Rocky Mountain National Park really shines in the winter time and one of the best ways to experience everything Rocky has to offer is on a Snowshoeing Nature Safari. If you can walk you can snowshoe! Drive the roads, and hike/snowshoe the trails to explore a world under a blanket of white powder. We'll snowshoe only as far as you wish, its all about having fun and having new experiences. There are two options to consider.

Conditions Note: The Snow depth is below average, but recent snow offers us some powder. 2/24/2013

Nature Snowshoeing Safaris

On a Nature Snowshoeing Safari, Rocky is still quite alive in the winter. We'll spend our time on the easier but beautiful trails in the park. We will look for wildlife tracks like Pine Squirrels and Snowshoe Hares, follow the wintering birds on their daily activities, see how the plants and trees of the Rockies survive the winter, read the signs and tracks in the snow, and enjoy the amazing winter views. Parts of the winter, snowshoes are not required due to the lack of snow so we offer cleats for your boots instead.

Adventure Snowshoeing Safaris

Adventure Snowshoeing Safaris will still focus on some nature aspects but we'll generally look for more adventurous ways to go downhill, like sliding on snowshoes and our rear end, going off trail for longer distances.

On a 3.5 hour snowshoe tour we can head up to some beautiful locations going up to two miles round trip. Some days we can't see the mountains due to the cloud layers but the snowshoeing itself can be exceptionally fun. Going up is generally slow and depends on your groups fitness level. We take a number of rest breaks to catch our breath. This kind of trip is great for first time snowshoers and should only be avoided by folks with some kind of heart or breathing condition.

On the way down we can use side trails and head off trail to get the full experience of snowshoeing in deep snow. On the way down we can also take some slides sitting on your rear end as you slide down a hillside. Most folks find the slides the most fun, but they depend on the snow to see how far you will go.

On a 6 or 8 hour snowshoeing tour we can go much farther, up to 3 or 4 miles or more one way to see some of the most amazing winter landscapes in North America. These trips are recommend for folks in good physical shape that walk or hike on a regular basis. Longer trips offer more off trail hiking when we head downhill, but there are generally fewer if any sliding opportunities.

Tour Details: All tours are private, only the people you invite will come along. Snowshoes, poles, and gators are included with the tour. Groups are limited to four people to ensure each person has a quality experience with our naturalist. Limited to children 12 and up. If your kids are under 16 please read the Safari FAQ to make sure this tour is for your family. Binoculars are available for each person as well as use of a spotting scope to really bring those distant creatures into view.

If you are staying for a few days you may consider renting a pair of snowshoes and poles for your entire stay from the Warming House.

Sunscreen, water and snacks are provided for all guests. Be sure to dress warm and in layers. Ankle high winter or hiking boots are also recommended. Avoid cotton socks and jeans as they absorb water. Warm people have more fun. *Not included: Park entrance fees are $10 per person or $40 for an annual pass.

Winter Rates: November - April

Fees: 1 - 4 Guests     

3.5 Hour Tour $95 first guest + $35 per additional guest*

6 Hour Tour $175 first guest + $45 per additional guest* 

8 Hour Tour $235 first guest + $60 per additional guest* 
(Recommended for Photo Safaris and Snowshoeing Tours Only)

Book Your Tour

tours@YWGuiding.com