Intermediate Snowshoe – RMNP - Bierstadt Lake

Meet up for carpool in Boulder at 7 am for a 7:10 departure. Meetup place and directions will be emailed to participants. If you don't receive the email, please contact leader. 

You can meet us at the trailhead, but coordinate this with the leader over email to ensure our ETA's line up and we know how to find you. 

Snowshoe/spike this loop from Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake and back, passing through the Glacier Gorge area and the less-trafficked area on the north side between Bierstadt and Bear. This loop features gradual ascents (except for one steep one!), a mix of packed trail and possibly unbroken trail, epic views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide, and quiet trails through snowy woods. We won't go around Bear Lake, but that is an option for an additional .75 mile. 

This is an intermediate snowshoe because of the mileage and elevation gain. Conditions in RMNP can be very cold and windy, and the trail could be packed or we could be breaking trail. Please be prepared, geared up, and able to maintain a steady, moderate pace over 6 miles in snow. This is not a fast hike, but we want to be able to finish in 5 hours or less. It's too cold to be out longer!

This version of the hike will start and end at Bear Lake because there is more parking there. This means we start by going downhill, in the morning when it's coldest, so be prepared with layers! There is a short section of off-trail route-finding where the snow can be deep and cover hazards such as the creek, trees, and boulders. Poles are strongly recommended, as well as waterproof clothing and gaiters. 

Snow pack at Bear Lake is 13" currently, and trail reports recommend spikes (vs snowshoes) in some areas. I will check snowpack closer to the trip and email recommended gear to everyone. 

National park pass needed for each car - we will try to consolidate cars as much as possible. Plan to share entry fees and gas costs.