Safety & Wellness

Have a Fun and Safe Adventure!

A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park can rejuvenate the body and spirit. It can fuel ones sense of adventure and accomplishment. Before starting any trip in Rocky Mountain National Park, take time to explore this webpage and learn tips for planning a safe and fun adventure.

Remember to Recreate Responsibly

Your actions can impact park resources and wildlife. Be prepared before you head out on the trail. Know and understand your limits. Weather and conditions can change quickly in the Rockies. Be prepared to turn back when conditions change or if you are being pushed to your limits.

 

 

NPS

Be Weather Wise

Weather and conditions can change rapidly when recreating at high elevations in the mountians. From October through late May, be prepared for snow and winter conditions, especially in high elevation areas.

To see the most up to date forecast information on specific locations inside Rocky, visit the park's All About Weather page.

Snow and Ice Fields

Stay back from steep snow slopes and cornices. Snow avalanche danger is often high. Ask a ranger about current avalanche potential. Know how to recognize dangerous snow conditions.

 

Dressing for Cold Weather

National Weather Service Graphic

Dress for Cold Weather

Even in May, it can be very cold at high elevation areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. Protect yourself when going outside when it is cold and extremely cold out.

Dress in layers to help insulate your body. Wear a:

• Warm hat
• Windproof/Waterproof Jacket
• Mittens/Gloves
• Neck Gaiter
• Glasses or Goggles to help protect your eyes

 

The Science of Wind Chill

National Weather Service

Be Prepared for Potential Wind Chill

"Wind Chill" is a term used to describe what the air temperature feels like to the human skin due to the combination of cold temperatures and winds blowing on exposed skin.

In simple terms, the colder the air temperature and the higher the wind speeds the colder it will feel on your skin if you're outside. So even if it remains the same temperature, but the wind speed increases it will actually feel colder to your skin.

Before recreating in Rocky, take time to look up what the wind chill is for the day and wear the right gear to help protect yourself from the wind chill.

 

Check Out Additional Safety Tips Below:

 

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  Avalanche Awareness

  View of an avalanche slide above Dream Lake

• 

  Hypothermia

  Learn how to recognize and prevent hypothermia

• 

  Swift Water Safety

  Water is moving fast and rocks are slippery in a mountain creek

• 

  High Country Hazards

  Learn about hazards you may encounter when recreating in the Rocky Mountains

• 

  Beat the Heat

  Heat-Related Illness

  Two hikers are resting near a waterfall and taking a water break

• 

  Wildlife Viewing

  Discover tips for safe and fun wildlife viewing

 

Two park visitors are hiking on a trail in a burn area

NPS

Safety Tips when Recreating in Burn Areas

Be aware of additional hazards when recreating in burn areas including:

• Burned-out stump holes where the ground may be weak and unstable
• Unstable dead trees, especially in windy conditions
• Loose rocks, logs and rolling debris
• Flash flooding and significant debris flow possible in burn areas
• Dry, hot conditions with little forest canopy to provide shade

Park staff will continue to assess areas on both sides of the park for fire impacts, safety and downed trees, erosion and rock fall.

For maps and information on current area closures due to fires, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm