7 replies to this topic

[TX Ciclista]

Live in Texas but grew up in the NC mountains, so I miss snow. :( We went to RMNP a few years ago and I loved it (made me wonder if I should have referred to home as the "NC Hills" :D ). Anyway, I really have a craving to see some GOOD snow. Combine RMNP wildlife possibilities and I can't think of anything better.

My only real chance at visiting during the winter, given work, etc would be March 16-19. What could I expect in the way of snow, closures, comfort level, etc. I'd likely have a rental car and would try at least one night in a tent (though staying in Estes park is not out of the question).

Thanks in advance!

[John]

Welcome to another Texan! There will still be lots of snow in March. The park will be open but Trail Ridge Road will still be closed. As long as you are good with snow camping, a tent will be fine. In the daytime it may get as warm as the 50's. At night expect single digits. Rent some snowshoes and have a blast!

[TX Ciclista]

Welcome to another Texan! There will still be lots of snow in March. The park will be open but Trail Ridge Road will still be closed. As long as you are good with snow camping, a tent will be fine. In the daytime it may get as warm as the 50's. At night expect single digits. Rent some snowshoes and have a blast!

Single digits, eh? That's pretty cold... :D Might have to look into staying in a room somewhere. I assume tent camping is the only option if I want to stay in the park? Trying to keep the cost down and lodging is where I expect to pay or save the most.

[John]

Unless you have a camper or RV. Here is a link to the park camping info. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm

Cheapest way to stay in a heated room that I can think of is a KOA Kozy Cabin. $52 in the off season. http://estesparkkoa.com/

[TX Ciclista]

Unless you have a camper or RV. Here is a link to the park camping info. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm

Cheapest way to stay in a heated room that I can think of is a KOA Kozy Cabin. $52 in the off season. http://estesparkkoa.com/

yeah, I was thinking KOA myself. Closest one that's open, however, appears to be in Fort Collins where there's also $55/night La Quinta...

Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.

My assumption (based on our summer trip) is that the East side of the park will be my best choice. Does this seem reasonable? I know we saw moose and elk on the West side, but it "felt" like there was more to do on the East side. Is this just an illusion?

[MaizeEagle]

At that time of year, the east side does have more to offer (IMO). We have been there several times in late March. We've snow-shoed in long sleeved t-shirts at times, and been in snow storms where it dumped 8 inches in just a few hours.

Many of the lodging spots in Estes are still having "winter rates" so the lodging there might be woth looking into. If you want to try to snow-shoe, that's a great time to do it.

[John]

I recommend the East Side also, unless you are into snowmobiling. Grand Lake has a huge snowmobile rental business. But you can't do it in RMNP.

[Mark Zemmin]

Hey TX,

Welcome. Where in the NC Mountains? That is where I live. We have had snow twice this week. It has been awesome.

Mark