Trip
Advanced Snowshoe – Wind River Loop
This challenging snowshoe adventure starts at the East Portal trailhead, following the Wind River Trail through snow-draped forests and quiet meadows. We'll leave the established path to ascend a northern ridge of Battle Mountain, navigating steep terrain and enjoying increasingly breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The off-trail climb rewards with solitude and a unique vantage point, perfect for immersing yourself in Rocky Mountain National Park's winter beauty.
Contacts
- Sat, Jan 31, 2026
- Northern Colorado
- Snowshoeing
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 7.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
- High Point Elevation: 9,635 ft
- Pace: 1.3-1.8 MPH
- 8 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Setting out from the East Portal Trailhead, this 7-mile snowshoe adventure beckons you into a sparkling winter wonderland, where the Wind River Trail weaves through a pristine forest cloaked in snow. The air is crisp, the quiet broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot as we wind our way towards a northern ridge of Battle Mountain, where we’ll venture off-trail. The climb up this ridge reveals nature’s splendor in full glory: towering pines bow under their snowy burden, and the horizon unfurls a jaw-dropping panorama of Rocky Mountain National Park’s iconic peaks. From this lofty vantage point, the grandeur of Longs Peak and its companions feels close enough to touch, while the untouched snow glitters like a sea of diamonds in the alpine sun. The descent promises just enough adventure to keep the pulse quickened, leaving us exhilarated, awed, and longing for our next wild escape. We'll find a sunny spot to stop for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~7 miles and ~1500 ft elevation gain. (Wind River East Portal Snowshoe - CalTopo)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Lyons Visitor Center (Railroad Ave) at 7:30AM for a 7:45AM departure (Lyons Visitor Center - Google Maps)
We'll then carpool to the East Portal Trailhead parking in Estes Park (East Portal Trailhead at Estes Park - Google Maps)
Additional carpool location further south is possible, if needed.
Required Equipment
Ten essentials and snowshoes are required. Trekking poles are recommended.