Trail Conditions

 

Gem Lake Trail

NPS Photo

Trail Conditions Report, Updated August 21, 2026

Happy National Park Week! Summer is quickly transitioning towards fall.

Enjoy warm days and cool evenings. Cool weather and afternoon rainstorms are possible, so take time to check the weather before heading to the park. Weather can vary based on elevation.

This report is 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.

Before Your Next Hike, Be Prepared For the Unexpected:

• Download the NPS Trip Planning Guide and
• Create an Outdoor Emergency Plan!

*Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility*

 

Hiking Safety - Pay Attention to Trees and Tree Branches

When hiking in forest areas, pay attention to the trees near you. Know that falling trees and tree branches are an ever-present hazard year-round in RMNP.

When hiking, take time to look up and be aware of your surroundings.

• Trees and branches can fall without warning.

 

Things to Know Before Your Next Hike:

Plan ahead and be prepared for varying weather and conditions. In RMNP, you can experience all four seasons 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.

Carry the 10 Essentials: Know the ten essentials and carry them with you when hiking.

Route-finding is important. It is recommended to carry a map and compass and a GPS, and know how to use them.

Be Prepared. It is important to bring and use the right gear, especially suitable gear for the season. High elevation trails can be covered with snow and ice into the summer season.

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

• 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.

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

 

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report

 

Destination	Date	Description of Conditions Found	Reported By
General Conditions for All Trails in RMNP	August 21, 2026	Conditions vary on trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Most trails in the park are clear and dry. Some areas could be wet or muddy from recent rain. As always, conditions can change frequently and rapidly, so visitors may find conditions that are the same as, better, or worse than what is described in this report.	Park Ranger
Alpine Ridge Trail	August 21, 2026	The trail is mostly dry. Stay on the designated trail and do not cross any ropes to help protect fragile alpine plants.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake Nature Trail	August 21, 2026	The Bear Lake Nature Trail is mostly dry. There could be areas with puddles or that are muddy.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes	August 21, 2026	From Bear Lake to Nymph Lake, the trail is dry. As you continue above Nymph Lake, there are areas that are wet and muddy near Dream Lake and on the way to Emerald Lake from recent rain.	Park Ranger
Bierstadt Lake Trail from Bear Lake Trailhead and down to the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead	August 20, 2026	The trail is clear and dry. The water in Bierstadt Lake is currently very low. Aspens along the trail on the way down from the lake are still green.	NPS Volunteer
Coyote Valley Nature Trail	August 21, 2026	The trail was clear and dry. Enjoy views of the Colorado River and the Kawuneeche Valley.	Park Ranger
Cub Lake Trail	August 20, 2026	From Cub Lake Trailhead to Cub Lake, the trail is clear and dry. Water lilies on the lake are no longer in bloom.	NPS Volunteer
Gem Lake Trail	August 19, 2026	From the Gem Lake Trailhead to Gem Lake, the trail was mostly dry. There are places where the trail was wet and muddy.	NPS Volunteer
Green Mountain Trail	August 21, 2026	The trail is clear and dry. This trail is in a burn area. Pay attention for loose branches when hiking near snags, especially on windy days.	Park Ranger
Glacier Gorge to Mills and Black Lakes	August 20, 2026	From Glacier Gorge Trailhead, the trail to Mills Lake and on to Black Lake is mostly dry. Expect mud and puddles in a few places from recent rain.	NPS Volunteer
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake	July 26, 2026	Summer conditions are in full swing on Longs Peak and the mountain is almost completely snow free. However, rapidly changing conditions mean hazards like ice formation may still exist on the upper mountain. Monsoon season has also arrived, and afternoon thunderstorms will remain a real threat for the remainder of the summer season. Returning to treeline by noon is recommended to help mitigate exposure to lightning storms. Visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longs_peak_conditions_report.htm for the full Longs Peak Conditions report.	Park Ranger

 

Coyote Valley Trail in July

NPS Photo

Submit Your Own Trail Conditions Report

Have you recently been out recreating on any trail inside Rocky Mountain National Park? Would you like to share with others what conditions on 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.

 

Photos Showing Trail Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

Bierstadt Lake on August 20, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Bear Lake on June 15, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Junction with Flattop Mountain Trail and the CDT/Tonahutu Trail on June 15, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Chasm Falls Trail, as seen in July

NPS Photo

 

Example of traction devices on the bottom of a boot

NPS Photo

Be Weather Aware When Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

For your comfort and safety, take time to check the weather before your next trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Know that the weather can change rapidly. Be prepared to turn back if needed.

Know that:

• Weather can change based on elevation and throughout the day. Expect to find snow on high elevation trails.
• Wear warm layers of clothing that will help protect your skin from the cold.
• Waterproof boots and warm wicking socks can help keep your feet dry

When Hiking on Icy Trails, Use Traction Devices

Traction devices can be helpful when hiking on icy or snowpacked trails, even during the summer season.

There are many different styles available to choose from. Traction devices usually slip on and attach to the bottom of your boots and help provide traction when walking on trails with hard-packed snow and ice. Traction devices are available for rent or purchase at outdoor recreation stores located in communities near RMNP.

 

How Much Snow is in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Areas and trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park below 10,000 feet are currently snow free. Trails could be wet and muddy. Water could be flowing across sections of trails. Continue to expect snow and ice on trails located above 10,000 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

Update on August 21, 2026

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 of snow
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 0 inches snow	Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 0 inch of 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