Authorities in the Rocky Mountain National Park have recovered a body in the search for a missing hiker, who was last seen in the Colorado park over a week ago.

Blake Kieckhafer, 23, from Omaha, Nebraska, was reported missing in the park on Monday, August 11, prompting a widespread search involving over 80 people. Rescuers from multiple agencies focused their attention on the Emerald Lake area and subsequently discovered what they believe to be Kieckhafer's body.

A National Park Service statement reads: "Rocky Mountain National Park rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter. His body was flown to a landing zone in Rocky Mountain National Park and transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office."

Kieckhafer was last seen on August 7 in the park's Upper Beaver Meadows area, where he was dropped off by a car-sharing service. He didn't appear to be adequately equipped for the night and carried only a small daypack.

The Larimer County Coroner’s Office is now "working on obtaining positive and scientific identification via DNA," reads a statement. An identification will be made once the next of kin is informed.

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A search and rescue operation is underway after a 23-year-old man was reported missing from Rocky Mountain National Park.

The National Park Service reports that crews are searching for Blake Kieckhafer of Omaha, Nebraska, after family members reported him missing on Monday, August 11.

According to social media appeals from family members, Kieckhafer had traveled by himself to Colorado and left his car at a Walmart parking lot in Greeley before taking an Uber into the park. He was dropped off at approximately 5:20pm on Thursday, August 7 in the Upper Beaver Meadows area, around a mile west of Beaver Meadows Entrance on the east side of the park. He has not been seen or heard from since.

Kieckhafer doesn't appear to have been adequately equipped for spending the night in the wild, with the NPS reporting he was dressed in a dark-colored T-shirt, pants and a baseball cap with no logo, and carrying only a small maroon daypack.

Kieckhafer is described as 5’11,” tall and weighs 180lbs. He has buzzed/short blonde hair and a mustache, and blue/green eyes.

The NPS requests that anyone with information as to Kieckhafer's whereabouts call or text them at (888) 653 0009, or submit a tip at https://go.nps.gov/SubmitATip.

There are currently several missing persons cases in Rocky Mountain National Park, including trail runner Chad Pallansch, 48, who disappeared in October 2023, and 70-year-old James Pruitt, who vanished in 2019. Human remains were discovered on the Alpine Ridge Trail in June, but officials have not yet confirmed identification.

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Officials at Rocky Mountain National Park are offering free avalanche training to members of the public after a deadly few days in the mountains. The Colorado park is teaching visitors vital survival skills, including how to use an avalanche safety beacon and help a buried friend out of the snow.

Earlier this month, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported that there had been seven serious avalanche incidents around the state in just one week, with one fatality and several close calls.

On Tuesday, January 7, 57-year-old Don Modern Jr was killed by an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, in Silverton. Traveling alone, the experienced skier became buried under a meter of snow debris and was unable to self-rescue.

“The avalanche danger is high in many areas across the state,” warned a social media post from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

“You can easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury you on most slopes. Some of these avalanches will release naturally.”

Aiming to combat the fatal risks, the training offered at the Rocky Mountain National Park runs members of the public through rescue scenarios, using buried transceivers in the place of endangered hikers with rescue beacons.

“There are eight buried transceivers under the snow. They have basically a two-by-two board on top of them, they’re pressure-sensitive,” wilderness and climbing program supervisor Mike Lukens told Fox 31.

Training participants follow their probes to find the buried transceivers.

“If you get a positive probe strike, then the control box will actually activate and let you know through a beeping tone,” continued Lukens, who advises that experienced trekkers take part in training alongside beginners.

“Those skills are perishable, and so unless you’re using them fairly frequently, when it comes time that it matters, you know, you’re not going to be well versed in what you're doing."

Officials are hopeful that training will help reduce the all-to-frequent fatalities in the area. Since 2014, there have been over 50 avalanche-related deaths in Colorado.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives
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A 23-year-old hiker who was reported overdue after hiking Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park has been found dead.

Lucas Macaj, a Colorado Springs resident, set off to hike the Colorado 14er via the Keyhole Route on Sunday morning and texted a friend at around 1 p.m. to say he had reached the summit, but he never returned. Significant storms moved into the area that evening and hampered search and rescue efforts, which began on Monday. 

After four days of intense searching by foot and drone, teams discovered Macaj's body yesterday on Mills Glacier, near the base of Lamb’s Slide above Chasm Lake. According to a news release by the National Parks Service, initial investigations suggest that Majaj took a significant fall, presumably during his descent. An AllTrails map of the trail shows that the standard route circumnavigates the bowl which cradles Chasm Lake.

"Rocky Mountain National Park rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter. His body was flown to a landing zone in Rocky Mountain National Park and transferred to the Boulder County Coroner’s Office," states the release.

In October 2023, another man went missing while on a trail run in the same park. Teams searched for Chad Pallansch for two weeks before calling off efforts; he remains missing.

Backcountry safety

Hikers are reminded that winter conditions still exist at high altitude, while hiking 14ers carries its own set of risks. When venturing into the backcountry, it's important to be properly prepared with gear such as crampons and an ice axe, as well as a satellite communicator to call for help if you need to. Learn more in our article on backcountry safety in Colorado.

• Best emergency blankets, bags and shelters

A major search effort is underway in Rocky Mountain National Park after a man vanished following an attempt to climb Longs Peak. 

Mountain rescue teams launched the search yesterday for 23-year-old Lucas Macaj who attempted to climb the 14er on Sunday. The Colorado Springs resident was reported missing that evening amid significant storms in the area after failing to return to his vehicle, according to a news release from Rocky Mountain National Park.

Macaj set off from the Longs Peak Trailhead early on Sunday morning and texted a friend to say he had reached the summit at 1 p.m. via the Keyhole route. The news release describes Macaj as 5' 9" tall and weighing 155 pounds. He is said to be wearing a dark colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki hiking boots and carrying a black backpack. 

Crews from The Rocky Mountain Rescue Team and Flight for Life as wells as a fixed-wing aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control have been searching the route on foot and from the air. 

Anyone with information they believe could be helpful searchers is asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line by calling or texting 888-653-0009, by filling out an online form at www.nps.gov/ISB or by emailing nps_isb@nps.gov. You may remain anonymous.

In October 2023, another man went missing while on a trail run in the same park. Teams searched for Chad Pallansch for two weeks before calling off efforts; he remains missing.

Hiking 14ers

Hiking in and of itself carries some risk, from weather and possibility of falling and getting injured to rare wildlife encounters, and hiking 14ers certainly adds to that risk. People die hiking 14ers every year. 

There are a few factors that add to the risk level of hiking 14ers, including high altitude, trickier navigation and extreme weather – early May is considered very early to be hiking a 14er, and winter conditions likely persist above treeline. Learn more in our article on staying alive when you're hiking a 14er.

• The best emergency blankets, bags and shelters 2024

Rocky Mountain National Park has welcomed a new resident – gray wolves, which have been detected in the area for the first time in 80 years. Four months after 10 wolves were first released into the wild in the Centennial State, wolf activity has been detected in the state's crown jewel.

The wolves, which were relocated from Oregon in December, were fitted with tracking devices to allow Colorado Parks and Wildlife to keep tabs on their movement and assess their behavior. The department has been releasing monthly updates to the public, and yesterday's news update revealed that the wolves have traveled across the Continental Divide, into the front range and most notably into Colorado's biggest National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado is no stranger to exciting wildlife – roughly 4.5 million visitors flock here each year, many with a kind to catch the stupendous spectacle of elk bugling in the fall. Those who venture up into the mountains may spot bighorn sheep and marmots, while the smaller populations of mountain lions and black bears remain more elusive. Park officials may soon have to update their wildlife page with details about their new wolf population, however.

The return of wolves to Colorado has been a hot topic in the state, with the animals making headlines as it was revealed that they have been responsible for the death of six cattle during the first two weeks of April, while one wolf was found dead in Larimer County on April 18. In that case, the cause of death is under investigation, but is presumed to be from natural causes.

Wolf safety

If you're traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, the chances are still low that you'll meet a wolf in the wild. If you're lucky enough to see one, secure your dog first and foremost. If the wolf shows signs of interest in you, stand your ground, make yourself appear big and make some noise. Learn more in our article on what to do if you encounter a wolf on the trail.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trail

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some spectacular animals – elk, bighorn sheep, moose and bears all call the area home, making it one of the country's best spots for wildlife viewing. The National Park Service (NPS) warns visitors to keep a healthy distance from all these big mammals, but one visitor learned recently that the smaller creatures shouldn't be underestimated either.

One park visitor recently spotted two hikers taking a break to try and pet a marmot – only to receive a nasty scratch for their troubles. Photos of the encounter posted on infamous Instagram account TouronsOfNationalParks this week show one of the pair leaning down with her hand out to the large rodent, and according to photographer Abigail Guillory, it didn't appreciate the gesture.

Marmots don't typically attack humans unless threatened, but it's not a risk you want to take. First of all, although cute, these little animals can carry ticks, which may spread Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Marmots can also spread rabies, which can be transmitted through saliva in bites and scratches. 

Petting and feeding marmots also puts them at risk. It can be tempting to offer small animals a handful of trail mix, but being hand-fed can stop animals seeking out their usual diet, and can even be toxic (chocolate being particularly dangerous due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine).

If an animal is used to being fed, it is also likely to approach people, and may become aggressive. Wildlife that loses its natural wariness of humans is said to be habituated, and is somethings euthanized for public safety.

The NPS explains that "approaching, harassing, or feeding any kind of wildlife, no matter how small or familiar, is illegal in all National Parks," so it's better to stay back and watch the marmots burrow, bicker and nibble in peace. For more details, see our guides are marmots dangerous and wildlife safety: eight tips for unexpected encounters.

• Get a free 148-page ebook celebrating the world's greatest National Parks

A woman has been caught at Rocky Mountain National Park stalking a moose with her phone to get a close-up video, despite the animals being particularly tired, stressed, and prone to agitation at this time of year.

Winter is hard for most wildlife, and moose are no exception. As Colorado Parks and Wildlife explains, their long legs help them move through deep snow, but doing so is tiring and food is scarce, leaving the animals tired and stressed.

In a video shot by Colorado-based photographers Good Bull Outdoors, and shared this week via Instagram account TouronsOfNationalParks, the visitor is unfazed as the cow moose walks towards her, and rather than returning to her vehicle, gets even closer to film it, until it escapes over a snowbank.

Moose are spectacular animals, and spotting one is a highlight of any trip to Rocky Mountain, but the National Park Service (NPS) urges caution. Although they aren't generally aggressive, they are powerful wild animals, and can lash out if they are threatened. They are particularly likely to attack dogs, which they cannot distinguish from wolves.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has already received reports of six moose incidents in the Rocky Mountain towns of Fraser and Tabernash this year. One man received minor injuries when he was knocked down while walking his dogs, and a dog died after being trampled.

"Enjoy moose at a distance," says the NPS. "Give these animals plenty of room to roam without human interferences. Bulls and cows are equally unpredictable. During the mating season, bull moose are known to charge and females are particularly protective of calves at all times.

"Moose can top speeds of 35 miles per hour. If you see a moose display a threatening position of 'head high' or 'head low', it is time to retreat."

For more details, see our guides what to do if you spot a moose while hiking and wildlife safety: eight tips for unexpected encounters.

• Get a free 148-page ebook celebrating the world's greatest National Parks

Moose are huge, powerful animals, often standing over 6ft tall and able to run at speeds up to 35mph despite their seemingly gangly stature. They can also be unpredictable, particularly when guarding their young, as one woman learned at Rocky Mountain National Park.

In a video shared on infamous Instagram account TouronsOfNationalParks, which calls out bad behavior at sites of natural beauty, the visitor can be seen standing dangerously close to a cow moose and her calf. Predictably, the mother lashes out, charging and narrowly missing the tourist as she kicks with her front hooves.

The clip, which you can see below, was shot using the Live Photo function on an iPhone, so looks somewhat choppy, but clearly shows just how close the careless visitor came to being knocked down. Oddly, she doesn't seem to be wearing shoes, which may explain why she's barely able to escape in time.

Moose are usually more curious than aggressive, but this clip serves as a timely reminder that it's still important to give them plenty of space – particularly during the spring. Calves may look sweet, but their mothers won't hesitate to attack any perceived threat.

"Give these animals plenty of room to roam without human interference," warns the National Park Service. "Bulls and cows are equally unpredictable. During the mating season, bull moose are known to charge and females are particularly protective of calves at all times. Moose can top speeds of 35 miles per hour. If you see a moose display a threatening position of 'head high' or 'head low', it is time to retreat."

Even if a moose remains calm, approaching it can put its life at risk. In 2022, officers from Colorado Parks and Wildlife were forced to relocate a young moose that had become used to being fed and petted by people in downtown Grand Lake. This can cause a wild animal to lose its natural wariness around humans, making it an easy target for poachers and increasing the chances of a dangerous close encounter that could result in it being euthanized for public safety.

For more advice, take a look at our guides what to do if you see a moose and wildlife safety: eight tips for surprise encounters.

• The best binoculars: get a close look at wildlife from a safe distance

If landing in Denver incites instant disappointment for anyone expecting to be in the high Rockies and not the high plains, a trip to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is more than enough to satisfy your dreams of a high alpine adventure.

Colorado’s crown jewel is a truly unforgettable National Park, with over a thousand square kilometers of pristine wilderness for you to explore. The best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park take you to over 100 peaks, countless alpine lakes and may even include some amazing wildlife viewing, but don’t let the accessibility of this park from major metropolitan areas fool you. Take a wrong turn here and your dream vacation can turn into a disaster.

Read on for eight common mistakes to avoid when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to ensure you have a trip to remember – for all the right reasons.

1. Hitting snooze

With around four million visitors each year, RMNP is one of the busiest National Parks in the country and if you’re visiting in the summer months, you can expect to sit in traffic for up to an hour just to get into the park. But that's really only if you time things wrong. 

The busiest times to enter the park are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for the summer of 2024, there will be a timed entry permit system to try to control the crowds. If you plan to visit in the summer, make sure you get a reservation, or better yet, plan to arrive before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. to beat the crowds. Remember, most National Parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so there’s nothing to stop you from rolling up at 6 a.m., grabbing the best parking spot and hitting the trail at sunrise. 

2. Expecting room at the inn

Many of the more popular National Parks have a variety of lodging options, from campsites and cabins to motels and hotels, but in RMNP, there are no overnight lodging options except for campsites. If you want to pitch your tent, most campgrounds are open from late May until late September and can be booked six months in advance. If you’re looking for a little more luxury, you’ll need to stay outside the park either in Estes Park or Grand Lake.

3. Not acclimating first

RMNP is one of the highest National Parks in the country but if you’re flying into Denver from sea level, the altitude here just sort of creeps up on you. Though Denver is already a mile above sea level, it’s not quite high enough to give most people altitude sickness. Hop in your rental car and make a beeline for the park, however, and you may not even be aware that you’ve gained a couple of thousand feet as you drive along the highway. By the time you’re driving along Trail Ridge Road, you’re at 11,000 feet and you could start to feel a little woozy.

Even if you’re not planning on doing any serious elevation gain in your hiking boots during your visit, you can definitely suffer the effects of altitude sickness if you’re not used to it, which can mean dehydration, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate in Denver or the foothills to prepare for high altitude hiking, drink plenty of water during your visit, eat well and don’t over exert yourself. If you can’t seem to kick it, sadly the only cure is to go back down to lower elevations.

4. Not preparing for wild extremes

No matter what season you’re visiting, you’re going to need a lot of hiking layers for RMNP. The lowest point in the park lies at 7,630 feet while the highest point is the summit of Longs Peak, a 14er that lies at 14,259 feet above sea level. That means there’s well over a mile in altitude variation within the park boundaries, so while it might be a hot, sunny day at the trailhead, you could end up shivering at the summit even if you’re hiking in summer. 

You might think that Colorado is just sunny all summer and snowy all winter, but in fact, the high altitude environment here also means a lot of unpredictability in the weather, with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms and wild temperature swings in the summer, rain and hail in the spring, early snowfall in the fall and heavy snow in the winter. Both heat-related illness and hypothermia are potential hazards of visiting this park, depending on the season and your location and activities. Always bring a waterproof jacket as well as a wool base layer and an insulating mid layer such as a fleece or down jacket.

5. Forgetting food and extra water

Some National Parks, like Yosemite, have places to eat and drink like restaurants and supermarkets, but the only place in RMNP where you can buy food is at the Trail Ridge Gift Store next to the visitor center. There are plenty of places to eat in Estes Park and Grand Lake, but if you’re spending a full day in the park you’ll want to pack a picnic, and of course be bear aware when it comes to securing your food.

When it comes to water, remember that you’ll be at high altitude even when you’re at the lowest point in the park. The conditions here are extremely arid and dehydrating, so you’ll want to carry several water bottles since there aren’t any restaurants where you can easily fill up. Some of the campgrounds also don’t have any water, so check ahead and come prepared.

6. Not checking road conditions

One of the biggest highlights of visiting RMNP is easily the scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, which spans 48 miles and crests at over 12,000 feet with eleven miles of travel above treeline. This winding highway takes you across alpine tundra and treats you to stunning views and wildflower sightings. However, it is not open for the entire year. 

Due to its high elevation, it becomes impassable in the winter months and is closed. Though exact dates are determined by the weather, it usually closes in October and doesn’t open again until May. This means that you can only enter the park from the east outside of summer and early fall. Winter is a splendid time to visit the park, but if you have your heart set on this attraction, you might want to wait until summer. Furthermore, if you’re visiting in spring or fall, it’s always a good idea to check the road conditions since snow can fall any time of year at this altitude.

7. Getting too close to the elk

RMNP is home to some magnificent wildlife, including black bears, raptors, mountain lions, moose and bighorn sheep. In terms of big mammals, the animals you’re most likely to see are elk, which live in giant herds in the park. Elk rutting season in the fall is a particularly special time to visit, and many thousands of people flock here for the spectacle of bull elk battling it out and bugling to assert their dominance and secure control of their harems. 

However, too often do we find ourselves reporting on folk getting entirely too close to elk in this park. We’ve seen thoughtless tourists mobbing bull elk for a photo and even getting their fingers chomped trying to feed them. Elk are not naturally aggressive by any means, but they can weigh over 1,000 lbs and they will defend themselves and their young which doesn’t usually end well for you. Practice good wildlife safety and stand well clear of any elk you come across. Don’t feed the wildlife, and enjoy it from afar, using binoculars.

8.  Relying on your cell phone

Like many National Parks, RMNP doesn’t have great cell service at all, so it’s not a good idea to depend on your phone for making plans, navigation or calling for help. Stop off at the visitor center when you arrive to get information and maps, bring a compass, download any GPX maps you plan to use on your phone so you can access them offline, and if you’re heading out into the backcountry, bring a satellite communicator for emergencies.

• Stranded on a hike? 8 things you should never do in a survival situation

A team of dozens of search and rescue members are scouring Rocky Mountain National Park after a runner was reported overdue. Chad Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins started out from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday and was reported missing the following day. Park rangers confirmed his truck was still parked at the trailhead.

According to a news release by the National Parks Service, teams are searching the Boulder Grand Pass, Mount Alice, McHenry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Stoneman Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, Thatchtop, Powell Peak and Andrews Glacier areas. Crews are searching on foot, by air and with a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, however winds at high elevations have been hampering search operations. Though overnight lows are dropping below freezing now in the park, there is no rain or snow forecast for the coming week.

Pallansch is 5’7” tall and weighs 155 lbs, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is thought to be wearing a black ultralight running jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. He had a navigation device, but it was not designed for emergency assistance.

Pallansch's reported itinerary involved a 28-mile route which included running on both established trails and off-trail scree slopes as well as crossing the Continental Divide. His route may have taken him through Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake and Flattop Mountain. This was to be his first time attempting this route, but it is believed that Pallansch is an experienced trail runner and is no stranger to running in the park – he has reportedly run Longs Peak, a Colorado 14er, more than 30 times.

If you have information that could help investigators, may have seen Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact the NPS. Call the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line at 888-653-0009, submit an online form at go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or email nps_isb@nps.gov. 

Backcountry survival tips for trail running in Colorado

Several trail runners have disappeared without a trace in Colorado's backcountry in recent years. Readers are reminded to trip plan, train for high altitude, and take the essentials:

• Electrolytes and energy bars
• Trail running sunglasses
• Running headlamp
• Emergency bivy sack
• Minimalist first-aid kit focused on items to stop bleeding, but also has meds and other minor ailment treatments such as moleskin
• Folding camping knife
• Fire starter
• Map and compass
• Two-way communications devices such as the Garmin InReach
• Battery pack with appropriate cables for electronic devices
• Wool or synthetic running gloves
• Wool skull cap/hat
• Soft water bottles and water filter
• Phone with offline mapping app
• Lightweight waterproof breathable shell jacket
• 12-liter running vest
• Mid-layer micro-puffy jacket for runs that will take you high or deep or when weather dictates need for extra warmth

Learn more in our article with backcountry survival tips for trail running in Colorado.

• Best compass: for hiking and backpacking

Home to more than 100 dazzling Rocky Mountain peaks that tower over 11,000ft and only an hour and a half drive from Denver, Colorado’s crown jewel makes both a memorable day trip and a rewarding adventure holiday at any time of year. When the summer crowds clear out and the majestic landscape is blanketed in snow, however, Rocky Mountain National Park transforms into one of the most beautiful winter wonderlands you can possibly imagine. If you love a cold weather adventure, you’ll want to grab some traction to wear with your winter hiking boots and enjoy crunching through the snow on some of the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park sits near the scenic resort town of Estes Park in northern Colorado and its 415 square miles of stunning wilderness attract millions of visitors every year for good reason. Now, with an elevation that begins at nearly 8,000ft and soars to over 14,000ft, it should come as no surprise that not all of the park is accessible in winter months, however. The renowned scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road is closed from Many Curves Road to the west entrance in the winter, which means you’ll need to enter from Estes Park. Scenic Old Fall River Road is also closed for the season and driving in the park generally can be slow-going and you’ll need proper traction on your tires, but we recommend you ditch your car as soon as possible and head for some of these great hikes east of the Continental Divide.

Unless there has been a recent storm, you’ll probably find that for most of these hikes, winter traction devices such as Yaktrax or Microspikes will suffice, but for deeper snow, plan on using snowshoes and remember that between the snowy surfaces and the altitude, the hiking in winter may be more taxing than what you’re used to. Hike with trekking poles to help you stay balanced on slick surfaces, dress in winter hiking layers to prevent frostbite and keep your eyes peeled – lots of the park’s famous wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep and moose will be easier to see against the white backdrop!

1. The Pool 

Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

The Pool is a swirling confluence where the Big Thompson River meets Fern Creek and Spruce Creek that is reached by quiet, easy walking along the river with opportunities to spot frozen waterfalls and snow-covered giant boulders on the way. Begin at the Cub Lake trailhead and walk along the snowy road through the woods for about a mile to the Fern Lake Trailhead before joining the Fern Lake trail. After reaching The Pool, you can return the way you came or join the Cub Lake trail to make a six-mile loop.

2. Sprague Lake 

Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy

The walk around Sprague Lake is truly that – just a gentle walk, but it’s the views that make this worth adding to the list. From the trailhead on Bear Lake Road, the stroll round the frozen lake named for one of the original settlers in the area treats you to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks including Half Mountain, Flattop, Thatchtop, Taylor Peak, Otis Peak, Hallett Peak and Notchtop Mountain, which are all of course shrouded in snow and looking splendid at this time of year. This walk is great for those of you who have just arrived at high altitude, or when you need a rest day.

3. Upper Beaver Meadows 

Distance: 1.5 - 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Upper Beaver Meadows is a sprawling, snow-covered meadow framed by Longs Peak which offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing in the winter. Find the trailhead about two miles from the park headquarters just beyond Moraine Park. You can either hike along the road which follows the north side of the creek, or take the trail on the left which meanders along the south side of the meadow. The two meet in the shadow of Deer Mountain at the west end of the meadow if you want to make a loop, in which case starting on the trail and moving in a clockwise direction offers the better views.

4. Cub Lake 

Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Cub Lake sits in the shadow of Stones Peak and the area was scorched during Fern Lake Fire in 2012, making it a bit less scenic in the summer months, but the snow lends a stark beauty to the area when the cold settles in. From Cub Lake trailhead, hike up from Big Thompson River through pine and aspen trees, passing streams and moraines (glacial debris) on the way. Snow can make the last mile of this trail difficult to pass without snowshoes, so plan ahead if you intend to make it all the way to the lake. Return the same way you came or continue on to link up with The Pool and return on the Fern Lake trail for a six-mile adventure.

5. Chasm Falls 

Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Chasm Falls transform into spectacular ice formations come winter and the hike there takes you past the remnants of old cabins which housed the inmates who built scenic Fall River Road. Hike for 1.5 miles from the West Alluvial Fan parking lot to the Endovalley picnic area. At the junction, take Fall River Road and walk up the gentle incline for another mile to reach the falls. Beware that the ice formations can be dangerous, so take care in this area.

6. Gem Lake 

Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Gem Lake is cradled by some of the park’s most wondrous rock formations in an area that’s been sculpted by wind and weather rather than glacial erosion. The resulting landscape takes the shape of rounded granite and striking ridgelines that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The trail begins from the Lumpy Ridge trailhead about three miles north of Estes Park. Hike up the ridge through stands of aspen and pine catching fantastic glimpses of the Continental Divide and snow-covered boulders including the balanced rock known as Paul Bunyan’s Boot.

7. Deer Mountain

Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous

Though mountain hikes in the park in winter are generally treacherous and require mountaineering experience, Deer Mountain gives you the chance to explore a snowy summit if you’re willing to work for it. This hike is one of the busiest in summer, but you’re unlikely to see many other people if you attempt it in winter. From Deer Ridge Junction Trailhead on Highway 36 enjoy a steady, steep climb through pine forest to catch stunning panoramic views of the Rockies from the snow-covered summit plateau. Snow is likely to be deep on the switchbacks and summit, which stands at 10,000ft, so travel with snowshoes or skis.

• Get a free 148-page ebook celebrating the world's greatest National Parks

A visitor to Estes Park, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, had an exceptionally close encounter with a bull elk on Saturday, when the animal took a dislike to their vehicle and charged at it. The encounter was captured on camera by a driver a few meters behind.

In the clip, which you can watch below, the elk is showing all the typical signs of aggression, lowering its head and pawing the ground with its hooves. It starts by bluff charging the vehicle (possibly having seen its reflection in the windows), then adopts an aggressive posture and butts at it with its antlers until the driver moves off.

The video was shared by Estes Park News as a reminder to be particularly careful at this time of year, when elk are in their mating season, known as the rut. At this time the males are at their most impressive, displaying their antlers and making loud calls (known as 'bugling'). However, they are also unpredictable as they compete for female attention, and can be more aggressive than usual.

You should always stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from elk, and remember that feeding, touching, or wilfully disturbing any wildlife is illegal is you're visiting a National Park. 

"We ask that people help protect the elk herd by honoring the field closures to ensure that elk are not disturbed during this important breeding season," says Bill Stiver, park wildlife biologist at Rocky Mountain National Park.

"Bull elk, which can weigh nearly 1,000 pounds, are wild animals with unpredictable behavior. To help ensure your own safety, make sure you have parked in a safe location and remain close to your vehicle so that you can get inside if an elk approaches."

For more advice, see our guide how to enjoy elk rutting season safely.

• Best binoculars: enjoy wildlife from a safe distance

Hikers exploring Rocky Mountains National Park narrowly escaped a huge rockslide, and captured the whole event on video. Several visitors to the park were partway up Hallett Peak, a mountain known for its outstanding views and popular with hikers and climbers, when they heard a rumbling sound as a huge chunk of the south face collapsed.

Rock from the area slid into Upper Chaos Canyon above Lake Aihaya, but no visitors were injured. The National Park Service advised hikers to avoid the area, as it may still be unstable.

The video, which you can watch below, was captured by Ryan Albert and shared on Instagram by the Bouldering Guides to Mount St Helens and RMNP. 

“Visitors planning to recreate in Upper Chaos Canyon or on the south slopes of Hallett Peak are advised to avoid traveling in the area,” said NPS officials. “It will take some time for the slope to stabilize and there is a significant possibility that additional rockfall may occur at any time.”

What causes rockslides?

Rockslides happen when the structure of a mountain is no longer strong enough to resist the gravitational force upon it. They can be caused by earthquakes, high precipitation, natural erosion over time, or temperature variations. They can also occur when mining operations are taking place.

During a rockslide, the surface of the rock ruptures, separates from the base and slides along it, which can cause further damage and lead to more rock detaching. Movements can range from a single block of rock to whole mountainsides, and other rocks are broken and loosened as the mass moves downhill, causing sudden, tremendous damage.

Safety advice is the same as for landslides and avalanches: keep a close eye on the weather report, and check for any local warnings before heading out. Listen for any unusual sounds (such as cracking or rumbling) and sudden changes to the landscape like abrupt rises in water levels or cracking underfoot.

• Guided hiking: what's so great about it?

Plans for reintroducing wolves to Colorado have been revealed, including a suggestion that a breeding pair could be introduced to Rocky Mountains National Park.

Wolves are currently classed as state endangered in Colorado, which means they are off limits for hunting, scaring off, or relocating – even if they attack livestock. If wildlife managers count more than 50 wolves for four successive winters, the animals will be downgraded from endangered to state threatened, and if at least 150-200 are counted, their protected status will be removed altogether.

However, according to a conglomeration of wildlife and conservation groups, that number is far too low to be self-sustaining, and the population should be closer to 750 or even 1,000 to be considered stable.

As Out There Colorado reports, the group (WildEarth Guardians) has now put forward its own suggestion for introducing wolves in 12 zones around the state. Most of these are quite remote areas of wilderness and National Forests, but there's one notable exception: Rocky Mountains National Park.

It might seem like a strange choice, but WildEarth Guardians claim that introducing a pack would help fulfil the park's goal of "the perpetuation of natural features in as near to pristine conditions as possible", while also helping control wasting disease in the local elk population. You can check out WildEarth Guardians' full wolf restoration proposal online. 

As CPR News says, Colorado has a mandate to reintroduce wolves by 2023. However, its official plan for reintroducing the animals focuses on the state's Western Slope, and makes no mention of the National Park.

• What to do if you encounter a wolf on the trail