Register below for snowshoe programs on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park!
General Information:
- 2026 Snowshoe programs on the east side of the park begin on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The last day for the season will be Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Please call the park’s Information Office at 970-586-1206 for information on east side programs. Conservancy staff are NOT able to answer questions on ranger-led programs or accept reservations by phone.
- Registration for each date opens 7 days in advance. Advance registration is free but is required.
- Snowshoes are not provided for east side programs.
- All snowshoe programs are dependent on appropriate conditions and may be cancelled for any reason. Reasons include but are not limited to: poor or unsafe road conditions, severe weather conditions like high winds, or lack of adequate snow levels.
- For information on west side snowshoe programs, call 970-627-3471.
All Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Snowshoe Programs:
- take place on both the east and west sides of the park. This page is only for east side program registration.
- are free, but reservations are required.
- are conducted by National Park Service rangers or RMC winter naturalists, with support from interns and/or volunteers.
- are “moderately strenuous” and open to all skill levels, including beginners.
- do not allow children in carriers due to safety concerns.
- last approximately 1 – 2 hours.
- take place at 9,400 – 9,700 feet of elevation on the east side.
- meet at a trailhead but don’t always follow a trail. (The exact route can vary with snow and weather conditions.)
- require at least 8 – 10 inches of base snow to safely and effectively use snowshoes.
- may be cancelled at the last minute due to poor weather or snow conditions. (If cancelled, participants will be notified.)
Safety Information:
- Appropriate clothing is essential; this includes layered clothing (no cotton), winter jacket, winter hat, and warm, water-resistant gloves. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or snow boots are required. Due to safety concerns (hypothermia and frost bite), participants wearing tennis/gym shoes or slip-on shoes will not be allowed to participate in the snowshoe program.
- Conditions can vary. Come prepared for the possibility of falling snow, strong winds, and cold but variable temperatures.
- Participants must have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevation. One mile of snowshoeing is more strenuous than a typical hike. You may consider this activity level equal to hiking at least two miles on a summer trail, jogging one mile, or biking three miles. Programs take place at higher elevations, and may not be suitable for people sensitive to altitude.
- It is the responsibility of the group leader (person making the reservation) to disseminate safety information to their entire group, so that the whole group arrives prepared for the snowshoe walk. This includes telling their family and friends about the walk being moderately strenuous, the requirement to come dressed in appropriate winter clothing and waterproof footwear, and the requirement to provide their own snowshoes.
Reservations are REQUIRED for all RMNP Snowshoe Walks
- Free reservations are required for all RMNP snowshoe programs inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Space is limited to a total of 20 people per program.
- Due to limited space, a maximum of 6 members of the same group may sign up for a reservation on the same date.
- Snowshoe walks often fill, especially if the day is forecast to be mild and sunny. We recommend reserving a spot as soon as reservations open.
- Reservations open 7 days in advance of the program date.
East side programs are offered mid-January to mid March, 2026. The specific program location will be provided once reservations are made. East side (Estes Park) snowshoe programs take place at 9,400 – 9,700 feet of elevation.
Snowshoes are NOT provided for east side snowshoe programs. Participants must bring their own snowshoes or rent snowshoes prior to arriving. There are no snowshoe or winter equipment rentals available within park boundaries on the east side. Snowshoes can be rented or purchased in the town of Estes Park.
Snowshoe Program Descriptions & Registration:
New to Snowshoeing?
Step into the basics and learn what snowshoeing is all about with a Kid-friendly Snowshoe Walk. Along the way, learn about plants and wildlife that call Rocky home. This beginner snowshoe walk is great for the whole family! Beginning on January 24, snowshoe walks take place on Saturdays at 2pm and are 1 hour in length. Participants must bring their own winter gear and snowshoes or rent gear outside of the park. Advanced reservations are required. The last day for snowshoe walks is Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Kid-friendly Snowshoe Walks: January 24 and 31, February 7, 14, 21, and 28, March 7, 14, and 21
After you register, you will receive an email from Eventbrite with full program details.
Please call the park’s Information Office at 970-586-1206 for information on east side programs. Conservancy staff are NOT able to answer questions on ranger-led programs or accept reservations by phone.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the walk begins to check in and get your winter gear and snowshoes on!
Looking for a More Adventurous Snowshoe Experience?
Enjoy an afternoon of winter exploration on a Snowshoe Hike! Participants will travel across hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and forest areas ranging from 9,400 to 9,700 feet in elevation. Snowshoe hikes are 2-hours in duration. Along the way, participants will learn about plants and wildlife that call Rocky home. Beginning on January 27, snowshoe hikes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30pm. These programs are open to participants ages 8 and older. Participants must bring their own winter gear and snowshoes or rent them outside of the park. Advanced reservations are required. The last day for snowshoe hikes is Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Snowshoe Hikes: January 27 and 29, February 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, and 26, March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, and 19
Please call the park’s Information Office at 970-586-1206 for information on east side programs. Conservancy staff are NOT able to answer questions on ranger-led programs or accept reservations by phone.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the walk begins to check in and get your winter gear and snowshoes on!
Last day for east side snowshoe programs this season is March 21, 2026!