Rocky Mountain National Park High Country Headlines

Winter 2006-07 October 29 - March 30 Your Park in Winter

Reflected sunlight sparkles in the snow. Tracks of tiny mice and great elk cross Inside your trail. Frozen alpine lakes ringed 2 You Need to Know by massive peaks can be reached by snowshoe, ski, and even on foot. For 3 Survival those who are prepared, winter in Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful time 4 Ranger-led Programs full of crisp adventures. 5 Camping 6-7 Winter Tours 8 Park Map

The park’s west side holds the best snow. photo: Harry Canon

This newspaper is designed to help you most of the winter. Easy trails head toward drifts, is too dangerous comfortably and safely enjoy this high Lulu City or Sun Valley, and many more to try to keep fully open through the and wild park during its longest season. challenging options are also available. On winter. Yet much of the park is still open Information on visitor centers, important the east side of the park (Estes Park area), year-round. You can drive to magnificent phone numbers, winter travel, and snowshoeing is more reliable than cross- view areas like Many Parks Curve and recreation are on pages 2 and 3. Free country skiing. The lofty peaks of Rocky on the east, and through the ranger-led programs are listed on page 4. Mountain National Park tend to catch and spectacular on the Camping is described on page 5. Some hold more snow on their western slopes west. popular trails are listed on pages 6 and than on the east, allowing some east-side 7. The back page has a winter park map park trails to be hikeable through much of You will drive by many trails that can showing major year-round routes and the winter. The Bear Lake area usually has provide a real taste of wild mountains in facilities. excellent snowshoeing through middle and their longest season. A snowshoe or ski late winter, as does the Glacier Gorge area. tour will reveal some of the beauty unique There is no more important season than , Mills Lake, and the Loch are to winter. Here are ice-filled cascades and winter to ask a ranger about current park spectacular winter snowshoe destinations. waterfalls, and massive peaks sparkling conditions. Park roads often exemplify Easy trails circle Sprague and Lily Lakes. with snow against dark rock. Elk, coyotes, winter in the mountains, with snow, ice, and deer, snowshoe hares, and many other gusty winds frequent roadway companions. Rocky Mountain is the loftiest national park mammals remain active in the park through Trails may be good for snowshoeing or in the contiguous forty-eight states. When the winter, covered in dense winter coats. skiing one day, but poor the next. Stop nature permits, you can drive higher on the Hardy birds stay north for the season, in at the nearest visitor center (Beaver nation’s highest paved through-road – Trail ranging in color from that of winter (the Meadows and Kawuneeche are open year- Ridge (12,183’) – than is possible in any ptarmigan), to that of night (the raven), to a round) for information and suggestions other national park. Winter comes early combination that includes both those hues tailored to your interests and current to Trail Ridge Road, typically closing the and more (the magpie). conditions. road for the winter by mid-October. During mid-winter, powerful winds, often gusting to Enjoy this long quiet season in Rocky If you enter the park from the west (Grand hurricane-force velocities, create frequent Mountain National Park. Lake), you’re in for a winter treat. Cross- blizzard conditions on this road. Especially - Peter Allen country skiing can be excellent through because of the winds and resultant deep

The hearty magpie remains active throughout The ptarmigan changes from mottled brown- The tiny pika stays active during the winter, the long Rocky Mountain winter. grey plumage in summer to the color of winter. eating plants it dries during the summer You Need to Know Park Phone Numbers and Website Visitor Centers Call Park Information (970) 586-1206 with your questions. We are available to assist you from 8 to 4:30. Park visitor centers are the places to find out what you need to know. All have knowledgeable staff, printed information on many Dial 911 or (970) 586-1203 for emergencies. topics, and great bookstores stocked with all the best books for finding that perfect trail and learning what makes Rocky Mountain The Official Park Website is nps.gov/romo such an awesome national park. Each visitor center has its own special features. Pets Pets are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry. West of the Divide – Please observe signs; some winter-closed gravel roads are Grand Lake Area managed as backcountry trails during this season. Kawuneeche Visitor Center Pets are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and along Open daily 8-4:30 roadsides. They must be on a leash (6’ or less) and at- except Dec. 25. Features tended at all times. Never leave pets unattended in your free movie and slide shows, vehicle. Kennels are available locally. exhibits on how to plan your visit, bookstore, backcountry Fishing camping permits. Obtain specific park regulations at visitor centers or park entrance stations. To fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, East of the Divide – you must have a valid state fishing license. Estes Park Area No Hunting or Firearms Beaver Meadows Hunting is not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitor Center All firearms and weapons are prohibited. Open daily 8-4:30 except Dec. 25. Lost and Found Features free movie, Please turn found items in at any park visitor center. To inquire bookstore, large 3-D park about lost items, call the Backcountry Office at (970) 586-1242. orientation map, backcountry camping permits in nearby building. Winds frequently Fall River Visitor Center create a halo of Open Saturdays & Sundays blowing snow 9-4. Also open Nov. 24, Dec. surrounding peaks in the 26-29, and Feb. 19. Features park. life-sized wildlife displays, a discovery room where kids can touch objects and dress up as rangers, Native Americans, and pioneers, and a bookstore. Weather and Road Conditions Winter driving conditions can change rapidly. For Rocky Mountain National Park daily road and driving conditions, stop in at a Heart of the Rockies visitor center or call (970) 586-1206. Snow tires or chains may Teachers, Parents, Students! be recommended during periods of snow. After hours, a recorded Rocky Mountain National Park’s “Heart of the Rockies” education message at (970) 586-1333 provides daily updates on park road program provides an outdoor classroom to children throughout and weather conditions. this region. Teachers who are interested in participating in this program may contact the park’s Education Specialist at During winter, lower elevation park roads remain open. The high (970) 586-3777, or through the website at heartoftherockies.net central portion of Trail Ridge Road is closed between Many Parks Curve and the Colorado River Trailhead. The treeless, open central section of Trail Ridge Road experiences strong winds and blizzard conditions, making it unsafe to maintain through the winter. For Colorado state road conditions, call (303) 639-1111 or (877) 315-ROAD.

The central part of Trail Ridge Road (at right) is closed for the winter. Check at visitor centers This Park Paper for all road conditions. High Country Headlines is produced by the staff of Rocky Mountain National Park in cooperation

with –and with funding provided by– Bear Lake Road Bear Lake Road is kept open during the winter. The road is the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. plowed, but may be closed for clearing after any significant Edited and designed by Peter Allen snowfall. Please call (970) 586-1206 for current conditions. 2 Printed on recycled paper High Country Survival

Stay Together! High Elevation Avoid traveling alone in the backcountry and The high elevations of Rocky always stay together as a group. Detailed Mountain National Park, combined information regarding your trip itinerary should with dry air, may bring on be left with a responsible person so park symptoms of high altitude authorities can be notified if you fail to return. sickness. These include nausea, Safety is your responsibility! dizziness, headache, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of Backcountry Travel breath. If you experience these Be prepared for all types of weather, no matter symptoms, descend to a lower what activity you are enjoying in the national elevation. To minimize altitude park. Unforeseen weather conditions can effects, increase water intake, change a short afternoon hike, ski, or avoid alcohol, eat lightly and snowshoe trip into an unpleasant experience. frequently, and get plenty of rest.

Severe storms can impose life threatening Ultraviolet radiation is also strong hazards only one or two miles from your car. at high elevations, even during Carry a stormproof outer shell and extra winter. Wear sunglasses, a hat, clothing. Be equipped with detailed and use sunscreen. topographic maps and a compass. Obtain a required backcountry permit for any overnight trip.

Don’t depend upon a cell phone for emergency help; many Hypothermia locations in this rugged park are not serviced. Hypothermia is a serious and sometimes fatal condition Avalanches brought on by exposure to Colorado has more known wet and cold. The core body avalanches than any other temperature drops to a level state. Avoid skiing or which impairs normal muscle snowshoeing in steep gullies and brain activities. Symptoms where avalanches could include drowsiness, loss of occur. Open slopes of 30 to 45 judgment or coordination, degrees can be loaded with slurred speech, and dangerous masses of snow, uncontrolled shivering. If these easily triggered by backcountry symptoms occur, warm the travelers. Wear an electronic chilled person with dry clothing transceiver when traversing and warm, nonalcoholic liquids, avalanche terrain. If you are get back to your car and seek caught in an avalanche, make medical attention. swimming motions and try to stay on top of the snow. Carry a windproof/snowproof outer shell and extra layers of For current avalanche This Mom has prepared her clothing. Drink plenty of water; conditions, check at a visitor child well for enjoying time out high elevation, wind, and cold center or call (970)586-1206. in the park. dry us out and chill us.

Sledding and Snow Play Streams, Lakes, and Giardia There is only one place in Don’t drink water directly from park streams or lakes. RMNP open to sledding and Giardia, a microscopic organism found in lakes, streams, downhill sliding on snow: and snow, can cause diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and Hidden Valley. Snow weight loss. To prevent giardiasis, bring water to a full conditions are sometimes rolling boil for at least 5 minutes, or use a water filtration poor to marginal. Check at a system that eliminates the organism. visitor center or call (970) 586-1206 for current Keep Wildlife Wild information. Never feed wildlife. A fine may be issued Be aware of cold weather, to violators. Animals chilling wind, and the effects can kick, bite or gore of hypothermia. you. They can become dependent on human At Hidden Valley the fenced snowplay hill is for the use of sleds, food and lose the tubes, and saucers. Skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers must ability to feed naturally. exercise caution when passing through sledding-snowplay areas. Wildlife also carry Slow down and yield the right of way when descending. On diseases which can be weekends and holidays, skilled park staff, often volunteers, are on transmitted to humans, duty. For your safety and enjoyment, please follow their guidance. like rabies and plague. Photograph animals from the roadside. 3 Wheelchair Ranger Led Programs Accessible Programs East of the Divide - Estes Park area West of the Divide - Grand Lake area Visitor Centers Ski and Snowshoe Tours Time/Program Days Offered Description Check at a visitor center for the latest road, trail, weather, and ranger-led program information. Two visitor centers, Beaver Ski the Wilderness Sa Ski a snow-draped landscape Meadows (east side) and Kawuneeche (west side) are open daily in Winter December 9 – and learn about the Kawuneeche from 8 AM through 4:30 PM, except December 25. 9 AM February 24 Valley. Join a park ranger at the 2 hours Kawuneeche Visitor Center at More detail on these visitor centers, and the Fall River Visitor 9 AM for this 2-hour cross- Center (primarily open weekends, 9-4), is on page 2 of this paper. country ski tour. Children under 8 years of age are not allowed on this activity. You Snowshoe Tours must provide your own skis and –by reservation only*– poles with large baskets. Time/Program Days Offered Description Snowshoe in the Sa Take an intermediate level Kawuneeche December 9 – 2-hour snowshoe tour with a Snowshoe Ecology Sa Su W Take a beginner-level 1 PM March 10 ranger. This is a more rigorous Walk* January 6 – snowshoe tour with a ranger 2 hours tour with altitude gains of up to 12:30 PM March 31 and explore the natural world 500’. Meet at the Kawuneeche 2 hours of a subalpine forest. No Reservations are Visitor Center. Please bring your previous experience is required, and may own snowshoes and ski poles necessary. be made no sooner with large baskets. Children than 7 days in under 8 years of age are not *Making Reservations– Snowshoe Tours advance. allowed on this activity. Reservations are necessary and may be made no more Call (970) 627-3471 from than seven days in advance. 8 AM–4:30 PM to make Call (970) 586-1223 from 8 AM – 4 PM daily. reservations. There is a limit of 6 people per reservation for this 2 hour program. For safety reasons, children under 8 years Snowshoe in the Su Join a beginner level 2-hour old are not allowed on this activity. Sleds, skis, hikers, Kawuneeche December 10 – snowshoe tour with a ranger. and children in backpacks are not permitted. You must provide your own snowshoes. They can be rented in Estes 1 PM March 11 Meet at the Kawuneeche Visitor Park sporting goods stores. 2 hours except 12/24 Center. Please bring your own snowshoes and ski poles with Groups Reservations are large baskets. Children under 8 Part of an organized group? Please call (970) 586-3777. required, and may years of age are not allowed on be made no sooner this activity. than 7 days in Call (970) 627-3471 from Evening Programs - East advance. 8 AM–4:30 PM to make Beaver Meadows every Sa Enjoy a wide variety of reservations. Evening Program informative and entertaining 7 PM programs. Meet in the Evening Programs - West downstairs auditorium at 1 hour Saturday Night in second Enjoy an evening program the Beaver Meadows Visitor the Park Saturday in second Saturday of each month Center. No program is offered 7 PM Nov., Dec., in the auditorium at the 12/23 or 12/30. 1 hour and Jan. Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Free Park Movie ends Jan. 13 For a description of topics, inquire at the front desk. See the stunning 23 minute park movie at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. This movie features spectacular aerial footage of the Park Book Stores park’s rugged high country, as well as of wildlife and other park resources. At RMNA Bookstores, Your Purchase Makes A Difference

Junior Rangers- Parkwide The best Rocky Mountain National Park books, maps and other interesting items are right here, at one Free junior ranger books are of the Rocky Mountain Nature Association (RMNA) bookstores located around the park. And when you available at park visitor centers. make a purchase from our non-profit organization, A successfully completed book proceeds are returned to the park, supporting earns a badge! important educational, interpretive and research programs. Drop by today.

Visit the Rocky Mountain Nature Association bookstores at: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Fall River Visitor Center • Kawuneeche Visitor Center

Rocky Mountain Nature Association • P.O. Box 3100, Estes Park, CO 80517 • (970) 586-0108 • rmna.org 4 Camping Campgrounds Backcountry Camping Permits Reservations for summer camping at Moraine Park and Glacier Permits are required for all backcountry overnight camping. Basin campgrounds can be made in advance. Call 800-365-2267 Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Winter-season for further information. and designated sections of permits may be obtained at the Backcountry Office (east) or Moraine Park and Timber Creek campgrounds are open all winter. Kawuneeche Visitor Center (west), or by self-registration at some Water and dump station facilities are not available during the park locations. For further information call (970) 586-1242 or write winter. to: Backcountry Office, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517. ee per night ©Peter Allen ©Peter tay limit F Elevation–ft. S (nights) Public phone Leave No Trace Longs Peak With over 3 million visitors every year, the wild lands of Rocky 26 campsites $14 14 no Mountain National Park are being heavily used. In snowshoeing, Open all year - tents only 9,400 camping, and all your park activities, do your part to preserve this national treasure by following these seven easy principles: Moraine Park Plan ahead and prepare $14 14 yes 77 campsites Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Open all year. 8,150 Dispose of waste properly Timber Creek Leave what you find 20 campsites $14 14 yes Minimize campfire impacts Open all year.

8,900 Respect Wildlife Be considerate of other visitors West Side Wonders What makes a perfect Rocky Mountain winter experience? Dramatic snow-covered peaks? Gliding on skis through a silent forest? Moose lounging in pristine meadows blanketed white? A family on snowshoes enjoying a trek to a frozen waterfall? These dreams and more can be enjoyed on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, by visiting the park via its Kawuneeche Valley entrance. Consistent winter snow on the park’s west side ©Harry Canon Skiing/Snowshoeing makes the area ideal for winter recreation. Heavy snowfall on the west side of the park results in outstanding cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors strapping on skis Sightseeing or snowshoes for the first time may want to explore Sun Valley Prefer to experience the charm of winter from the comfort of a Trail, a loop that meanders through woods and open meadows vehicle? Ten miles of road through the Kawuneeche Valley are along the Colorado River and offers breathtaking views of the plowed for travel. Take the time to enjoy spectacular views of the Never Summer Range. snow-clad Never Summer Range. Watch for moose along the banks of the frozen Colorado River. Another short jaunt leads to ice-shrouded Adams Falls. This 0.6 mile roundtrip includes a short hill that can sometimes be icy. Beyond the falls, more than a mile of level trail offers spectacular mountain vistas. Experienced skiers and snowshoers can continue up into the mountains on this or other trails. Many routes are appropriate for both skis and snowshoes, with snowshoers being careful to keep to the side of ski tracks. Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for information or to register for a variety of suggested routes for all skill levels.

Ranger-Guided Activities Interested in learning more about the winter wilderness while you explore? Rangers on the west side

of the park offer ski tours Saturday ©Harry Canon mornings, December 9-February ©Harry Canon 24. Snowshoe tours are offered by reservation weekend afternoons December 9-March 11. Call the visitor center at 970-627-3471 for details. Cross-country ski touring is often excellent on the park’s west side. 5 Winter Trails by Snowshoe, Ski and Foot

With over 350 miles of trails, the park offers a vast array of choices. A small sampling of trails are described below. When properly equipped, snowshoeing and skiing at Rocky Mountain National Park is often inspiring and invigorating. Skiing is typically better on the west side of the park (Grand Lake entrance), as snow depths are greater than on the eastern slope. Even for short day ©Audrey Stevens ©Audrey tours, be sure to pack gear for all types of weather (sun, snow, wind). Strong winds are quite common, and windproof clothing is essential gear to wear or carry.

Trail Tips: Be prepared for the rigors of high elevation - drink plenty of water, and travel at a pace where you can still talk and breathe easily. If you feel poorly, descend to a lower elevation. Know park regulations. Pack it in, pack it out - including remains of all your food (pits, peels, etc.), as well as facial tissues. Leave rocks, plants and

©Jane Lopez other natural objects where you find them. Let nature’s sounds prevail; avoid loud voices and noises. No pets are allowed on park trails. Trails on the East Side of the Park Trail Trailhead Round Trip Elevation Cool Stuff Location Distance Gain A fine winter hike along a gated dirt Upper Beaver Road 3-4 miles 140 feet road, with an option for making a 3.5 Meadows (gated) off Trail Ridge Road, 2 miles mile loop by taking a trail just inside from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. the barricade, which joins the end of the road in 1.5 miles. A good place for a short winter walk, Sprague Lake on Bear Lake Road. .5 mile 10 feet or sometimes to try out those cross- country skis on a frozen lake. Good views of the Continental Divide.

Follows summer roads which are West Alluvial Fan at gated end of 5 miles 400 feet closed to winter traffic. At 1.5 miles, Endovalley Road off Hwy 34 take the right fork up Old to beautiful Chasm Falls. Trail around lake often suitable Lily Lake Lily Lake on Highway 7, south of .7 mile 5 feet for walking in boots; or as a short Estes Park. snowshoe or ski. Beautiful views of high park peaks. Longer trails start from here too. Dream Lake Bear Lake on Bear Lake Road, A good snowshoe tour to one of the 2.2 miles 425 feet 10 miles from Beaver Meadows most photographed lakes in the park. Visitor Center. An intermediate snowshoe for good Emerald Lake Bear Lake on Bear Lake Road, 3.6 miles 605 feet route-finders. Tour ascends to an alpine 10 miles from Beaver Meadows lake. Check at a visitor center for route Visitor Center. details.

A nice snowshoe or ski tour, if started Bear Lake on Bear Lake Road, 3.2 miles 235 feet at Bear Lake. Also possible as a 10 miles from Beaver Meadows steeper snowshoe/hiking tour from the Visitor Center. Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. An excellent winter snowshoe trail Mills Lake Glacier Gorge on Bear Lake Road. 5.6 miles 730 feet to a spectacular peak-rimmed lake. Magnificent views abound. Check at a visitor center for route details. An excellent winter snowshoe trail to The Loch Glacier Gorge on Bear Lake Road. 6 miles 970 feet another spectacular peak-rimmed lake. Magnificent views abound. Check at a visitor center for route details. A quiet winter snowshoe on a lesser- Mill Creek Hollowell Park on Bear Lake 3.2 miles 600 feet used trail. Check at a visitor center for Road. 6 details and current conditions. Trail Trailhead Round Trip Elevation Cool Stuff Location Distance Gain

A moderate hike/snowshoe; lower Cub Lake Cub Lake in Moraine Park off the 4.6 miles 540 feet sections are often hikeable. The last Bear Lake Road. mile often has ice or snow. Bring snowshoes, even if it looks open at the beginning.

Fern Lake on Cub Lake Road near Meadows, aspen groves, ponds and The Pool 4.9 miles 245 feet Moraine Park Campground. conifer forests highlight this easy, nearly level trail. A snowshoe or hike, depending upon snow conditions.

Trail ascends steeply through Sandbeach Wild Basin off Highway 7, south 8.4 miles 1970 feet sunny forest; a steady uphill hike. Lake of Estes Park Snowshoes often are not needed for the lower trail sections.

Frozen waterfalls and beautiful views Ouzel Falls Wild Basin off Highway 7, south of 5.4 miles 950 feet Estes Park. await on this snowshoe tour. Often some icy patches on the trail.

Follows the summer road which is The gated winter closure at Trail Ridge Road closed to winter traffic. Beautiful Many Parks Curve on Trail Ridge 2+ miles 200+ feet views; often windy. Snowshoes Road. usually best.

A strenuous snowshoe or hike to the Deer Mountain Deer Ridge Junction 4.5 miles 6 miles 1075 feet windblown top of Deer Mountain. The from Beaver Meadows Visitor lower portion tends to be open and Center along Trail Ridge Road. hikeable; upper switchbacks snowy.

A strenuous snowshoe to a high Lawn Lake Lawn Lake Trailhead on Fall 12.4 miles 2250 feet mountain lake. After a mile, the trail River Road. follows scenic .

Trails on the West Side of the Park - Where snow conditions are generally better

Trail Trailhead Round Trip Elevation Cool Stuff Location Distance Gain

Tonahutu The Kawuneeche Visitor Center, From the Visitor Center, an easy 2 Creek Trail north of Grand Lake. 4 miles 300 feet mile ski to Grand Lake. A longer option is an 8 mile round trip to Big Meadows (700’ elevation gain).

Adams Falls East Inlet, on West Portal Road, A beautiful snowshoe or intermediate- at the far east end of Grand Lake .6 miles 80 feet level ski tour. The trail continues to village. First Meadows (2 mile round trip), with a great view of Mt. Craig.

Sun Valley Trail Harbison Picnic Area An easy ski or snowshoe loop through 1 mile north of the Kawuneeche 2.5 miles 50 feet woods and open meadow. Be sure to Visitor Center. look for orange trail markers at trail junctions. Green Mountain Green Mountain Trailhead An intermediate ski or snowshoe to Trail 3 miles north of the Kawuneeche 4 miles 600 feet Big Meadows. A longer, more difficult Visitor Center. loop is also possible.

Coyote Valley Coyote Valley Trailhead in the A level trail adjacent to the Colorado Trail Kawuneeche Valley. 1 mile 10 feet River. An easy choice to test those skis or showshoes.

Colorado River The end of the plowed road in the A gentle ski tour with some views of Trail (Lulu City) Kawuneeche Valley 10 miles north 7.4 miles 350 feet the Colorado River. Historic sites of of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Shipler Cabins and Lulu City add to the natural attractions of this tour. 7 Rocky Mountain National Park The high central portion of Trail Ridge Road is closed for the winter. Entering from either the East or the West offers many options for snowshoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the crispness of winter.

Take a look through this paper at some of the things that you can do in the quietest season in Rocky Mountain National Park. Magnificent scenery, wildlife large and small, frozen lakes and waterfalls, and the still of the winter forest await.

Central part of Trail Ridge Road closed for winter

Old Fall River Rd. closed

Colorado Hidden Valley River TH

Many Parks Curve Holzwarth Historic Site

LEGEND

Paved Roads

Unpaved Road

Roads Closed in Winter

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