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Subject:
Rocky Mountain National Park In December?
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jonester
Joined: 10/16/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Manhattan, KS
Posts: 1
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Posted: 11/06/07 8:30pm |
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Hey I was thinking about heading out backpacking/camping for the first time and I've heard nothing but great things about Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm excited to get going so I was wondering what it would be like in early to mid December. Any advice, plans, or ideas would be appreciated.
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Wade
Joined: 07/23/06
Outdoorzy Original
Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 860
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Posted: 11/06/07 9:10pm |
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If you're not familiar with high altitude camping. Winter probably isn't the best time to start.  Granted though, RMNP is an awesome place. I stayed a night up in the boulder fields on Longs Peak in early May one year and there were sub-freezing temps... BRRR... Not trying to discourage you, just thinking it might be uncomfortable and dangerous if it's your first trip out.
I haven't been out there in a few years though. Maybe someone from the area can give better beta on the specifics.
I'm a lover, not a racer... --Wade
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emptycloud
Joined: 02/06/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Longmont, CO
Posts: 6
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Posted: 11/07/07 10:14am |
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I've got to echo Wades note of caution. Winter is not the first choice to try your luck unless you are fully prepared for extreme adventure. RMNP is a great place to explore on snowshoes with a light day pack for emergency gear but carrying a heavy load at high altitude and deep snow could wear out any but the experienced veteran. Reservations are easy to get in the winter but it is necessary to line up your camps before hitting the trail. See their web site for that info. The National forests offer more options and some awesome winter trails without paying an entrance fee and you can just pick a spot and settle into camp where ever you end up. I live nearby RMNP and have extensive trail experience there. I am up for a snowshoe day hike if you head out here. That would be plenty of exercise and adventure without the hassles of camping. I prefer to follow that up with a snug bed, a warm meal and dreams of frigid temps. and swirling winds rather than shivering in a bag on the cold ground while melting snow. But if you haven't experienced winter camping I suppose you should at some point, just to be familiar with the details. It can be great with the right group of friends and the right gear. Alone it can be risky and/or stupid. I am here if you want more info and always up for a stroll in the Park....
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Greensap
Joined: 10/23/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Frisco, CO
Posts: 49
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Posted: 11/07/07 4:43pm |
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There are so many reason for you not to go in the middle of the winter first off you might not even get there. Try Buffalo Creek just off Highway 285 in pine national forest. Lower and not as much snow I go winter camping there often if you need some help on winter camping let me know I will try to make sure you have a fun and safe trip.
Lets Get Green
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abenson
Joined: 10/09/06
Outdoorzy Adventurer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 180
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Posted: 11/07/07 8:48pm |
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I think the worth of this site is starting to shine. I didn't realize that I could possibly hit a few of you up and have a personal snowshoe guide in RMNP!
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The Other Wade
Joined: 10/12/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Roswell, GA
Posts: 23
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Posted: 11/08/07 3:55pm |
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Hey emptycloud, what about camping on the Poudre and hitting the back side of the park? They've got developed campsites there, and HWY 14 is year round (usually). Maybe easier to hop up to Cameron pass area or snowshoe out Longdraw Road or drive over to the North side of the park.........
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emptycloud
Joined: 02/06/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Longmont, CO
Posts: 6
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Posted: 11/08/07 6:40pm |
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Other Wade, All of your suggestions sound do-able depending on timing. Ours, and the storms...
If I were to pick, my choice would be Long Draw. I haven't gotten there yet and have had it in my sights for some time. Would like to get my Dagger "Vesper" up to that lake and paddle it. Maybe next spring...I am not familiar with the road though and it might not be snow covered yet. We are starting off a dry winter, I fear. I plow and shovel for my sustenance and can't afford to play much unless it snows. In full blown winter the road should provide smooth shoeing and back country skiing too. I try to watch the gas budget and make near-by selections when possible. The other two trips would eat up a lot more gas and time. There are so many good spots within an hour from my location that it is easy to go cheap, quick and more often by staying close to home. Long Draw would be good for three hours of road time(RT)and easy to camp overnight if planned right. I'll have to check into conditions and accommodations just for the info. Thanks for sparking my wanderlust.
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The Other Wade
Joined: 10/12/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Roswell, GA
Posts: 23
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Posted: 11/08/07 7:16pm |
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I hear ya on that drive, I used to work in Longmont & live in the Fort (before the gas crazyness). It's certainly a haul, but I figured if Jonester was coming all the way from KS he wouldn't mind. Is there any good camping off the peak to peak?
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