Location:  Wild Basin winter parking area. The Wild Basin entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is on the east side of the Continental Divide between Meeker Park and Allenspark. Turn west on to Wild Basin Road from Colorado Highway 7, about 13 miles south of Estes Park or 2 miles north of Allenspark. Continue west to the

Copeland Lake area, roughly one-half mile from Highway 7. The winter parking area is about another one-half mile beyond Copeland Lake on a narrow gravel road, across from horse hitch-racks.

Time:               9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Course Description: 

Discover the serene beauty of RMNP in the wintertime on this four-hour snowshoe hike.  This fun and educational program will lead you through snow-covered pine, spruce, and fir trees to learn how plants and animals survive wintertime using their unique adaptations and keen survival skills.  Also, learn more about the properties of snow and how it can help the inhabitants of an area survive the long winter months.  

Course Level:  III

Moderate hikes of less than five miles per day with elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet 

Elevation for this course will be approximately 10,000 feet.  Significant time will be spent outdoors in winter conditions.  Dress in layers and be prepared for winter weather conditions that may vary greatly and change abruptly.

Expectations:  Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Individual ideas will be respected.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

Tentative Course Schedule:

9:00 AM           Meet at parking area: introductions and expectations

9:15 AM           Begin hike.

11:30 AM         Lunch break

Noon                Continue hike.

1:00 PM            Arrive back at parking lot.

What to Bring:

·         Sack lunch, snacks, WATER                      

·         Sunglasses

·         DRESS WARMLY AND IN LAYERS.  WEAR APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR.

·         Binocular (optional)

·         Adult snowshoes (If you need suggestions for Estes Park locations that rent snowshoes, please call 970-586-3262.)

Remember to Bring the 10 Essentials:

Rocky Mountain National Park recommends that hikers always carry the 10 essentials in their daypacks.

     Raingear                                     Map and compass                      Flashlight or headlamp

     Sunglasses and sunscreen            Candles                                      Matches or other fire starter

     Pocketknife                                 First-aid kit                                Extra layers of clothing

     Sack lunch, snacks, water             

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots/shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.