Explore the trails this winter in Estes Park with snowshoeing. This winter activity is a favorite amongst many, especially those new to the sport. Easy to learn and no complicated gear to worry about, snowshoeing is a great activity for everyone to enjoy. Discover how you can hit the trails for the first time with these beginner snowshoe trails near Estes Park.
Bear Lake
Probably one of the most popular areas in the park, Bear Lake is an ideal snowshoe trail for beginners. The loop around the lake is only .6 miles long but features great views of the lake, Hallett Peak, and other iconic peaks! It’s a relatively flat trail, so there are no major elevation gains or losses.
Nymph Lake
If you feel like adding on from the Bear Lake Loop, continue your adventures with a visit to Nymph Lake. The one-mile route (RT) leads to another alpine lake with surrounding mountain views.
Dream Lake
If you want to extend your trip from Bear Lake even more, then check out Dream Lake. A true dream, this part of the park is a favorite amongst everyone. The two-mile round-trip hike offers a moderate climb of only 500 feet in elevation gain, complete with a scenic alpine lake and commanding views of Hallett Peak. Dream Lake can often be reached without snowshoes, so check the weather forecast before you go.
Lily Ridge
One of our favorite beginner snowshoe trails near Estes Park is Lily Ridge. This is a popular trail that features beautiful views of the Longs Peak (the park’s only 14,000+-foot mountain peak) overlooking Lily Lake. The one-mile (RT) route comes with minimal elevation gain and is technically located inside RMNP but can be accessed without having to pay at the main entrance.
Upper Beaver Meadows
A great three-mile roundtrip hike with minimal elevation change is the Upper Beaver Meadows trail. There are two trails available at the Beaver Meadows parking lot. Choose to connect the trails into one long loop or only take one trail. With limited elevation gain, your views are mostly of the streams, meadows, and local wildlife, which isn’t bad at all! This is also a trail that is walkable with hiking boots and microspikes if there isn’t enough snow.
Discover more about snowshoeing for beginners with our helpful guide.
Rentals and tours
If you don’t want to explore the trails on your own for your first snowshoe experience, there are touring packages available from the area’s local businesses. Estes Park Outfitters offers backcountry trips along with Footpaths of the World who is known for extra-long trips of 4+ hours. These leave from the Warming House, just down the street from Brynwood on the River!
Of course, simply rent a pair and go snowshoeing by yourself. The Estes Park Mountain Shop has you covered with a number of options to choose from.
Stay at Brynwood on the River
Complete your snowshoeing adventures with a stay at Brynwood on the River! We offer cozy cabins, cottages, and vacation homes in Estes Park with scenic views, hot tubs, and fireplaces to keep you warm this winter!
Stay and play a little longer with our Stay ‘n’ Play package and receive your third night FREE when you book two nights. Happy trails!
