Plan Your Winter & Springtime Visit to Rocky

Plan Ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at Rocky Mountain National Park

Coming to the east side of Rocky? There could be long lines at the Beaver Meadows/U.S. Hwy 36 and the Fall River/U.S. Hwy 34 Entrances to the park. A major construction project is happening at the Fall River Entrance.

The Fall River Entrance, Fall River Visitor Center, and businesses outside the park located along Fall River Road are open. 

There are several construction projects currently happening in the Town of Estes Park. Please pack your patience when traveling to and from Rocky Mountain National Park this summer.

 

NPS

Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park this spring? If so, be prepared for snow! This is magical time to visit the park, a time when there are fewer crowds and it's easy to enjoy both solitude and snow on a winter wilderness adventure.

However, there are unique challenges associated with the winter and spring seasons to be prepared for: snowpacked and icy roads, temperatures that frequently drop below freezing, as well as seasonal road closures.

Extra planning is key to a successful winter adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.

When Does the Winter Season Begin?

With elevations ranging from 7,800 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level, winter conditions can greatly vary in the Rocky Mountains. The winter season, especially at locations above 8,000 feet, can stretch from late September or early October to late May or early June.

While March and April may signal the arrival of warm, sunny days in many parts of the U.S., that does not hold true in Rocky Mountain National Park. Historically, March and April are among the snowiest months in State of Colorado, especially at high elevations. If you are planning for a spring break trip, or even a trip in early to mid-May, pack your snowboots and warm clothes! You need to be ready for winter conditions.

 

Resources to Help You Plan for a Fun Winter Adventure:

 

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  Roads

  Tips to help your prepare for winter driving in the park

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  Weather

  Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park.

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  Trail Conditions

  What are the conditions like on park trails?

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  Safety Tips for Winter

  Are you familiar with winter recreation? Here are some safety tips to help you plan for your next winter adventure

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  Winter Recreation

  Learn about fun things to do in the park during the winter season

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  Winter Camping

  Interested in camping between October and May? Learn more about planning for a winter season camping trip.

 

NPS Photo

How Much Snow is in the Park?

The park has SNOWTEL monitors located near both Bear Lake and Wild Basin.

• Snow Depth - Bear Lake
• Snow Depth - Wild Basin
• Snow Depth - Kawuneeche Valley

 

View of a slope with a recent avalanche

NPS Photo

Be Avalanche Aware!

Did you know that many of the park’s winter trails, including destinations in the Bear Lake and Hidden Valley areas, are located within significant avalanche terrain?

Avalanches can be triggered by snowshoers, winter hikers, backcountry skiers, and even wildlife.

Interested in learning more about avalanche safety in the park? Visit our Avalanche Awareness webpage!

 

NPS

What Does the Park Currently Look Like? Check Out our Webcams!

Interested in seeing what conditions look like in the park? Rocky Mountain National Park has six live webcams showing views from different locations within the park.

 

Bobcat in winter

NPS Photo

Wildlife Viewing

The winter season creates some unique wildlife viewing opportunities. To learn more about how to safely view wildlife, please visit our Wildlife Viewing page.