8 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park this holiday

Rocky Mountain National Park recently made the Wilderness Society's list of prettiest national parks to visit in the winter.

And for good reason.

Cross-country skiers can find endless backcountry terrain, elk are abundant in the meadows and the snow-covered park offers a more peaceful hiking experience than during the busy summer season.

The park makes for a fun day trip during the holiday season, especially if you have out-of-town guests to entertain. You can do your own thing with your family for a hike or snowshoe tour, or join a park ranger for a guided program. Rocky Mountain National Park has a calendar full of family-friendly activities this holidays.

Check out the park this holiday season and enjoy the winter beauty.

East side of RMNP

• Snowshoe ecology walks: Join a ranger for a beginner-level snowshoe tour. For age 8 and older. Participants will need to bring their own snowshoes. Rent snowshoes at Jax Outdoor Gear (jaxmercantile.com/rentals) or Outpost Sunsport (outpostsunsport.com/rental-services). Reservations are required and can be made beginning Sunday by calling (970) 586-1223. At 12:30 p.m. Dec. 28, 30 and Jan. 2.

• Full Moon Walk: There's nothing quite like a winter, moonlit walk. Jan. 4 is the next full moon, so join a park ranger on a moderate walk on the east side of the park, under the stars and bright moon. Waterproof boots, gaiters and traction devices recommended. Reservations are required and can be made beginning Dec. 28 by calling (970) 586-1223. Time and location will be given at the time of reservation.

• Read with a Ranger: Kids will enjoy hearing stories about the wonders of the winter season in this 30-minute program. Meet at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. At 10:30 a.m. Dec. 26, 29, 31 and Jan. 1.

• Wild in winter: Drop in for an informal chat with a ranger to explore how the park's animals handle the winter season. At 10 a.m. Dec. 21, 28, and Jan. 4.

West side of RMNP

• Kawuneeche ski tour: Head to the park's less-visited west side for a guided, 1¹/₂ hour cross-country ski tour of the Kawuneeche Valley. For age 8 and older. Reservations are required and can be made beginning Sunday by calling (970) 627-3471. At 9:30 a.m. Dec. 27 and Jan. 3.

• Snowshoe the Kawuneeche: Bring your snowshoes and poles and meet a ranger for this beginner-level snowshoe tour. For age 8 and older. Reservations are required and can be made beginning Sunday by calling (970) 627-3471. At 1 p.m. Dec. 27 and Jan. 3.

• Intermediate snowshoe walk: Ready to up your snowshoe game? This is a more rigorous tour with elevation gains up to 500 feet. This tour requires the ability to maintain a good pace over uneven terrain at high altitude. Bring your own snowshoes and poles. For age 8 and older. Reservations are required and can be made beginning Monday by calling (970) 627-3471. At 1 p.m. Dec. 28 and Jan. 4.

Both sides of RMNP

"Spirit of the Mountains": This 23-minute film, shown by request daily, highlights the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. See the movie at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, located on U.S. Highway 34 north of Grand Lake.

Xplore reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan. Follow him on Twitter @stemeyer or Facebook.com/meyersreports.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Directions: From Loveland, take U.S. Highway 34 west to Estes Park. Enter the park at the Beaver Meadows entrance station.

Cost: $20 for a seven-day pass or $35 for an annual Rocky Mountain National Park pass

Information: (970) 586-1206. Visit www.nps.gov/romo for updated road and trail conditions.

Avalanche conditions: For updated conditions in the park, visit avalanche.state.co.us.

RMNP hiking and snowshoeing trails

Upper Beaver Meadows

Distance: 1.5 miles one-way (easy)

Elevation gain: 140 feet

Directions: From Rocky Mountain National Park's Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, drive 2 miles and look for the closed gate on the west side of the road in a hairpin curve. Park off the road surface on gravel.

Gem Lake

Distance: 1.6 miles one-way (moderate)

Elevation gain: 1,000 feet

Directions: Drive north from downtown Estes Park on MacGregor Avenue. Cross the U.S. Highway 34 bypass and continue to the sharp right turn and sign for Lumpy Ridge Trailhead parking.

Deer Mountain

Distance: 3 miles one-way (difficult)

Elevation gain: 1,075 feet

Directions to trailhead: From Park Headquarters, drive 4.5 miles on U.S. Highway 36 to roadside parking at the Deer Ridge Junction Trailhead.