Plan Your Winter & Springtime Visit to Rocky

When visiting the park this time of the year, be prepared for cool temperatures and varying conditions. Trails in lower elevation areas could be icy. In higher elevation areas of the park, be prepared for walking on snow and ice. Traction devices are advised and you may need snowshoes.

From October to early June, expect snow-packed trails and winter conditions in most areas of RMNP. Areas below 8,000 feet in elevation can have snow on trails, patches of snow, be icy, wet, muddy or dry.

While in many places, the months of March, April and May signal the arrival of spring with warm, sunny days, that does not hold true in Rocky Mountain National Park. Historically, March and April are among the snowiest months in the Rocky Mountains.

If you are planning for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park now through May, pack warm layers of clothing, traction devices, and snowshoes. It is helpful to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving, as conditions can change quickly.

 

Trying to Decide What to Do in Rocky this Winter? Explore Resources Below:

 

Be Prepared for Varying Weather

Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be prepared!

Winter Activities and Recreation

Planning a trip to Rocky this winter? Learn about different activities to enjoy in the snow!

Attend a Ranger-led Program

Learn more about Rocky by attending one of our Ranger-led Programs

Trail Conditions

Planning to go on a hike? Learn about current trail conditions

Be Avalanche Aware

Learn about avalanches and how to be avalanche aware before your next wilderness adventure

Park Roads

Learn about road conditions and updates

Enjoy Winter Camping!

When prepared, camping is fun year-round!

Safety & Recreate Responsibly

Explore safety tips and advice on how to recreate responsibly in Rocky Mountain National Park

Wilderness Overnight Backpacking

Thinking about going backpacking? Learn all about planning for a wilderness overnight backpacking trip.

 

How Much Snow is in the Park?

The park has SNOWTEL monitors located near both Bear Lake and Wild Basin.

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

 

Kawuneeche Valley Webcam

NPS

Interested in seeing what different areas of Rocky Look Like? Check out the webcams!

Interested in seeing what conditions look like in the park? Rocky Mountain National Park has six live webcams showing views from different locations within the park.

 

Bull elk in a snowstorm

NPS Photo

Wildlife Viewing

The winter season creates some unique wildlife viewing opportunities. To learn more about how to safely view wildlife, please visit our Wildlife Viewing page.