Top 10 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Feb. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- Estes Park, Colorado February, 2013 - National Parks are increasingly becoming the most popular vacation ideas for families and adventurers.  But many people don't realize that winter is an ideal time to plan a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/winter .
Here's why:
•  Winter offers stunning mountain beauty without the summer crowds
•  Wildlife is abundant, and often easier to spot with a winter backdrop and tracks left in the snow
•  Snowshoeing & cross-country skiing are fun ways to experience the backcountry
•  Ranger-led snowshoe ecology walks are FREE (after paying the park entrance fee)
•  Low elevations often have very little snow to navigate, so winter hikes are a simple way to experience the serenity of RMNP
•  Sledding is a fun tradition at the Hidden Valley are in Rocky Mountain National Park.  The sledding slope is contoured to enhance safety, and there's even a warming hut (open on weekends), and heated bathrooms (open daily)
•  Full Moon Walks with Park Rangers are especially stunning in the stillness of winter
•  Winter in RMNP is romantic - gorgeous sites, quiet moments, and the warmth of a fire are a great recipe for love
•  Camping is a great winter activity, though often forgotten.  With the right clothing (layers!) and equipment, it can even be quite cozy!  Designated campgrounds are $14 per site/ per night, and there is no charge for winter backcountry camping

Kyle Patterson from the NPS says, "For many visitors, winter is their favorite season to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park. The Park is less visited but still very much open and alive with activity.  Beautiful backcountry areas can be reached on snowshoes, skis, and at lower elevations - even with hiking boots!  Elk, coyotes, deer, snowshoe hares, and other wildlife remain active through the winter.  Their story is told by the tracks left in the snow.  For those visitors who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the park."

Officials at Rocky Mountain National Park remind folks that whenever visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to snowshoe, ski, or hike, stop by a park visitor center or call (970) 586-1209 for current road and snow conditions.  Come enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter!  Visit http://rockymountainnationalpark.com for more details on winter activities in RMNP.