The Wizard of Winter at Rocky Mountain National Park

In the winter months, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park may be fortunate enough to spot wildlife such as elk, coyotes, deer, and snowshoe hares.

Meeting the Wizard of Winter is a rare experience reserved for a fortunate few.

Jean Muenchrath, a park ranger, transforms into the Wizard of Winter as she leads a snowshoe ecology walk around Bear Lake.

She swaps her ranger cap for a white wizard hat, then, with a wand in hand, declares, “I am inescapable, and today, you will discover whether I am your ally or your adversary.”

This wizard is serious about winter safety

Although Muenchrath plays an entertaining role as the Wizard of Winter, she takes the subject of winter safety very seriously. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the nation's busiest parks, attracting 4.4 million visitors last year alone.

“We encourage people to experience the outdoors during winter,” Muenchrath explains. “But it’s important to do so with safety in mind, because while it’s stunning, winter brings with it real dangers.”

Common winter hazards include getting lost or sustaining injuries from falls or ankle sprains.

“Winter navigation presents its own set of challenges,” says Kyle Patterson, a park spokesperson. “Following someone else's tracks can lead you astray, so it’s highly recommended to carry a topographic map, compass, or a GPS for guidance.”

A national park at a breathtaking altitude

"Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top parks for search and rescue, with 150 to 200 incidents annually," says Patterson. "While most visitors remain safe, it’s essential to plan ahead and be ready when enjoying the park’s activities."

In the summer months, when visitor numbers peak, rangers stationed along Trail Ridge Road are trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs) due to the high volume of medical emergencies.

"As a high-altitude park, we see a number of visitors experiencing altitude sickness or exacerbated health issues such as heart and lung conditions," Patterson notes.

Though fewer people visit in winter, the risk of getting lost, suffering from hypothermia, or being caught in an avalanche still remains a concern.

Winter wildlife encounters

Our spirited wizard joins volunteers Rich Ryer and David Nicholas to guide up to 20 visitors on how to snowshoe across the winter landscape while staying safe from the seasonal dangers.

In a park where black bears and marmots are in hibernation, Muenchrath also educates visitors about the elk, bighorn sheep, and winter snowshoe hares that roam the snow-covered terrain.

"What truly captivates me in winter are the snowshoe hares," Muenchrath shares. "These rabbit-like creatures are white and almost invisible against the snow. When you spot one, it takes your breath away."

The park attracts backcountry skiers, snowshoers, wildlife enthusiasts, and sledders. (Sledding is only permitted in Hidden Valley, the park’s designated area.)

The ranger-led full moon hike, where visitors can discover the park’s beauty beneath the night sky, requires advance registration.

Isabella Bear makes her debut in June.

Although the Wizard of Winter bids farewell by March, visitors can still meet Isabella Bear starting in June.

Isabella Bear is portrayed as a cheeky character doing community service for stealing food from visitors. "It’s a fun way to deliver the evening program," says Muenchrath.

Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517; +1 970 586-1206. Check the park website for weather updates.

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