The best way to appreciate one of Colorado’s premier winter wonderlands? Perhaps with a ranger leading the way. And via snowshoes or skis. 

Rocky Mountain National Park is returning guided tours beginning this month as weather and conditions allow. While details for the park’s east side closer to Estes Park had yet to be posted as of this writing, programming is set for the park’s western, lesser appreciated side from Grand Lake. 

Snowshoe hikes are slated for 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with meeting locations to be provided upon reservation. That can be made up to a week in advance by calling 970-627-3471. 

Snowshoes are provided for the family-friendly tours, encouraged for kids as young as 8. Spanning one to two hours, the hikes “are considered moderate and travel through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows or forests,” according to an informational webpage. 

The webpage also lists cross-country ski outings covering similar lengths and terrain on Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side. 

The tours are slated for 9:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Jan. 16-March 15. They’ll start from the Bowen/Baker Trailhead on Fridays and from the Colorado River Trailhead on Saturdays. 

Participants can show up with their own skis — gear is not provided — but the park webpage notes trips could be canceled due to “poor weather.” The webpage also notes the tours are “moderate and not recommended for brand-new skiers.” 

For more information, call the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at 970-627-3471 or visit nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-winter-programs.htm