Big Mountain Magic
	Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

You know we had to. So what if three million people visit Rocky Mountain National Park every year? — two million of them come between June and August alone.

Smart travelers and snow buffs do RMNP during slow time: the other nine months of the year (each of which may as well be winter anyway — hey, we're talking Colorado, here). If your troop is one that prefers snowmen to sandcastles and winter wonder to summer sweat, then look no further. Rocky Mountain National Park is the place for you.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Naturally, much of RMNP's 355 miles of trail are fabulous for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (I won't even get into opportunities for downhilling in the area — try a quick glance at GORP's Colorado Ski Roundup).

What's lesser-known, however, is that the consistently lighter snowfall on the eastern side of the Continental Divide leaves many trails — generally those below 8,700 feet — mostly or completely hikable, even in the dead of winter. The spectacular views, ice formations, and weathered granite rising up from these treasured trails beckon to even the littlest hearts, and with ample fodder for a snowball fight or two along the way!