Trip
Advanced Snowshoe – RMNP - Fern Lake TH - Fern Lake
A steady 9-mile out-and-back snowshoe from the Fern Lake winter parking lot climbs about 1,500 feet as it follows the quiet, snow-covered corridor of the Big Thompson River. The route winds through dense forest with occasional openings that reveal winter-coated peaks above the canyon. At Fern Lake, the frozen shoreline offers a peaceful turnaround point before you retrace the serene path back to the trailhead.
Contacts
- Mon, Dec 29, 2025
- Northern Colorado
- Snowshoeing
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 9.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
- High Point Elevation: 9,516 ft
- Pace: 1.3-1.8 MPH
- 7 (7 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This challenging 9-mile out-and-back snowshoe route begins at the Fern Lake winter parking area and gains about 1,500 feet as it winds up the upper Big Thompson drainage. The trail climbs steadily through dense, quiet timber where snow blankets the branches and muffles nearly all sound. Along the way, we'll pass “The Jaws,” a striking icefall that looms above the trail with frozen cascades glinting in the winter light, offering a dramatic highlight before the forest opens to reveal steep valley walls and sweeping snowy vistas. As we continue upward, the terrain broadens toward the basin that holds Fern Lake, where the frozen shoreline provides a satisfying turnaround point. We'll find a comfortable spot at/near the lake for lunch/snack. After taking in the striking winter scenery, we retrace our route back down through the quiet forest to the trailhead. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall this hike is ~7 mile and ~1250 ft elevation gain. (Fern Lake - CalTopo)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at JAX West Loveland lot (SE corner) at 7:30 AM, and depart at 7:45 AM (JAX Loveland West Outdoor Gear, Farm & Ranch - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Fern Lake Winter Parking Lot in RMNP (40°21'26.6"N 105°37'10.8"W - Google Maps)
A carpool location further south is possible, if needed.
Required Equipment
Ten essentials and snowshoes are required. Trekking poles are recommended.