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Rocky Mountain National Park High Country Headlines

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Rocky Mountain National Park High Country Headlines 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, Trail Ridge Road 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 Bear Lake on the east, and through the ranger-led programs are listed on page 4. Mountain National Park tend to catch and spectacular Kawuneeche Valley 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 Dream Lake, 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 Colorado 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.
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