Trail Conditions

 

Snow on the Longs Peak and Chasm Lake Trail, taken Oct 15, 2026

NPS

Trail Conditions Report, Updated October 16, 2026

A recent winter weather storm earlier this week brought the first notable snow of the season to high elevation areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Temperatures are cooling down and in some places dropping below freezing, especially in the early morning hours and overnight. This is the time of year to break out your traction devices and back them when planning to hike in the mountains.

When planning for an upcoming hike, take time to check the weather and be prepared for conditions to change throughout the day. Weather can vary greatly, based on location and elevation.

This report is best used a general conditions guide. By the time you start your hike, conditions on trails in the park 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*

 

Example of a traction device attached to the bottom of a boot

NPS

Be Weather Aware When Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

When hiking during the fall, winter and spring seasons, be prepared for ice and snow on trails. 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.

 

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	October 15, 2026	Conditions vary on trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail conditions are beginning to shift toward winter conditions. If hiking in areas above 9,000 feet in elevation, be prepared for snow or ice on the trail. It is recommended to carry traction devices in your pack that attach to the bottom of your hiking boots. Traction devices and hiking poles are helpful on icy and snow-packed sections of trails. On most lower elevation trails, the trail surface is mostly clear and dry. In the early morning hours, be prepared for ice from overnight frost. 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
Bear Lake Nature Trail	October 15, 2026	Sections of the Bear Lake Nature Trail could be icy or be covered with some snow.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes	October 15, 2026	Lower elevation sections of the trail or sections in the sun are likely clear and dry. Expect higher elevation sections of this trail and areas in the shade to be icy. Traction devices may be helpful when hiking from Dream to Emerald Lakes.	Park Ranger
Glacier Gorge to Mills and Black Lakes	October 15, 2026	When hiking to destinations above Glacier Gorge Trailhead, be prepared for some ice and snow on the trail. Traction devices and hiking poles may be helpful. Lower elevation sections of the trail are clear and dry. When hiking near Alberta Falls, the trail could be icy.	Park Ranger
Coyote Valley Nature Trail	October 15, 2026	The trail could be icy, especially in shady areas during the early morning hours. Enjoy views of the Colorado River and the Kawuneeche Valley.	Park Ranger
Green Mountain Trail	October 15, 2026	Lower elevation sections of this trail are clear and dry. The beginning of this trail is lined with Aspen trees with leaves in shades of gold, orange, and red. This trail is in a burn area. Pay attention for loose branches when hiking near snags, especially on windy days. As you hike up in elevation, be prepared for icy section of the trail and some snow.	Park Ranger
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake	October 16, 2026	The Longs Peak Trail to Chasm Lake and Longs Peak is covered with a layer of snow following a recent storm. Be prepared for early winter hiking conditions. Traction devices are hiking poles are recommended. Any storms moving over the mountain will now consist of hail, sleet, and snow. 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

 

Snow on the trail to Chasm Lake and Longs Peak, taken October 16, 2026

NPS

 

Fern Lake Trail, October 5, 2026

NPS

 

Green Mountain Trail in September

NPS

 

Bridge across Glacier Creek near Glacier Gorge Junction on the Bear Lake to Glacier Gorge Trail, September 23, 2026

NPS

 

Bear Lake on June 15, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

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 October 16, 2026

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

Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 0.4 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’ 4 inches of snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 0 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 1 inch of snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 0 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 1 inch of snow