First snows in the Park can come as early as September. However, the snow begins in earnest usually in late October or early November. It continues until late in May. The trails begin to ice over in October, making hiking quite difficult on some heavily used trails.
Snowshoes are usually required between December and mid-April on most high country trails. The trails are usually well packed, but a new snowstorm can leave 12 to 18 inches of fresh powder, obscuring the trail and making any form of hiking without snowshoes or skis difficult if not perilious. Adding to the problems can be winds that pile the fresh snow over your favorite trail, to heights of 4 feet or more, making even snowshoeing a tremendous effort.
The west side of the Park (on the west of the Continental Divide) receives the most snow. Yearly precipitation (rain or snow) at Grand Lake (on the West side) averages 20 inches, and in Estes Park, 13 inches (not inches of snow, but all precipitation measured in the equivalent form of water). In the coldest month, January, snow pack is usually close to 25 inches at Bear Lake. February can bring an average of 10 inches of snow with more in March and April. Snow brings beauty and recreational opportunites – and – dangers for the unprepared and careless.
Avalanche hazards can exist for skiers and snowshoers at several trails in the Park. For this reason, many trails are not recommended in Winter. The Park has lost some experienced and inexperienced hikers over the last several winters. Winter also brings cold and dangers of frostbite and exposure to those who venture farther than their experience and knowledge dictate.
The trails are not routinely patroled by the Park service, making it even more important to take care of yourself. As the slogans at every trailhead remind us, THE MOUNTAINS DON'T CARE!#
