Rocky Mountain Lodge Based Snowshoe Tour
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
4 Days, 3 Nights 24MI / 39KM
Trip Highlights
Discover the Colorado Rockies in winter on our 4-Day Inn-Based Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoe Adventure. We offer an in-depth experience – we’ll traverse beneath the high peaks near the Continental Divide, cross frozen mountain lakes, explore mountain meadows where Elk, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Lynx, and even the rare Wolverine may be seen. Absorb the magic of winter stillness and solitude by day, and enjoy cozy lodging and wonderful meals in the evenings!
Our daily itineraries are selected to highlight the diversity and beauty of the ecosystems within the Park – we take the same care in selecting quality mountain lodging and meals to ensure your experience is exceptional. Whether you’ve never donned a pair of snowshoes, or are a seasoned winter traveler in search of new terrain, join us – You’ll experience the Rocky Mountains the way very few do!
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Winter Mountain Experience
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Rejuvenating Solitude
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Winter Wildlife
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Invigorating Snowshoeing & Hiking
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Stunning Mountain Scenery
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Cozy Accommodations & Wonderful Meals
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Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Book This Trip
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
4 Days, 3 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
5-7 mi -
Group Size
2-11 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This tour hikes on well-maintained trails, ranging from gradual to steep inclines. It 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. The difficulty of this trip (hiking distance and elevation change) may vary based on the group’s motivation level, amount of snow and weather. Ratings reflect maximum hiking distances.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to trailhead: 15 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 900 feet
This tour begins with and an introductory breakfast at a local restaurant in Estes Park. Our first hike on this Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoe Tour begins at a relatively low altitude, giving us the opportunity to acclimatize before heading higher into the mountains in the coming days.
We will travel at a gentle pace as we get used to hiking in snowshoes. The trail gradually gains elevation, until we arrive at a frozen alpine lake. Here we are provided with astonishing views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the areas we will visit in the coming days. After returning the way we came, we will check into our hotel and head to dinner in the evening in Estes Park.
Day 2
Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 700 feet
Today’s trek marks a gentle traverse and descent through high subalpine forest, past alpine lakes, and into the rich high meadows carved by ancient glaciers.
Our trail gradually gains elevation as we head into the winter forest. We will hike by several stunning alpine lakes, if cold enough we will hike across the frozen water. Our final destination is a lake just below the Continental Divide. Here we will gaze upon the massive cliff face of Hallett Peak. 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! After a full day at altitude, it’s back then to Estes Park and dinner in town.
Day 3
Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet
After breakfast, we’ll head to Wild Basin, a less visited and quiet region of Rocky Mountain National Park during the Winter Months. Making this area truly a Winter Wonderland.
Our trail gradually gains elevation as we hike next to the North Saint Vrain Creek. We’ll follow the creek past several frozen waterfalls amongst the Lodgepole Pines and Spruce Trees.
As we approach our final waterfall the trail begins to steepen, providing exceptional views of the front range and the Continental Divide to the West.
Day 4
Shuttle to trailhead: 30 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 850 feet
Our final hike of the Snowshoe Tour will take us into the heart of Rocky Mountain. We will travel to justifiably one of the more popular alpine lakes, named after the National Park’s most influential figures, Enos Mills. Here we are embraced with an outstanding mountain skyline and the towering Longs Peak rising above 14,000 ft.
After some last quiet time in this special place we’ll return the way we came and to Estes Park for departures.
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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What's Included
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3 nights of double occupancy, premier lodging in Estes Park (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
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Snowshoes and trekking poles
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Top-of-the-line daypack
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Daily hot drinks "on the trail"
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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.
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Transportation for the duration of the tour (beginning and ending in Estes Park)
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Alcoholic beverages
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
INN ON FALL RIVER
3 nights
This extremely cozy, scenic lodge is located on the shores of a majestic mountain creek and offers a natural but modern lodging experience perfect for our Rocky Mountain adventure.
(creekside spas)
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park, Colorado at 8:30 AM the first day of the trip. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip and will specify the exact location of the orientation meeting at that point. If staying in Denver prior to visiting Estes Park, click here to visit the Estes Park Shuttle page with info on their shuttle schedule.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Estes Park, Colorado
All Rocky Mountain National Park trips begin and end from Estes Park, Colorado. Estes Park does not have an airport. The most convenient airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), which is served by most major airlines and is an inexpensive airport to fly into. From DIA one can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Estes Park. It is a 1.5-hour drive from DIA to Estes Park on good roads.
Denver to Estes Park Shuttles
Estes Park Shuttle: 970-586-5151
Start/End Times
You will meet your guide and group in Estes Park at 8:30 am the first day of the trip. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Jennifer M.
7 years agoLoved Snowshoeing, But Not the Stanley Hotel
This was my first time on snowshoes and I loved it. Floyd was very thoughtful in planning our itinerary each day to account for weather. Breakfasts and dinners in Estes Park were the best I’ve had on any Wildland adventure. I would not recommend the Stanley Hotel if other options are available. It was very noisy and difficult to get a good night of sleep, even after long days on the mountain.
Jennifer P
2 years agoTop-Notch
My husband and I enjoyed our time in the Rockies with Floyd. This is our 3rd trip with Wildland, and the whole experience was such a delight. The accommodations were fantastic and comfortable. The meals were delicious. We were treated like kings and queens. Floyd was top-notch. His experience and knowledge of the area is immense and we enjoyed listening to his stories and learning. We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to take this trip with Wildland and will be on the lookout for our next outdoor adventure.
Katie G
2 years agoWonderful Time
We had a wonderful time on our snowshoe trip to Rocky Mountain NP. Our guide Floyd was informative, adapted to our group, kept us safe and was lots of fun to be around! He challenged us but also listened to what the group needed as we made our way on the trails. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone!!
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