NPS Photo What Are Trails Like in Rocky Mountain National ParkUpdated July 15, 2025Summer is here and conditions on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are changing rapidly and frequently (daily & even hourly) as snow continues to melt out in high elevation areas of the park.
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| 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 snow |
| Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 0 inch snow |
Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 6 inches 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 |
Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report - Updated June 27, 2025
| Destination | Date | Description of Conditions Found | Reported By |
| Bear Lake Loop Trail | July 15, 2025 | The Bear Lake Loop Trail is clear and dry. | Park Ranger |
| Bear Lake to Flattop Mountain | July 11, 2025 | Near Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail is dry. Between the Flattop/Odessa/Fern Lake Junction and the Dream Lake Overlook there are several large trees that have fallen on the trail. Hikers will need to climb over them. As you get closer to the summit of Flattop Mountain, there is still a significant snowfield to cross. This snowfield is above the hitching post and below the summit. Without hiking poles and traction devices, the snowfield is slippery and difficult to ascend and descend. | NPS Volunteer |
| Cub Lake Loop Trail | July 8, 2025 | Most of the trail is dry. There are about four different wet and muddy sections near Cub Lake and The Pool. These sections were about 10-20 feet long. Waterproof hiking boots can help keep your feet dry. From the Cub Lake Trailhead to Cub Lake, enjoy a variety of wildflowers and water lilys on Cub Lake itself. | NPS Volunteer |
| Longs Peak and Chasm Lake | July 7, 2025 | Click here to view the Longs Peak Conditions Report for details and recent photos. | Park Ranger |
| Bear Lake to Odessa Lake and to Fern Lake | July 2, 2025 | Beginning at Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail is mostly clear and dry. Then it becomes muddy, wet and slushy. There are snowfields about 3 miles in, as you get closer to Lake Helene overlook. Use caution hiking down to Odessa. In places, the snowfields are still deep and soft. Postholeing to your knee or hip is possible. The trail is clear and dry closer to Fern Lake and down to Fern Falls. | Park Ranger |
| Glacier Gorge to Sky Pond | July 2, 2025 | Beginning at Glacier Gorge the trail is dry and clear. There are still some snow-packed sections above The Loch. Traction devices were not needed on these sections. Rocks along Timberline Falls were wet and slippery. Footwear with good traction is helpful. | Park Visitor |
| Bear Lake to Mills Lake | July 1, 2025 | The trail is clear and dry. Alberta Falls is running high and fast. | NPS Volunteer |
| Mills Lake to Jewel Lake and Black Lake | July 1, 2025 | From Mills Lake to Jewel Lake, the trail is wet and muddy. Snow has melted on this section of trail. A little beyond Jewel Lake, the trail becomes very muddy and waterlogged in places. There are still some large snowfields on the trail as you get closer to Black Lake, making navigation difficult. It can be hard to see where the trail is. GPS navigation can be helpful. Trekking poles, hiking boots are helpful. Use caution near rocks along the edge of Black Lake. Rocks near the lake are very wet and slippery, which could lead to a fall. | NPS Volunteer |
| Bear Lake to Flattop Mountain | June 26, 2025 | The trail is mostly dry and in good condition until near the top of Flattop Mountain. There are a few sections with water running on the trail. As you get near the summit, there is a slushy snowfield to cross. Traction devices and trekking poles are helpful in this section. There are a few downed trees along the trail you will need to walk around. | Park Visitor |
| Bear Lake to The Loch | June 24, 2025 | The trail is dry and clear of snow until you get closer to The Loch. Alberta Falls is flowing high and fast. There is a snowfield that you must cross just before The Loch. Traction devices and trekking poles are helpful. | NPS Volunteer |
| Timberline Falls to Sky Pond | June 24, 2025 | There are some snow fields on the trail to Sky Pond. As it is every day of the year, the scramble up the cliff at Timberline Falls requires focus, care, and attention to safely ascend and descend. There are a combination of wet and dry rocks. The climb from just below treeline to the base of the falls was covered with a snowfield, make it difficult to cross. Traction devices and trekking poles are advised. | NPS Volunteer |
| Bear Lake to Nymph and Dream Lakes | June 20, 2025 | The trail from Bear Lake to Nymph Lake is clear and dry. Enjoy wildflowers blooming along the trail. As you get closer to Dream Lake there is still some snow. The snowfield located near Dream Lake after you cross the access bridge over the outlet stream has shrunk in depth. | NPS Volunteer |
| Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha | June 20, 2025 | Snow along this trail has significantly decreased over the past week. There are some small snowfields along this route to cross. Many areas with snow can safely be avoided without stepping off trail. The trail could be wet and muddy. A GPS navigation device may be helpful. There are a few areas where the trail is not clear and it is easy to wander off trail in the wrong direction. | NPS Volunteer |
| Hollowell Park Loop | June 20, 2025 | This is a great hike at a lower elevation with nice scenic views. The trail is dry. There is one section that passes through an old burn area. This section is steep. Wildflowers are in bloom and you may see many species of butterflies. | NPS Volunteer |
| Green Mountain/Tonahutu Trail to Granite Falls | June 18, 2025 | This trail is clear of snow to Granite Falls. There are many downed trees on the trail that you will need to step over. Trekking poles are helpful. The trail is wet and muddy near Big Meadow. Overall the trail is in good shape. | Park Visitor |
| Tundra Communities Trail | June 18, 2025 | The Tundra Communities Trail is now clear of snow and ice on the full length of the paved path. It is still early for wildflowers. There are not many alpine wildflowers in bloom along this trail yet. | NPS Volunteer |
| Forest Canyon Overlook | June 18, 2025 | On the short path from the parking area to the overlook, the trail is clear of snow and ice. There are some nice wildflowers beginning to bloom along this path. | NPS Volunteer |
| Alpine Ridge Trail | June 18, 2025 | The Alpine Ridge Trail, that begins in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center, is now open for the season. This trail has melted out and is now clear of snow and ice. At the beginning of the trail, there is still a significant amount of standing water on the trail. Be prepared and take your time. This trail starts at 11,796 feet in elevation and climbs up 200 vertical feet to a summit of 12,005 feet above sea level. Enjoy stunning scenic views from one of the highest elevation areas that is easy to access in the park. | NPS Volunteer |
| Ute Trail from Alpine Visitor Center to Milner Pass | June 18, 2025 | This section of the Ute Trail is about 4 miles one way. There is still a decent amount of snow and ice on this trail. Traction devices and hiking poles are advised. It is difficult to avoid the snowfields and postholeing up to your knees is likely. There are also sections that are waterlogged. | NPS Volunteer |
| Bear Lake to Hallett Peak | June 17, 2025 | Conditions are changing rapidly and frequently (daily & even hourly) this time of the year as spring gives way to summer. Most of the trail is clear of snow and ice. There are still numerous sections covered with snow and ice near Dream Lake Overlook and treeline. There are also sections with snow above Emerald Lake Overlook. As you approach the top of Flattop Mountain, there is still a large snowfield across the trail. | NPS Volunteer |
| East Inlet Trail from Trailhead to Lake Verna and Spirit Lake | June 16, 2025 | From East Inlet Trailhead to Lake Verna, the trail is clear of snow and mostly dry. From Lake Verna to Spirit Lake and beyond to Forth or Fifth Lakes, the trail is mostly underwater and difficult to follow. | Park Ranger |
| Deer Mountain Trail | June 16, 2025 | The Deer Mountain Trail is now clear of snow and ice. | Park Visitor |
| Longs Peak Trailhead to Eugenia Mine to Estes Cone | June 9, 2025 | From Longs Peak Trailhead to the Eugenia Mine Trail Junction is clear of snow and ice. Most of the trail is clear of snow and ice all the way to Estes Cone. There is a significant amount of water flowing on the trail near Eugenia Mine. | NPS Volunteer |
| Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Lake | June 7, 2025 | From Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Lake, the trail is clear of snow and ice. There were some wet and muddy sections of the trail. | Park Visitor |
NPS Photo/P.Allison
Submit Your Own Trip Report
Have you been hiking recently on any trail inside Rocky Mountain National Park? Would you like to share with others what 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.
Recent Photos Showing Trail Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park
NPS Photo/P.Allison
NPS
NPS Photo
NPS Photo/P.Allison
NPS Photo/Allison
NPS/P.Allison
Things to Know Before Your Next Hike:
Plan ahead and be prepared for varying weather and conditions. Remember- Your safety is in your hands! Trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park can experience extreme weather and conditions can change quickly. In RMNP, all four seasons can happen 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.
Lakes: Always proceed with caution around icy lakes, especially around inlets, outlets, and rocks, where the ice can be thin.
Route-finding is important. RMNP trails are not marked in winter and following other tracks is not advised, as you don’t know where they lead, and wind and new snow obliterate tracks. When trails are covered in snow, signs may not be visible. Carry a map and compass or GPS and know how to use them.
Be Prepared for Conditions with Essentials. It is important to bring and use the right gear, especially suitable gear for the season.Plan that trails can be snowy much of the year. Depending on conditions and elevation, some trails can be icy and snowy September through midsummer.
Important questions to consider - Do you have the right gear and equipment for your hike? Do you know how to use it?
- Traction devices for the bottom of your boots and hiking poles are strongly recommended, as trails may be icy. Or depending on conditions after snowstorms or at higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough that snowshoes are advised. Hiking poles are helpful for stability.
- 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.
Roads can be icy and snowy, especially in shady areas. Be prepared and know how to drive in wintery conditions. If the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is in place in RMNP, for your safety and the safety of other motorists, all vehicles must have properly rated tires with a minimum of 3/16” tread or an approved traction control device.
Pets: Pets are prohibited on all trails, tundra, and meadows areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. For details, see RMNP's Pets Webpage.
Last updated: July 15, 2025