Bettie Snowshoe Hike: Bierstadt Lake

Join us for a women’s and femme folks snowshoe adventure to beautiful Bierstadt Lake! Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, we’ll traverse snowy forests and gentle slopes, taking in winter’s quiet beauty as we make our way to the lake. Learn about the area's natural history and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow adventurers on this guided hike.

Snowshoe experience is not required. We'll show you how to get strapped in and give you a chance to practice on level ground before we leave the trailhead. This is a great chance to try out a new outdoor skill!

Meeting Location: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center and travel to the trailhead together in Conservancy vehicles.

Distance: 4.4 miles

Starting Elevation: 9,475 feet

Elevation gain and loss: 650 feet

Level: Moderate – These programs are most appropriate for those with some hiking experience. Participants should be comfortable navigating both maintained trails and unmaintained meadows or grassy areas. Prior experience hiking or walking above 8,000 feet is recommended. Prior experience snowshoeing is not required. This program is open to participants ages 16 and up.

What's Included:

• Park entry fees
• Transportation to the trailhead from Estes Park Visitor Center
• Snowshoes (or microspikes if more appropriate)
• Poles

What to Expect: Plan to be outside in winter conditions for a full day. Please come dressed in cold weather appropriate layers and insulated, waterproof hiking boots or snow boots.

Please plan to carry your own:

• Day Pack
• Lunch/Snacks
• Water (2L)
• Extra layers
• Gloves
• Hat/buff
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or call 970-586-3262.

Weather:

Rocky Mountain Conservancy reserves the right to change the program location at any time due to trail and weather conditions.

Our programs proceed rain or shine. However, if weather or road conditions become unsafe, Rocky Mountain Conservancy will cancel the program. Participants will be notified by email and full refunds will be issued automatically for all participants.

Cancellations:

If your plans change and you are no longer able to join us, please send an email to [email protected] to let us know. We check in with ALL registered participants at the start of every program.

Refunds will be automatically issued for cancellations made at least 7 days in advance. Cancellations made fewer than 7 days in advance are not eligible for refunds.

Looking for a family-friendly snowshoe adventure? More information on Rocky Mountain National Park's snowshoe walks is available here: RMNP Snowshoe Walks

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy throughout the state of Colorado and across the United States has left a legacy for all who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, with scholarships available through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please submit an application by completing the form here:

Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team