Ice and Snow World: Winter Travel Guide for Rocky Mountain National Park
❄️ This Thanksgiving, I came to Denver, Colorado in the western US, traveling off-season because it’s colder here. But for friends who want to see snow, this place is just perfect! There’s more than just skiing! Today, I’ll introduce a winter guide for Rocky Mountain National Park. You can hike or drive to enjoy the scenery—it's a beautiful ice and snow world. Here’s a practical guide for everyone.
❄️ Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado, about 2 hours from Denver. Although it lacks the green of summer and the gold of autumn, winter brings white snow, snowy mountains, and frozen lakes, all beautifully dressed in silver and white, offering a completely different kind of wonder and beauty! Plus, no reservation is needed in winter; you can just go. It’s not crowded. The main park roads are open, but Ridge Trail Road is closed. Road conditions are good, and snow chains are not needed. Hurry and go see it!
❄️ You can drive directly to Bear Lake. Parking is limited but spots usually open within half an hour. From here, there are several hiking trails. The popular one is Dream Lake Trail, which is 2 miles long and relatively easy, suitable for visitors of all ages. Continuing further leads to Emerald Lake, 3.6 miles long, with fewer people and beautiful scenery.
❄️ The trail from Bear Lake to Dream Lake is relatively flat with some small hills. The entire path is covered with snow, but there’s little ice, so microspikes aren’t necessary, though I highly recommend bringing them, especially for downhill sections to protect yourself from slipping. Along the way, three lakes—Nymph Lake and Dream Lake—are frozen and you can walk on them. It’s very beautiful!
❄️ Emerald Lake is of moderate difficulty. The latter half is steeper with snow and ice, making it a bit slippery. Microspikes or crampons are recommended. The view at the end is stunning, with snow falling. Walking on the ice and seeing the snowy mountain scenery up close is amazing.
❄️ Sprague Lake is accessible by car. It’s a small, modest lake.
❄️ Many Parks Curve Overlook is a high point reachable by car, offering a great view overlooking the park and snowy mountains. Definitely worth a visit.
❄️ Sheep Lakes
❄️ Lake Estes: There’s a small town outside the park where you can stay, see the lake, and find many restaurants.