Rocky Mountain Lodge Based Snowshoe Tour
Estes Park, CO
5.0 (28 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Winter Mountain Experience
- Rejuvenating Solitude
- Winter Wildlife
- Invigorating Snowshoeing & Hiking
- Stunning Mountain Scenery
- Cozy Accommodations & Wonderful Meals
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Description
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!
$615 Single Supplement
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
5-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
940 ft
Heights Exposure:
None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking/snowshoeing uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on a variety of surfaces including packed snow, freshly fallen snow and dirt/rocks
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoe Tour a Solitude Level 3. You can expect several hours of solitude at a time.
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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ITINERARY
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.
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.
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
- Snowshoes and trekking poles
- Top-of-the-line daypack
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Daily hot drinks “on the trail”
- 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.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour (beginning and ending in Estes Park)
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What To Expect
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. Some specialty diets may require an additional fee.
For dinners, we’ve hand-picked local restaurants you’re sure to enjoy! We made our decisions based on the quality of their food, their charm, and how much local color and character they have.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Snowshoes
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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
Winter Weather in the Colorado Rockies
Being a high mountain environment, Rocky Mountain National Park is prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. Winter can be cold and snowy or mild, depending on the year. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:
Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 40° | 18° |
| January | 39° | 16° |
| February | 41° | 17° |
Accommodations
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)
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Jennifer M.
Loved 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
Top-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
Wonderful 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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