Womens Snowshoeing Tour Mills Lake Rocky Mountain National Park

The Women’s Snowshoeing Tour at Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers an enchanting winter adventure. Traversing a well-marked, 2.2-mile trail, participants enjoy a serene, snow-covered landscape, with the majestic Longs Peak as their backdrop. Guided by knowledgeable instructors, the group explores the local wildlife and ecology, fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the natural wonders. After an invigorating trek, they can enjoy warm beverages and reflect on their journey, creating lasting memories amidst the stunning winter scenery. But the true magic of this tour lies in the transformative power of connecting with nature and fellow adventurous women.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best National Park Tours In Estes Park.

Key Points

• A guided women’s snowshoeing tour at Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering a serene and scenic winter experience.
• Participants receive snowshoes, trekking poles, and microspikes, with hot beverages provided for a comfortable adventure.
• The tour features a 2.2-mile roundtrip trail with an elevation gain of 515 feet, showcasing stunning landscapes and wildlife.
• At Mills Lake, participants can enjoy the frozen, glacial-fed waters surrounded by towering peaks, including the iconic Longs Peak.
• The tour promotes connection with nature, camaraderie among participants, and the opportunity for memorable photography in a winter wonderland.

Exploring the Winter Wonderland

Embarking on the Women’s Snowshoeing Tour at Mills Lake, participants venture into a stunning winter wonderland.

Snowflakes dance through the crisp air as they strap on their snowshoes and set off, trekking poles in hand. The serene landscape is blanketed in a pristine white coat, with the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop.

As they navigate the trails, the group takes in the peaceful silence, interrupted only by the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional call of a bird.

Stopping to sip hot beverages and refuel with tasty snacks, the adventurers revel in the beauty of this winter oasis, connecting with nature and each other in a truly magical experience.

Gearing Up for the Adventure

Participants are equipped with the necessary gear for the snowshoeing adventure. The tour provides snowshoes, trekking poles, and microspikes to ensure stability and traction on the snowy terrain.

Dietary restrictions are accommodated, and hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are served to keep guests warm. Participants are advised to bring their own bottled water, as the tour doesn’t provide it.

The guide will be easy to identify in a grey SUV and a teal coat, ready to lead the group on an unforgettable journey through the winter wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Scenic Route to Mills Lake

The guided tour departs Estes Park and follows a scenic route into the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The drive winds through the stunning landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide points out local wildlife and shares fascinating insights about the park’s ecology and history.

As the tour approaches the trailhead, the group is treated to panoramic views of the majestic Longs Peak, the park’s iconic fourteener.

With great anticipation, the participants prepare to set out on their snowshoeing adventure, eager to explore the pristine winter wonderland that awaits them at Mills Lake.

Snowshoeing Through the Forest

Donning their snowshoes, the group sets out on the well-marked trail, their footsteps crunching against the pristine snow. The forest surrounding them is a winter wonderland, with towering pines blanketed in glistening white. As they make their way through the trees, the guide points out animal tracks and explains the unique adaptations of the local wildlife. The rhythmic steps and deep breaths fill the group with a sense of peaceful tranquility.

Trail Conditions	Distance Covered	Elevation Gain	Time Elapsed
Packed, Groomed	2.2 miles	515 ft	1.5 hours
Moderate	Roundtrip	To Mills Lake	Comfortable

Breathtaking Views at Mills Lake

After an invigorating trek through the forest, the group emerges at the stunning Mills Lake. The glistening, glacial-fed lake is surrounded by towering peaks, their snow-capped summits reflecting in the calm waters.

The serene setting invites participants to pause and take in the breathtaking panorama. Highlights of the lakeside experience include:

• Witnessing the majestic Longs Peak, the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park, looming in the distance
• Observing the frozen lake surface, a pristine canvas of white interrupted by the occasional snowshoe track
• Spotting wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, or perhaps even a majestic moose
• Capturing picturesque photographs to commemorate the unforgettable journey

Refueling With Warm Beverages

Participants are treated to a variety of warm beverages after they’ve enjoyed the stunning scenery at Mills Lake. The tour includes coffee from Kuju Coffee, a range of teas, and hot chocolate.

These warm drinks provide a much-needed pick-me-up after the snowshoeing adventure. The guides are attentive to any dietary restrictions, ensuring all participants can indulge in the refreshments.

The warm beverages are the perfect complement to the magnificent views and the camaraderie of the group. This thoughtful inclusion enhances the overall experience, allowing the participants to refuel and reflect on the beauty they’ve witnessed in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sharing the Experience With Others

The shared experience is a meaningful part of the Women’s Snowshoeing Tour at Mills Lake. Participants have the opportunity to connect with like-minded adventurers, fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

The tour encourages camaraderie and shared exploration, allowing women to:

• Motivate and inspire one another on the scenic trail
• Exchange stories and insights about their outdoor experiences
• Offer encouragement and tips for navigating the snow-covered terrain
• Capture memorable moments through group photos

This communal aspect of the tour enhances the overall experience, creating lasting bonds and memories among the participants as they enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Practical Considerations for the Tour

Booking the Women’s Snowshoeing Tour at Mills Lake requires attention to several practical considerations.

First, guests should arrive at the Estes Park Visitor Center by 7:00 AM to meet the guide, who’ll be wearing a teal coat and driving a grey SUV.

The tour provides snowshoes, trekking poles, and microspikes, but participants should bring their own bottled water. Hot beverages and snacks are included, with dietary restrictions accommodated.

The hike has a moderate fitness level, so it’s not suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues.

Finally, guests will need to sign an acknowledgment of risks form before the tour departs.

Careful planning ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the snowshoeing adventure.

Recap

The Women’s Snowshoeing Tour at Mills Lake offers a truly magical winter experience. Surrounded by the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, participants trek through a winter wonderland, taking in breathtaking views and connecting with like-minded adventurers. The tour is an invigorating yet serene escape, leaving guests with lasting memories of their time in this stunning, snow-covered landscape.