All About Weather

Snow packed roads inside RMNP, taken May 5, 2026

NPS Photo

Weather Update - May 6, 2026

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for varying weather year-round.

A springtime winter storm is in the forecast for all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park and a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through this afternoon.

• A spring storm has brought fresh snow to Rocky. Snow levels vary, based on where you are inside the park. All roads are snow covered and icy. Many areas received over 20 inches of new snow and it is still lightly snowing.
• Be Weather Aware - take time to check the weather forecast before coming to Rocky Mountain National Park
• Some roads and areas of the park are temporarily closed, based on conditions
• Be prepared for winter driving, cold temperatures, and snow on all trails.
• For detailed weather information on all locations inside the park, visit https://www.weather.gov/bou/rmnp

It's important to always be weather aware before heading out on any adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be prepared to turn back if you are not prepared or if the weather changes unexpectedly.

What's the weather like on the east side of RMNP at Bear Lake?

• Click here to see the forecast for Bear Lake

What's the weather like on the west side of RMNP in the Kawuneeche Valley?

• Click here to see the forecast for the west side of RMNP in the Kawuneeche Valley

What's the weather like along Trail Ridge Road or at Alpine Visitor Center?

• Click here to see the forecast for Alpine Visitor Center
• Click here for the weather forecast on Trail Ridge Road

For weather information at locations outside of RMNP, visit:

• Estes Park Forecast
• Grand Lake Forecast

 

How Much Snow is in Rocky Mountain National Park?

There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. This is how we know how much snow is at different locations in the park. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has a website where snow depth monitoring results are available. 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

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

 

Snow Depth at SNOTEL SITES in RMNP - Updated May 6, 2026

Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 19 inches snow	Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 31 inches snow	Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 2 inches snow
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 16 inches snow	Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 45 inches snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 13 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 37 inches snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 4 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 24 inches snow

 

Annual Climate Conditions

Temperatures are often moderate at elevations below 9,400' (2,865 m). At higher points, like Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, or Longs Peak, it may snow even in July.

A wide variation between day and nighttime temperatures is also typical of mountain weather.

Summer days in July and August often reach the 70's or 80's and drop into the 40's at night. All temperatures given are in Fahrenheit.

Based on ten years of precipitation data, Estes Park receives approximately 13.10" of moisture every year. Grand Lake receives about 19.95" yearly. This precipitation comes in the form of rain or snowfall through the year.

Climate vs Weather - What's the Difference?

Climate is a general term to express broad patterns. For example, Colorado's climate is sunny with warm summers and cold winters.

Weather applies to specific movements of air masses, levels of precipitation, and temperature fluctuations at specific times of the year.

The Continental Divide runs northwest to southeast through the center of the park atop the high peaks. This accounts for two distinct climate patterns - one typical of the east side near Estes Park and the other associated with the Grand Lake area on the park's west side. In recent years, park researchers have been tracking changes to the climate in the park.

Winter (December - March) Lower elevations on the east slope of Rocky Mountain National Park are usually free of deep snow. At higher elevations, arctic conditions prevail. Sudden blizzards, high winds, and deep snowpack are common. The west side of the park experiences more snow, less wind, and clear cold days during these months. Most high country overnight trips require gear suitable for -35 degrees or below. Skiing and snowshoeing conditions are best in January, February, and March.

Spring (April - May) Spring comes to the montane area - elevations 8,000' to 9,500' (2,438 - 2,895 m) - in late April, although snowfall is not uncommon at this time of year. Unpredictable weather alternates between warm and cold, wet and dry. In June, spring is just reaching the subalpine country - 9,500' to 11,500' (2,895 - 3,505 m), while summer is on the plains. Wildflowers begin blooming at lower elevations in late April or early May. Many trails are still snow-covered. In late May, Trail Ridge Road opens for the season.

Summer (June - August) On the alpine tundra -- 11,500' to 13,000' (3,505 - 3,962 m) wildflowers bloom from late June to early August. Afternoon thunderstorms and wind are normal patterns. Always be prepared for temperature drops of 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fall (September - November) September and October bring clear, crisp air, blue skies, and generally dry weather. An early snowstorm may occur. Aspen leaves start changing colors in mid-September. Elk mating season begins in September and continues through most of October. Trail Ridge Road usually closes for the winter by mid-October.