are as follows:
- 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 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
View Private TripsRates
- 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 to the trailhead from the Estes Park Mountain Shop
- 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
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 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 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 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.
Group Size
Custom trips 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
Trip Reviews
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Amanda G
Amazing Hike and Fantastic Guide!
Charles was our guide for the Emerald Lake snowshoe tour, and we couldn’t have asked for a better fit for us! He was so friendly and knowledgeable! We are a couple of 40 somethings from the midwest (we came to RMNP for our 20th anniversary) and not regular hikers in the least. Charles was patient and never pushed us to go farther than we were comfortable with. He took the time to tell us loads of interesting facts about the trees, lakes, mountains, and wildlife and even about the different levels of snow. He took pictures of us when we asked and kept us entertained the entire time! The scenery on this hike was absolutely breathtaking, and being out there was so peaceful. None of the pictures can do it justice! It’s something you have to see to appreciate fully. We had the most AMAZING experience on this hike, and we will remember this adventure, and Charles, for the rest of our lives. It was worth every penny!!
Carrie M.
Best part of our park experience
Perfect for our family! We are from the south and we got a great experience snowshoeing. Our guide was so patient and knowledgeable about the history and local wildlife. We had 4 teenagers- 13 to 19- and this was the best part of our Colorado trip. A must for getting to know RMNP.
Jacqlyn S
Incredible Experience
My husband and I participated in two snow shoeing tours in Rocky Mountain National Park with our guide Floyd, who was an absolute wonderful guide and a wealth of information. We had such an incredible experience and would recommend these tours for anyone coming to the area.
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