Trail Conditions

 

Temporary Trail Closure Impacting Access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake For Outlet Bridge Replacement

Beginning on Monday, September 29 through Thursday, October 2, and then again Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, trail access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will be closed to all uses for an outlet bridge replacement project. 

Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will not be accessible during these days. This popular trail section will reopen Friday through Sunday (October 3 through October 5) and close again on Monday, October 6.
  
All other trails in the Bear Lake area will remain open including the trail to Lake Haiyaha from Nymph Lake.

 

Map of Dream Lake and Emerald Lake Trail Closure

NPS Map

 

A section of the trail from Hollowell to Cub Lake, taken September 28, 2025

NPS Photo

What Are Trails Like in Rocky Mountain National Park

Updated September 29, 2025

It's fall in Rocky Mountain National Park and the months of September and October are great times of the year to enjoy hikes with views of fall colors. At high elevations, this is also the time of the year when early snow is possible.

When planning hikes during the fall season, take time to check the weather forecast before beginning your hike. Dress in layers, be prepared for weather and conditions that can change rapidly, and be ready to turn back if needed.

This report is best used as a general guide. By the time you start your hike, conditions on trails in RMNP could be the same, better, or worse than what is described below.

Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility

Most trails in lower elevation areas of Rocky Mountain National Park are dry. Due to recent rain, some areas could be wet and muddy. If hiking in areas above 10,000 feet in elevation, there could still be some snow and ice on trails. Use caution around all snowfields. Hiking boots with good traction, trekking poles and traction devices can be helpful.

• When hiking on wet and muddy trails, practice Leave No Trace by hiking through the mud.
  • Stepping off trail to avoid puddles expands the footprint of a trail and causes erosion.

Resources and Safety Information Before Hiking in Rocky:

Going hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park? Be aware that weather and conditions can change rapidly in the Rocky Mountains, especially at higher elevations. Now through August is the time of year when thunderstorms in the afternoon happen almost daily. Be prepared for thunder and lightning.

When hiking in forest areas, pay attention to the trees near you. Know that falling trees and branches are an ever-present hazard throughout the park. When hiking, take time to look up and be aware of your surroundings. Trees and branches can fall without warning!

Other safety tips to be aware of, ticks are out. It is recommended to do frequent tick checks when hiking.

Helpful Resources:

• Check out the National Park Service Trip Planning Guide
• Looking for Information on Longs Peak: View the Longs Peak Conditions Report
• For Area Closures: View Fire Information Area Closures
• Thunderstorms and lighting are common during the summer and early fall seasons. Check out information on Lightning Safety

 

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report

 

Destination	Date	Description of Conditions Found	Reported By
Cub Lake Trail	September 28, 2025	The trail to Cub Lake was clear and dry. Enjoy views of fall colors on the hillsides.	Park Visitor
Sprague Lake Loop Trail	September 24, 2025	Sprague Lake Loop was clear and dry. The trail was wet in a few places.	Park Ranger
Chasm Lake	September 24, 2025	If hiking to Chasm Lake, be prepared for snow and ice on the trail and winter conditions in high elevation areas. The snow line was at about 10,600 feet near the lightning bridge. There was consistent snow on the ground at around 11,000 feet in elevation. Just past Chasm Junction, there was approximatley 8-10 inches of snow. With recent warmer days, the snow has been melting. Traction devices are strongly advised.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake Loop Trail	September 19, 2025	The Bear Lake Loop Trail is clear and dry.	Park Ranger
Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls	September 19, 2025	The trail from Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls is clear and dry. Enjoy views of aspen turning colors along this hike.	Park Ranger
Green Mountain Trail	September 18, 2025	The Green Mountain Trail is clear and dry. A small section of this trail has been re-routed. This trail passes through an area that was burned during the East Troublesome Fire of 2020. Enjoy views of the Never Summer Mountains and new vegetation that is growing along the trail. Watch for potential hazards like falling trees and branches, loose rocks, and flash flooding is possible during rainstorms.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake and down the Bierstadt Lake Trail to Bierstadt Parking Area	September 17, 2025	This trail is clear and dry. Enjoy views of aspen turning colors along this scenic hike.	Park Visitor
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake	September 16, 2025	Click here to view the Longs Peak Conditions Report for details and recent photos	Park Ranger
Tundra Communities Trail	September 16, 2025	The Tundra Communities Trail is clear of snow and ice on the paved path. Enjoy views of tundra plants in the early fall. Snow and ice are possible on this trail during the month of September.	Park Ranger
Alpine Ridge Trail	September 16, 2025	The Alpine Ridge Trail starts at 11,796 feet in elevation and climbs up 200 vertical feet to a summit of 12,005 feet above sea level. Enjoy stunning scenic views from one of the highest elevation areas that is easy to access in Rocky Mountain National Park. In September, there could be snow or ice on this paved path at any time. Weather can change quickly. Be prepared for afternoon storms.	Park Ranger
Deer Mountain Trail	September 16, 2025	The Deer Mountain Trail is now clear of snow and ice.	Park Visitor
Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Lake	September 15, 2025	From Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Lake, the trail is dry. With recent rain, there could be some wet and muddy sections of the trail.	Park Visitor

 

Bierstadt Lake Trailhead

NPS Photo

Submit Your Own Trip Report

Have you been hiking recently on any trail inside Rocky Mountain National Park? Would you like to share with others what the trail was like? To submit a trail conditions report:

• 💻 Fill out and submit an RMNP Trail Conditions Report online
• ☎️ Call Rocky Mountain National Park staff at 970-586-1206 and share a report over the phone.
• 🏫 Stop by a Rocky Mountain National Park visitor centers and fill out a report in person.

 

Views of the Colorado River, taken June 2025

NPS Photo

How Much Snow is in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Most areas and trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park are currently snow free. With the arrival of fall, cooler temperatures have arrived. Expect snow and ice on trails located above 12,000 feet in elevation.

How do we know how much snow is in the park? There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. These are monitored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and there is a website available where anyone can see current and past snow depth information specific to each location.

The main SNOTEL Website is: https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=

Every SNOTEL site has a unique site number. For example, the site number for Bear Lake is 322. To see information specific to Bear Lake, visit https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=322

For snow depth at all SNOTEL Sites inside RMNP, see the chart below:

Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 0 inches of snow	Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 0 inches snow	Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 0 inch snow
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 0 inch snow	Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 0 inches snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 0 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 0 inches snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 0 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 0 inches snow

 

Photos Showing Trail Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

Snow on the Chasm Lake Trail - taken September 24, 2025

NPS Photo

 

Green Mountain Trail, taken in September

NPS Photo

 

Trail to Alberta Falls in September

NPS Photo

 

Bridge on the Sprague Lake Trail, taken September 24, 2025

NPS Photo

 

Trail to Mills Lake above Alberta Falls - taken July 1, 2025

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Things to Know Before Your Next Hike:

Plan ahead and be prepared for varying weather and conditions. Remember- Your safety is in your hands! Trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park can experience extreme weather and conditions can change quickly. In RMNP, all four seasons can happen in one day!

Any Time of Year - Be prepared: Choose your hiking destination wisely. Know your personal limits and choose a trail that meets your goals within your limits. Be willing to turn back for any reason. Always tell someone where you are going, where you will be parked, what your intended route is, when you plan to be back home, and then let them know when you return.

Lakes: Always proceed with caution around icy lakes, especially around inlets, outlets, and rocks, where the ice can be thin.

Route-finding is important. RMNP trails are not marked in winter and following other tracks is not advised, as you don’t know where they lead, and wind and new snow obliterate tracks. When trails are covered in snow, signs may not be visible. Carry a map and compass or GPS and know how to use them.

Be Prepared for Conditions with Essentials. It is important to bring and use the right gear, especially suitable gear for the season.Plan that trails can be snowy much of the year. Depending on conditions and elevation, some trails can be icy and snowy September through midsummer.

Important questions to consider - Do you have the right gear and equipment for your hike? Do you know how to use it?

• Traction devices for the bottom of your boots and hiking poles are strongly recommended, as trails may be icy. Or depending on conditions after snowstorms or at higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough that snowshoes are advised. Hiking poles are helpful for stability.

• Food and water are essential no matter how long your hike.

• Wear layers of wicking clothing and pack extra socks.

• Bring waterproof outer layers (rain gear/snow gear/windproof jacket) and extra layers for warmth. During the summer season, be prepared for afternoon rain storms.

• Pack a hat and gloves, sunglasses or goggles, and sunscreen any time of year. Sunlight can damage your eyes and skin, even on cloudy days. Protect your eyes from the sun and blowing snow.

• It is advised to wear closed-toed footwear with a treaded sole when hiking. Slick-soled shoes without good traction, sandals, high-heeled shoes, flip flops, and/or clogs can all lead to cold toes, wet feet, and slips, trips and falls.

Roads can be icy and snowy, especially in shady areas. Be prepared and know how to drive in wintery conditions. If the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is in place in RMNP, for your safety and the safety of other motorists, all vehicles must have properly rated tires with a minimum of 3/16” tread or an approved traction control device.

Pets: Pets are prohibited on all trails, tundra, and meadows areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. For details, see RMNP's Pets Webpage.