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Michael Moody 4/16/25 Michael Moody 4/16/25

Trail Ridge Road Hike: Scenic Snowshoe Adventure from Many Parks Curve to Rainbow Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park

ABSTRACT

Discover the beauty of the Trail Ridge Road hike in Rocky Mountain National Park during mid-April. Experience scenic snowshoeing from Many Parks Curve to Rainbow Curve, enjoying panoramic views and moderate terrain with minimal traffic. Ideal for hikers of all endurance levels, this route provides an unforgettable spring hiking adventure in Colorado. Plan your RMNP visit for breathtaking vistas without the summer crowds.

Keywords

Trail Ridge Road hike
Rocky Mountain National Park hiking
Snowshoeing Colorado
Moderate hikes Colorado
April hikes Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road snowshoeing
Many Parks Curve to Rainbow Curve
RMNP winter trails
Scenic Colorado hikes
Best spring hikes RMNP

Colorado Hikes: Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Time of Year: Mid-April.

Weather: 42 degrees and sunny at 9:58 am.

Cover: 65% covered with a tree canopy.

Time: 9:58 am - 1:12 pm.

Distance: 8.01 miles total.

Cost: Daily or annual Rocky Mountain National Park pass.

Bathroom at Trailhead: No.

Difficulty: Moderate level 1 for altitude (10828 feet), elevation gain (1112 feet), and length (8.01 miles).

Route: Many Parks Curve parking lot to the Rainbow Curve parking lot on Trail Ridge Road and back.

Traffic: Light.

Parking: 5% full by 9:58 am, 95% at 1:15 pm.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack, MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

Terrain: A paved road with intermittent sections of slushy snow (2-4 feet deep).

Experience: Hiking Trail Ridge Road at this time of year is truly a special experience. From mid-May through September, Rocky Mountain National Park is overwhelmed with tourists. While you can pull off onto sections of this iconic road, you most definitely won’t hike this path during that period (too many cars). During the winter, though, you can indulge in the views without steering off the side of the road. Yes, it’s a paved road, and this review probably makes many hard-core Colorado hikers cringe. We don’t need to lose ourselves in the woods every time for an adventure, right? It was truly a dystopian pleasure to check off eight miles with views from start to finish that are worthy of your consideration. Outside the last half mile, I also intersected with five other people. Undoubtedly, it was an intimate snow-shoeing experience from the Many Parks Curve parking lot to the Rainbow Curve parking lot.

Personal Trainer Notes: Personal training clients of any endurance level can enjoy this stretch of closed road in the Rocky Mountain National Park. While I extended my hike to eight miles, you will be equally satisfied with any less mileage. The scenic views begin as early as a block past the closed gate and continue as long as you want to trek.

**Longs Peak Rocky Mountain National Park**

**Trail Ridge Road Rocky Mountain National Park**

**Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Hiking**

**Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing**

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!