Trail Conditions

 

Windblown Storm Pass Trailhead along Bear Lake Road 12-26-2022

NPS File Photo/K. Daugherty

 

Hiking in Rocky!

Read this important safety message

Submit your own trip report

 

Longs Peak: View the Longs Peak Conditions Report

East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fire Closures: View Fire Information Area Closures

 

Trail Closures

East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fire Closures

• Some park trails and areas remain closed due to fire impacts. Park staff will continue to assess these areas for safety and downed trees, being mindful of high winds that occur this time of year causing more trees to fall. Learn more here.

 

Trail Conditions

 

RMNP Trail Conditions Report as of January 3, 2023

All trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are snow-covered and icy. Expect frequent winter storms with snow, winds causing blowing snow, and cold temperatures. When coming to the park, be prepared for winter conditions.

Traction devices for the bottom of your boots and hiking poles are strongly recommended. At higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough that snowshoes are advised.

Beware of frozen lakes. Even though a lake may have several inches of ice, the inlets and outlets may have running water that makes for thinner ice. Also beware of edges of lakes where the sun may reflect off rocks or trees and soften the snow. The center of lakes is often the safest place to go but beware of thin ice anywhere at any time of the year. Just because someone else went on the lake does not mean it is safe for you.

Route-finding is important, as 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.

Roads are often 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.

Any Time of Year: Choose Your Destination Wisely. Always tell someone where you’re 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.

Approximately 30,000 acres or 10 percent of RMNP has been impacted by the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fires. Some park trails remain temporarily closed due to the level of fire impacts and ongoing safety assessments. This website is updated as trails reopen.Please see the link above.

REMEMBER, PETS ARE PROHIBITED ON ALL RMNP TRAILS, TUNDRA AND MEADOW AREAS

1/2/2023 Endovalley Road
Road had a lot of icy spots, so having traction devices was good.
NOTE: in winter, visitors may walk dogs on leashes up to 6 ft along Endovalley Road between the winter gate and Endovalley Picnic Area (past that, Old Fall River Road is closed to leashed dogs until April). Please pick up after your dogs.
By a Park Ranger

12/25/2022 Park & Ride to Bierstadt Lake
Trail Conditions from the Park & Ride to Bierstadt Lake on Christmas Day were delightful. 6 - 10 inches of trackless powder until the loop trail around the lake. Most of the loop was pretty well packed. Snowshoes or skis recommended for the first part. Could get by with boots for the loop around the lake.
NOTE: Route-finding skills essential when new snow covers trails.
By a Visitor

12/18/2022 Emerald Lake
Snow-packed the entire way. Beyond Dream Lake, the trail does not necessarily follow the summer trail and there are some steep places. Traction and poles were necessary. Some drifting snow but you could see where others had gone.
NOTE: DO NOT rely on following tracks. Route-finding skills are essential in winter.
By a Volunteer

 

Submit Your Own Trip Report

Send us an email, call [phone], or stop by a park visitor center.

 

For Your Safety

These Trail Conditions reports are the viewpoints of the submitters, whether park staff, volunteers, or visitors. Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Use these reports only as guidelines. Be prepared for varying weather and trail conditions.

Falling trees are ever-present hazards when traveling in the forest. Be aware of your surroundings. Dead trees can fall without warning!

Due to the September 2013 Flood, missing foot bridges, uneven trail surfaces, unstable slopes, falling trees due to soil moisture, rutted trails, damaged water bars and steps, standing water, difficult water crossings, and missing directional signs could be encountered. Most of Rocky Mountain National Park is designated wilderness, where self-reliance and adventure are expected. Hikers should be prepared to take responsibility for their own actions; search and rescue may be delayed. Be prepared to stay overnight even if you are a day hiker. Hiking poles may be helpful on uneven trails. Route finding skills may be required. Carry a map and compass and other backcountry travel essentials. Hike at your own risk.