Current Fire Information & Regulations

RMNP Area Closure Map Updated September 8, 2022

NPS Map

Area Closures

View an Interactive Map of Area Closures

Approximately 30,000 acres, or 10 percent of Rocky Mountain National Park, were impacted by the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fires of 2020.

West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park

• The Upper Tonahutu Creek Trail from the junction of Onahu Trail at Tonahutu to Flattop Mountain is closed.
• The Green Mountain/Onahu Trail loop is open to hikers.
• The Green Mountain Trail remains closed to stock users. All stock users are advised to use the Onahu Trail in and out.
• The Sun Valley and River Trail and the Lower Tonahutu Trail (between Big Meadows and the KVC Turkey Spur Trail) remain closed to all users. There is no known time on when these trails will reopen.

East Side of Rocky Mountain National Park

In the Bear Lake Corridor area:

• The Spruce Lake Trail has reopened.
• The Upper Tonahutu Trail is closed from Flattop Mountain west to Big Meadow.

Northwest Area of Rocky Mountain National Park

• The Chapin Pass Trailhead is open to access Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita and Ypsilon Mountain.
• The northwest section of the park including the Mirror Lake Trail and Commanche Peak Trail remain closed.

Safety Tips when Recreating in Burn Areas

Park visitors should 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 closed areas on both sides of the park for fire impacts, safety and downed trees, erosion and rock fall.

It is unknown when all park trails impacted by the fires of 2020 will reopen.

Overview of the East Troublesome Fire

On October 21, 2020, the East Troublesome Fire ran approximately 18 miles before it moved into the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, and then spotted approximately 1.5 miles from the head of Tonahutu Creek on the west side of the Continental Divide to the head of Spruce Creek on the east side of the Continental Divide. Rapid evacuations took place in Grand Lake on October 21. Evacuations for the majority of the Estes Valley were implemented on October 22, as weather predictions forecast major winds on the night of October 23 through October 24 pushing the fire further to the east.

The East Troublesome Fire was the largest fire in Rocky Mountain National Park’s 107-year history. It burned over 21,000 acres within the park.

Firefighting actions and favorable weather on October 24 and 25, helped halt the major movement of the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fires.

• For information on the East Troublesome Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7242/
• For information on the Cameron Peak Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Efforts

Rocky Mountain National Park’s non-profit partner, The Rocky Mountain Conservancy, is accepting donations to support the park’s future restoration efforts from last season’s fires https://rmconservancy.org/join-or-give/donate/

Fire Restrictions

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, where campfires are prohibited in the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and front-country campgrounds. Fireworks are always prohibited within the park. Park visitors are urged to use caution and vigilance regarding the use of fire in authorized locations.

 

 

These before-and-after photos reveal the impacts of the Fern Lake Fire on Moraine Park. This large fire began in November, 2012 and was set by an illegal campfire.

NPS Photo

These Rules are Always in Effect:

• Fires, including grills and charcoal briquettes, are only allowed in designated areas and sites where a metal fire ring or grate is provided. These areas include developed campgrounds, some picnic areas, and some designated wilderness campsites. Campfires and grills are not allowed anywhere else in the park.
• Petroleum-fueled stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. A permit is required to use a petroleum-fueled stove in designated wilderness sites.
• The park may enforce stricter fire regulations, including fire bans.

Fire Safety Tips:

• To report a fire in the park, call 9-1-1.

• Never leave a fire unattended. Before leaving or going to sleep, completely extinguish your fire by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until there is no more heat, smoke, or embers.

• Be careful with equipment such as stoves, lanterns, heaters, and grills. Avoid spilling flammable substances, store fuel away from appliances, and allow equipment to cool.

• Discard cigarettes and matches properly. Completely extinguish and dispose of smoking materials in a cigarette receptacle or carry them out of the park with you.

 

Check out the National Weather Service’s Rocky Mountain National Park weather decision support page to learn more about current weather conditions, including fire weather.

For further information regarding fire conditions, regulations, recent and ongoing fires in the park, please contact the Information Office at [phone].