Rocky Mountain Park or Front Range hiking

[cyclelover]

I'll be coming through CO next week and was looking for some hiking suggestions. Haven't hiked in CO this time of year in awhile. Looking for a day trip from Boulder. Wondering if I should bring my snowshoes. Thanks!

[jomagam]

Wondering if I should bring my snowshoes.

Yes. The rest depends on how much you want to do.

[gonzalj]

Definitely bring your snowshoes. I would recommend RMNP. There's a bunch of trails around Boulder and they are very scenic, but RMNP is absolutely georgeous.

[bckcntryskr]

snowshoes in RMNP

[sivadselim]

If you don't want to bring your snowshoes there is a place in Estes Park that rents snowshoes for $5/day (yes! - at least that's what they were last year). Large selection. Poles, too.

[denvermikey]

Yep, just used em! $5 a day, $1 for poles if you need them. Even rented some good gortex boots for my wife for $10. Very reasonable.

http://www.estesparkmountainshop.com/sn ... entals.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cyclelover]

Thanks for the responses! What's your favorite snowshoeing trail in RMNP?

[eagrnnr]

You won't go wrong on the Glacier Gorge trail to the Loch Vale or to Mills Lake. My parents and I have snowshoed up both, and even gone above Black Lake. Above Black Lake there is a snow slope leading to upper Glacier Gorge and there is usually climbable ice. Same with waterfalls near the Loch. Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are also great snowshoes, a little shorter, and put you right at the face of Hallet. You could also try Lake Haiyaha, but that hike is usually threatened with avalanches. Deer Mountain offers good views of the front of the park. Twin Sisters isn't bad, really cool views of Longs in the winter.

[denvermikey]

Most of what it still left with snow stems from Bear Lake TH - about a 60" base last weekend. You can go for miles to different lakes, even go to the top of flattop mtn. The trails around the main TH are very packed down so snow shoes might be a bit of overkill in the immediate area. The further up you go and/or there are some off-trail routes that you can take where the snow shoes would still be beneficial. Maybe there will be a nice spring snowstorm for you!