NPS/VIP K Daugherty Longs Peak: View the Longs Peak Conditions Report September 2013 Trail Damage: Visit Flood Impacts and Closures
5/16/2019 Onahu Trail Backpackers hiked to Onahu Creek site - had knee deep snow at the campsite. Could not find the rest of the trail that goes toward the Tonahutu Trail. By a Visitor 5/16/2019 Cub Lake Loop Hardly any snow at all on the trail up to Cub Lake. A couple little spots on the way down to The Pool but nothing that isn't easily negotiated. A few muddy places. The river is roaring through the area--no ice at all. By a Volunteer 5/16/19 Fern Falls Getting to Fern Falls was no problem with regular hiking boots but there was some snow on the trail for 200-300 yards before Fern Falls. There is quite a stream of water running down the middle of the trail about half way between The Pool and the Fern Lake trailhead. By a Visitor 5/16/2019 Ouzel Falls Road from winter parking to trailhead free of snow but wet and not yet open to cars. Trail up to Calypso Cascades fairly free of snow. Good hiking boots needed to get to Ouzel Falls. Traction and poles might be helpful but not necessary. Trail up to Calypso Cascades fairly free of snow. Good hiking boots needed to get to Ouzel Falls. Traction and poles might be helpful but not necessary. (Note: according to SNOTEL, there is still 31” of snow in the Ouzel Falls area). By a Visitor 5/16/2019 Gem Lake Trail almost completely free of any snow or ice. By a Visitor 5/15/2019 East Longs Peak Trail Hard-packed snow spotty from trail head up one-half mile. Then mostly hard-packed from that point upward. Traction devices strongly recommended. By a Park Ranger 5/14/2019 Sprague Lake Trail The ice on Sprague Lake is mostly melted. The trail around Sprague Lake is a little icy/slushy on right side but clear most of the rest of the way around. By a Park Ranger 5/13/2019 East Inlet Trail is mostly clear of snow for 3.5 miles. Some mud. Beyond 3.5 miles there is a lot of snow. By a Volunteer 5/13/2019 East Shore Trail Trail is mostly clear of snow and has been cleared of downed trees. Trail to Lookout has some areas with snow. By a Volunteer 5/12/2019 Emerald Lake Trail to Emerald Lake is almost all snow, several feet deep in many areas. Spikes and poles were very helpful.
5/12/2019 Bear Lake Bear Lake has some open water and obvious soft/wet/slushy spots. Not safe to walk out on the ice that is there. Visitors travel at their own risk. By a Volunteer 5/12/2019 Flattop Mountain The trail up Flattop Mountain early in the morning was firmer snow and spikes were used most of the way up, then snowshoes. On the return, the snow was much softer and he occasionally went in above his knees. He said the route up Flattop is still a winter route. By a Visitor Submit Your Own Trip ReportSend us an email, call (970) 586-1206, or stop by a park visitor center. For Your SafetyThese 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. |
Last updated: May 17, 2019