Rocky Mountain National Park Winter 2020 / Spring 2021 t visit oof , eat, face mask ake your outer layer to keep out wind warm hat ent local, boots waterpr ACT . Symptoms alley e sick, don’ . . ash your hands with soap ash your hands with void touching your face. ebsite If you’r the park. W hand san- and water or use itizer A Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow fects many visitors eme Cold CONT Hidden V Snowplay Status 970 586-1333 Park Information 970 586-1206 Emergencies Call or text 911 W nps.gov/romo Social Media @RockyNPS Maintain social Maintain of six feet distancing , possible whenever in busy areas. especially Follow curr state, and national health guidance: • • • • Altitude sickness af every year include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, vomit- ing, and even unconscious- ness. Altitude can also aggravate preexisting conditions like heart and lung disease. T time, drink water and rest. The only cure for altitude sickness is to go down to a lower altitude.

r - gloves Extr e 2+ layers t do e 3+ layers 1 insulating , Visitor . oads, rail Ridge ed when Bear Lake ed. ed. oof epar , with very cold e closed. Winte . es a significant epar warm hat outer layer to keep out wind, wet snow boots waterpr eme eather and Altitude fs, and overlooks. valanches can be equir Come pr Come re- are limited. A services of visitors duced number allowed in facilities will be at a given time. Face masks are required facilities, inside all visitor where and when in areas cannot social distancing This in- be maintained. or busy cludes narrow lots, pull- trails, parking of Winters at Rocky ar extr temperatures, howling winds, feet of snow and conditions that can change suddenly A easily trigger traveling in the wilder ness. The park doesn’ any avalanche control. For current conditions, check locally or visit colorado.gov/avalanche Road and other major paved roads remain open (weather permitting). Driving between Estes Park and Grand Lake r detour Smaller park r Old Fall River Road, and most of T Road ar driving conditions ar possible at any time— be pr W

. Cold . - . Nev- event gloves 2–3 layers s the law 1–2 layers ooms that estr ooms, and Roads ead of infectious ead of . Stand tall and raise t near a restroom, ent information, ent information, er turn your back or run away your arms to look large. Pick up small children. If you see a bear or mountain lion, stop, stay calm, and back away Limited trailhead and facility r meet public health guidance will be open. If you have to go but aren’ you must step well away from the trail and water sources, bury your waste at least six inches deep or pack it out in a bag, and carry out your toilet paper Rocky is modifying is modifying Rocky r and visitor se access vices to help pr vices to the spr facili- diseases. Some will be ties and events closed or canceled. and on Check locally for the park website curr to follow and continue Thank CDC guidelines. you for your patience and cooperation. Safety Is Our Number One Priority One Number Our Is Safety . om wildlife—it’ e an ds , Restr oach Wildlife s ous. ater 100 yar . Food ater t assume s illegal. ds and raction devices are ou could be

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This visitor guide, This visitor park with your combined the essential map, has need for a fun, info you visit safe, and successful to Rocky Mountain National Park. to Do Page 2: Things Ranger Page 3: Pocket Guide Page 5: Activity Guide Page 8: Winter Guide Page 11: Spring Back: Safety WELCOME you treat or filter it first. water will be available at your destination. W from lakes and streams isn’ Safe-to-drink water is available at some facilities. Don’ is available in the park’ gateway communities. Ther services in the park at this time of year chipmunks. It’ It makes the animals unhealthy Never feed wildlife, including bir bitten, scratched, kicked, thrown, or trampled. Keep a safe distance fr Never Appr With the right clothing and With the right clothing and gear always recommended when walk- ing on ice and packed snow winter in the mountains is winter in the mountains extr Get a grip! T incr adventur risk. Hypothermia is a serious W and judgment, lots of shivering, slurred speech.

Food, W Dr Visitor Centers Park rangers may be Rocky Mountain Con- available at the follow- servancy nature stores ing visitor are open at the follow- centers: ing visitor centers:

• Beaver Meadows • Beaver Meadows • Kawuneeche • Fall River • Kawuneeche A reduced number of visitors will be allowed in Rocky-themed facilities at a given time. merchandise can also be Call the Information Office purchased online: for the latest info: 970- rmconservancy.org. Great Horned Owlets 586-1206 Things to Do Rocky Pocket Ranger Become a Junior Ranger No ranger-led programs Junior Rangers at Rocky are being offered this have fun discovering the winter. natural world and learning why we need to As an alternative, protect our national parks. we’ve created a Rocky We need the help of all Pocket Ranger, a our rangers to keep Rocky collection of fun protected for many years activities for all ages to to come! help you learn about and explore the park. There are activity books Go to the next page to for kids ages 5 and under, begin your adventure. 6–8, and 9+. Learn more at Spruce tree cones go.nps.gov/RockyJr.

Watch Wildlife All animals at Rocky are wild Elk Bighorn Sheep Mule Deer and unpredictable. They are not pets. Never feed or approach wildlife: you could be hurt or issued a fine (learn more on front page).

If stopping a vehicle to view wildlife, pull all the way off the Black Bear Coyote road, with all four wheels past the white line. Do not park on vegetation.

Visit go.nps.gov/RockyWildlife for more info. And More... Bicycling Camping Fishing Bicycles are allowed on all roads open to Overnight stays must be in a campground or A Colorado state fishing license is required. motor vehicles unless otherwise posted. You designated wilderness site. A portion of Mo- Trout in the park include brown, brook, must ride single file. They aren’t allowed on raine Campground is open first-come, first- rainbow, and cutthroat. Not all park lakes trails except the East Shore Trail near Grand served in winter. Learn more about summer have reproducing populations. Learn more: Lake. Learn more: go.nps.gov/RockyBicycling. 2021 camping: go.nps.gov/RockyCamping. go.nps.gov/RockyFishing.

Holzwarth Historic Site Horseback Riding Wilderness Camping Once a lodge, this historic site on the Horses have been part of Rocky’s tradition Overnight wilderness stays in winter are park’s west side is now preserved for your since its designation in 1915. Horses, mules, a serious endeavor, requiring significant enjoyment. Explore the grounds and read ponies, llamas, and burros are allowed on skill and planning. To learn more, visit the educational signage on a short walk. Learn park trails. No goats are allowed on park Beaver Meadows Wilderness Office or visit more: go.nps.gov/Holzwarth. trails. Learn more: go.nps.gov/RockyHorses. go.nps.gov/RockyWildernessCamping.

2 ACTIVITY TIPS Activity Guide When you head outdoors, you leave behind Navigating in winter can be hard. Use these tips established food, water, and restroom facilities; for a safe trip: shelter from sun, wind, and weather; and easy access to emergency services. Snowshoes and traction devices are recommended during winter and spring. Before heading to the park: Park trails are not marked or maintained for winter use. Route-finding skills are important. Don’t rely Be prepared. Bring the right gear: layers of clothing, on other’s tracks which can lead you astray. warm outer layers, sunglasses and sunscreen, and Snow-covered landscapes look very different than lots of water and snacks. in summer. Snow can be deep once you are off- Don’t rely on cell phones. Many areas have no trail. service. Streams and lakes can have thin ice and be very Carry a map and compass (or GPS) and know how dangerous. to use them. Be avalanche aware. Visit colorado.gov/avalanche Leave pets at home. Pets are prohibited on all park for the latest forecast. trails. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly Discuss your plans with family, friends, and park as snow falls and melts. Always be willing to turn staff at visitor centers. around. Recommended Routes

D I S TA N C E T R A I L H E A D D ES TIN AT I O N (O N E WAY ) D I F F I C U LT Y FE AT U R ES

Bear Lake Bierstadt Lake 1.6 mi Moderate Dense spruce-fir forest; ends at a lake surround- ed by spruce and fir trees.

Emerald Lake 1.8 mi Strenuous Landscape views of the iconic Longs Peak; Two named lakes along the way - Nymph and Dream.

Deer Mountain Deer Mountain 3.0 mi Strenuous Switchbacks through trees with a great view of the park.

Wild Basin Copeland Falls 1.5 mi Easy Follow a winding river though pine and aspen Distances are from winter forests to a waterfall. recreation parking

Calypso Cascade 3 mi Moderate Follow a winding river though pine and aspen forests to a waterfall. Copeland Falls is on the way.

Ouzel Falls 3.9 mi Moderate Follow a winding river though pine and aspen forests to a waterfall. Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascade are along the way.

Fall River Road Picnic Area ~1 mi Easy / Flat Snowshoe along a road through thick aspen trees and a densely wooded forest to a picnic area.

East Inlet Meadow Overlook 0.5 mi Easy Snowshoe past the frozen and snow covered Adams Falls to a meadow with views of Mount Craig and surrounding peaks.

Green Mountain Big Meadows 1.8 mi Moderate Snowshoe through the lodgepole pine forest to scenic Big Meadows.

Coyote Valley Kawuneeche Valley 0.5 mi Easy Snowshoe through the forest and across the Col- orado River to explore the Kawuneeche Valley with views of the Never Summer Mountains.

Holzwarth Historic Historic Homestead 0.5 mi Easy Snowshoe across the Kawuneeche Valley to ex- Site plore the historic homestead and 1920’s era dude ranch.

Colorado River Lulu City Site 3.7 mi Moderate Snowshoe along the Colorado River, through for- ests and meadows, to the site of Lulu City. Route traverses avalanche terrain.

The Keyhole Route to the summit of Longs Peak is NOT a hike. It’s a climb that crosses huge vertical rock faces and requires scrambling where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. Do not take this climb lightly—especially in winter.

The terrain requires a high level of fitness and route-finding skills. Vis- itors have been injured and even died on this route. Injuries requiring rescue are very dangerous and take hours, if not days, to evacuate.

Detailed info is available at go.nps.gov/LongsPeak. Longs Peak

5 k o T Pa r s st e E 6 6 6 3 isitor Center V 1 Mile Beaver Meadows a le y l oa d a R V 1 Kilometer East uxedo Park ay Ar e T dge Portal Beaver Meadows Entrance Station Moraine Park Discovery Center Closed in winter 0.5 l R i i Hi dden a nowp l r o T t S 0.5 0.4mi 0.6km 0.4mi 0.6km

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7 View Wildlife Hike Seeing wildlife in winter is a thrill. Bring your field Believe it or not, it’s still possible to hike in guides, binoculars, and cameras. winter. Lower-elevation trails on the park’s east side Elk and mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk are often free of deep snow. and are usually seen in meadows like Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park and Harbison Meadow. While skis or snowshoes aren’t required, packed snow Moose are best found along the Colorado River on and ice can be extremely slippery. Stabilizer devices the park’s west side. and poles are highly recommended to prevent Bighorn sheep may be seen along the Highway 34/ dangerous falls and make your hike safe and Fall River corridor on the park’s east side. enjoyable. Stay away from dangerous slopes and Coyotes may be seen any time of day. snowfields. When in doubt, turn around. Black-billed magpies, Steller’s jays, and Clark’s nutcrackers are some of our year-round birds. Sled Snowshoe Want to sled? Go to the only place in the park Ever thought: I’d like to hike in the winter and it’s allowed: Hidden Valley! No tows are provided see the park’s beautiful backcountry, but there’s up this fairly gentle hill, so you’ll get a workout as you all that snow? Consider snowshoeing! walk your sled, saucer, or tube up the slope and then enjoy a breather on the fun ride down. Snowshoes, waterproof boots, and layers of cloth- Winter Activities ing are essential. While optional, poles help maintain Restrooms are available by the parking lot. Stay balance, and waterproof pants or gaiters help keep alert: skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers may pass you warm and dry. Park trails are not marked or main- through. Park rangers and volunteers aren’t always tained in winter. Route finding skills are important. on duty; sled at your own risk. For status call 970-586- Don’t rely on other’s tracks which can lead you astray. 1333.

Cross-country Ski Backcountry Ski/Ride Picture yourself gliding through a silent forest For the experienced and well-prepared, Rocky’s full of fresh, white snow. Cross-country skiing is steep terrain provides many opportunities for a rejuvenating sport that pairs exercise with the backcountry skiers and snowboarders. (Skiing and beauty of nature. snowboarding are not allowed in the Hidden Valley snowplay area. You may pass through, but slow down In general, cross-country skiing is easier on the west and yield the right of way to sledders.) side of the park (gentler terrain and deeper snow). However, you’re welcome to strap on your skis Be prepared for variable snow conditions and harsh throughout the park. Skis and poles with large baskets weather. Much of the park is in avalanche terrain. are required. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep Check the avalanche forecast at avalanche.state.co.us. you warm and dry. Skiers must be in control at all times At a minimum, carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and and give notice when approaching others on the trail. shovel, and know how to use them. Be self-reliant. Your safety is your responsibility.

Notes and Tips Dress for Success See the front page for clothing recommendations. Even though it might be cold, the sun is still intense at eleva- tion, especially when reflecting off snow. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen when you venture out.

Know Where You Are Navigating in winter can be extremely difficult. Park trails are not marked for winter use, and you can’t de- pend on others’ tracks. Have and know how to use a topographic map and compass. When used correctly, GPS units can be very helpful. Don’t rely on cell phones; service is unreliable.

What If I Don’t Have My Own Equipment? You can rent or purchase equipment in Estes Park and Grand Lake, including snowshoes, cross-country skis, poles, boots, sleds, tubes, saucers, gaiters, and stabilizers. Snowshoeing is always an adventure!

Avalanches can be easily triggered by backcountry travelers. Educate yourself and stay alert.

8 “Spring” in Rocky May Surprise You Spring When you think of spring what This also means that, even though comes to mind? Feet of snow, ice, there may be little or no snow and howling winds, and winter storm somewhat warm temps near park warnings? No? Then spring in Rocky entrances, conditions will quickly might surprise you! change as you drive farther into the park. As elevation increases, average annual temperature decreases. With Still, while spring here might be even the lowest parts of the park different than what you’re used sitting above 7,000 feet (2,130 m), to, it still shows its beautiful signs. this means that sub-freezing And with the proper planning, it’s temperatures often extend into a great season to visit. Read onto June (and in the high mountains, learn more about how to have a year-round). safe, memorable visit. Sprague Lake in April The Right Stuff Spring is a time of change. Weath- Wind- and waterproof outer er shifts rapidly. Trails are different layers. Strong, bitterly-cold wind from mile to mile and day to day. is common in Rocky. Heavy, wet When hiking in spring, bring the snow—whether falling from the right gear so that you’ll be safe and sky or melting off of trees—and comfortable in whatever conditions rain are always a possibility. greet you during your visit. Bring: A thick coat. When the weather shifts and the going gets tough, Multiple warm layers. Adjust being able to throw on a big, to ever-changing conditions by warm coat during rest stops can shedding and donning layers as be a lifesaver. needed. Traction devices (see photo at A warm hat and gloves. You’ll be right). Packed snow and ice are glad you have them! common throughout the park Warm waterproof shoes. Snow, and can cause dangerous slips slush, and mud are common in and falls. Traction devices give spring—often all on the same you piece of mind and can help trail. you reach your hiking objectives. An example traction device.

Signs of the Season

Spring runoff under snow. Pasqueflowers, the first flowers to bloom in spring.

Mountain bluebirds, one of the first migratory birds to return. Fresh May snow dusts ponderosa pine needles.

11 Safety and Regulations windy orfollowingasnowstorm. careful arounddeadtreeswhenit’ can fallwithoutwar drones. launching, landing,andoperating Dr emergency help. Cell serviceisunavailable and disposeofcharcoalash. or alive,isprohibited.Extinguish hibited. Collectingvegetation,dead fire danger ar information, rules,andr rules. Y safe andtoknowobeypark It isyourr nps.gov/r boar stations, trailheadbulletin tions atvisitorcenters,entrance eas withfir ones ar ds, andtheparkwebsiteat in campgr Campfir depend onacellphonefor in muchofthepark.Don’ ever Falling tr National Park.Thisincludes anywher ou canfindparksafety e notallowed omo. -pr , campfiresmaybepro- esponsibility tobe esent hazar e grates. es ar ees ar e inRockyMountain ounds andpicnic e permittedonly ning. e an Duringhigh d and Beextra egula- t s

in thepark. persons withdisabilitiesareallowed form specifictasksforthebenefitof been individuallytrainedtoper er objects.Serviceanimalsthathave be lefttiedtovehicles,trees,oroth- longer thansixfeet.Petsmaynot vehicles, petsmustbeonleashesno a publicnuisance.Whenoutside them indangerortheybecome Never leavepetsinvehiclesifitputs campgrounds, andalongroadsides. allowed inpicnicareas,parkinglots, ow ar Colorado. recreational marijuanaarelegalin even thoughsmallamountsof National Parkandallfederallands, federal firearmlaws. comply withallapplicablestateand ly allowedtocarryfirearmsmust buildings andfacilities.Thoselegal- eral lawprohibitsfirearmsinpark and targetpracticeareillegal.Fed- ever eral, Colorado,orlocallaws.How- rized topossessfirearmsunderfed- is permittedforthoselegallyautho- , hunting,recreationalshooting, park trails,tundra,andmead- Pets ar Fir eas. is illegalinRockyMountain Marijuana possessionanduse An on-snow hike toDr earm possession Leashedpetsareonly e pr ohibited onALL in thepark eam andEmerald lakesusingpolesand tractiondevices. -

designated siteswithapermit. around. Campingisonlyallowedin more dif er changesquickly you failtoreturn.Mountainweath- friend—this helpsparkauthoritiesif Leave adetailedtripitinerarywith Metal detectoruseisprohibited. or vegetation(includingflowers). and artifactsortodisturbsoil,rocks, including pinecones,rocks,antlers, especially nearriversandstreams. vise childrenaroundallwaterbut may bedeep.Alwayscloselysuper often slippery come trapped.Streamsiderocksare underwater over andpullyoudownstreamor Powerful currentscanknockyou non-motorized areas. and maynotaccesstrailsorother the AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct ing arenotserviceanimalsunder mals”) andservice-animals-in-train- Emotional support(“therapyani- deadly Rivers andstr done inagroup,notalone. Wilder to takeanynaturalfeatures T ake onlypictur ficult thananticipated,turn , whereyoumaybe- . Parkwatersarefrigid. ness travelshouldbe , andnearbywater . Ifconditionsare eams canbe es. Itisillegal -