Hidden Valley is a former ski area located within Rocky Mountain National Park, and the only place within the park open to sledding. The designated snow play area is found just west of the Many Parks Curve on Trail Ridge Road, about ten miles from downtown Estes Park.
Snow play is allowed in the lower reaches of Hidden Valley. Sleds and tubes are the most popular means of downhill transportation, though skis and snowboards without bindings are also permitted.
Hidden Valley also makes an amazing gateway for backcountry skiers and snowshoers into the undeveloped areas of RMNP. Sledders must stay within the fenced area and avoid trekking onto the former ski runs, which is not allowed by the National Park Service.
Sledding is usually wrapped up for the season by late April, though it could be earlier if it was a lower-snowfall winter. There is a warming hut open on the weekends, and heated restrooms open the rest of the season.
Bring your own equipment, or buy/rent from one of the sporting goods shops in town. For more information, stop by the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park.
Details
Address: Hidden Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park, CO 80517
—>Depart on a bus from the Estes Park Visitor Center
Phone: 970-577-9900 (Estes Park Visitor Center)
Season: Wintertime til late April (snowpack pending)
Website: visitestespark.com/rocky-mountain-national-park/winter-and-spring/sledding