Bear Lake Winter Trail Guide

Exploring the outdoors in winter is undeniably magical. It is also challenging. Use this map and guide to plan a safe, enjoyable trip.

Navigating in Winter Can Be HardPark trails are not marked or maintained for winter use. You can’t rely on others’ tracks—they may have been headed somewhere else or made a wrong turn. To find your way in winter:• Have and know how to use a topographic

map and compass. When used correctly, GPS units can also be helpful.

• Discuss your plans with park staff at visitor centers and trailhead kiosks.

Be Avalanche AwareAvalanches can be easily triggered by back-country travelers.• Visit avalanche.state.co.us/ for the latest ava-

lanche forecast. If danger is high, consider staying home.

• Avoid traveling in steep gullies and on ridge tops. Open slopes of 30 to 45 degrees can be loaded with dangerous masses of snow.

• If you choose to travel in these areas, carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. However, don’t take extra risks just because you are carrying this equipment.

• If caught in an avalanche, make swimming motions and try to stay on top of the snow.

Pay Attention to Weather and ConditionsExpect snow, gusty winds, and cold tempera-tures at any time. Winter days are short—start early and plan conservatively.

Streams and lakes can have thin ice and be very dangerous. If you choose to cross, first test your steps with a pole.

Only travel off-trail if you are extremely famil-iar with the area. Snow-covered landscapes look very different than in summer. Snow can be deep once you are off-trail.

Watch for HypothermiaWhen your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, your body temperature begins to drop. This is an emergency medical condition called hypothermia. It is serious and can be fatal.

Symptoms include shivering, drowsiness, exhaustion, loss of coordination, impaired judgment, and slurred or incoherent speech.

Wear warm, quick-drying layers of clothes. Stay dry. Take frequent stops to warm up. If symptoms occur, warm the chilled person with dry clothing and warm, non-alcoholic liquids. Get back to your car, and promptly seek medi-cal attention.

Bring the Right Gear 3Wear layers of synthetic or wool clothing that wick moisture.

3Take extra layers of clothing (socks included).

3Bring windproof outer layers, a warm hat, and warm gloves or mittens.

3Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunlight can damage your eyes and skin even on cold days.

3Drink lots of water and eat high- energy snacks.

Follow the Rules, Practice Good EtiquetteSledding is not allowed at Bear Lake. Please go to the Hidden Valley Snowplay Area, the only place in Rocky where sledding is permitted.

Don’t walk or snowshoe in ski tracks: it cre-ates dangerous conditions for skiers.

You must be in control at all times and let others know when you’re approaching them. Yield to those traveling faster than you. Pass with care.

Tips for a Great Hike

For More Information

Park Information .....................................................Trail Ridge Road Status ...........................................Emergencies ...........................................................

(970) 586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo (970) 586-1222 911. Tell the dispatcher you are in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

BL-W 10-2017

Rocky Mountain National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

Rocky Mountain National Park

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Area Trails

Bear L

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Rocky can be busy on winter w

eekends.Congestion on roads, in parking areas, and along popular trails is possible. Parking areas can �ll by m

id-morning. Consider carpooling

to the trailhead.