Traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter? I’ve got you covered! I’m going to share 3 winter hikes I did there that were absolutely breathtaking, and that I’d highly recommend.
As a general statement, I want to state that you don’t NEED snowshoes or poles to do these hikes, although they help. I wore crampons and was perfectly fine. It’s really up to you and your preference – there is no right or wrong answer. I saw people there who were wearing strictly tennis shoes with no support… that I would NOT recommend. Also, since these hikes are in a National Park you’ll have to purchase the $25 one-day fee or $35 7 day pass.
1. Dream Lake
This is a 2.2 mile (roundtrip) hike, rated easy, with a 426ft elevation gain. I’d say in the winter though, I would rate it moderate as the path you walk on is on a hill where people may be walking towards you on the same path, making it difficult to move around. In addition, there are quite a few incline spots, and for myself… those are more difficult to be on during the winter than the summer (could have to do with my breathing). I saw multiple people slide down the hill due to not wearing proper shoes. The lake looked so cool as part of the water looked like little waves!
2. Emerald Lake
You can get to this hike after reaching Dream Lake, which I shared above. This hike is 3.1 miles (roundtrip)… but I guess if you’ve already reached Dream Lake, you can cut off some of that time. It’s rated moderate with an elevation gain of 708ft. This hike is mainly uphill at an incline, but so worth it! Especially if you’ve already reached Dream Lake… don’t turn around. It was pretty windy once I reached the lake, so if you have a wind jacket I’d recommend bringing it!
3. The Loch
This was hands-down one of my favorite winter hikes I’ve done to date… and that’s saying something! I live in Glenwood Springs currently and have done Hanging Lake numerous times. This hike is 5.4 miles (roundtrip), rated moderate, with a 1,072ft elevation gain. For me, this hike was mentally tough… I have done it in the summer before, but for some reason it seemed to be taking longer in the winter (again, could be because of my breathing). Well actually, now that I think about it.. if you’ve done this hike in the summer you know there are switchbacks, but in the winter the path doesn’t go that way and you are able to hike up a frozen water fall (photo attached). For me, that was the coolest part! I had to remind myself numerous times to keep going. One foot in front of the other… and boy am I glad I persevered!
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