Trail Conditions

 

Cub Lake Trail - May 31, 2025

NPS Photo

What Are Trails Like in Rocky Mountain National Park

Updated June 4, 2025

It's June in Rocky Mountain National Park, which means that conditions are changing rapidly and frequently (daily & even hourly) as the park transitions from spring to summer. This trails conditions report is best used as a general guide.

By the time you start your hike, conditions on trails in RMNP could be the same, better, or worse than what is described in this report. Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility.

Most snow has melted on trails in lower elevation areas of the Rocky Mountain National Park. With recent rain, expect sections of lower elevation trails to be wet and muddy. If hiking in areas above 9,000 feet in elevation, continue to be prepared for winter hiking conditions with snow and ice on trails.

• Traction devices and hiking poles are advised
• Winter navigation skills continue to be important on higher elevation trails
• When hiking on wet and muddy trails, practice Leave No Trace by hiking through the mud.
  • Stepping off trail to avoid puddles expands the footprint of a trail and causes erosion.
  • Wearing waterproof boots with good traction and moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry this time of year.

Resources and Safety Information Before Hiking in Rocky:

Going hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park? Be aware that weather and conditions can change rapidly in the Rocky Mountains, especially at higher elevations.

When hiking in forest areas, know that falling trees and branches are an ever-present hazard. When hiking, take time to look up and be aware of your surroundings. Trees can fall without warning! Other safety tips to be aware of, ticks are out. It is recommended to do frequent tick checks when hiking. Be aware that spring and summer lightning and thunderstorms are common in May, June, July, and August.

Helpful Resources:

• Check out the National Park Service Trip Planning Guide
• Looking for Information on Longs Peak: View the Longs Peak Conditions Report
• For Area Closures: View Fire Information Area Closures
• Ticks are out. Check out information on Tick Safety
• Thunderstorms and lighting are common during the summer. Check out information on Lightning Safety

 

Section of the Lake Haiyaha Traverse - May 27, 2025

NPS Photo

How Much Snow is in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Snow Depth at SNOTEL SITES in RMNP - Updated June 4, 2025

There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National 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

For snow depth at all SNOTEL Sites inside RMNP, see the chart below:

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’ 29 inches snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 0 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 16 inches snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 0 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 14 inches snow

 

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report - Updated June 4, 2025

 

Destination	Date	Description of Conditions Found	Reported By
Bear Lake Loop	June 4, 2025	Sections of the Bear Lake Loop, especially on the south side of the lake, are still impacted by snow and ice. This section of the trail can be slippery and difficult to walk on without traction devices.	NPS Volunteer
Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Falls	June 4, 2025	Beginning at Fern Lake Trailhead, the trail to Fern Falls is now free of snow and ice. The trail could be wet and muddy in places. Keep your distance and give any wildlife plenty of space when hiking along the trail. Wildlife, including new mothers with young, have been seen in the area.	Park Visitor
Fern Falls to Fern Lake	June 4, 2025	This section of trail is now clear of snow and ice. Places could be wet or muddy.	Park Visitor
Fern Lake to Odessa	June 4, 2025	The trail from Fern Lake to Odessa is still covered with snow and icy. This section of trail can be icy, slippery, and slushy. Good winter navigation skills are needed along with winter mountaineering gear, including crampons/microspikes and an ice axe. Sections of this trail have a steep slope. Unless you have the right gear for these conditions and knowledge to use that gear, this section of trail is not currently recommended.	Park Visitor & Park Ranger
From Bear Lake to Nymph Lake	June 3, 2025	From Bear Lake Trailhead to Nymph Lake, the trail is clear of snow and ice.	NPS Volunteer
From Nymph Lake to Dream Lake	June 3, 2025	The trail from Nymph Lake to Dream Lake has patches of wet, icy and snow-covered ground. There is a slippery section still covered with snow and ice between Nymph Lake and Nymph Overlook. The trail is also snow and ice-covered as you get closer to Dream Lake. The log bridge located just before Dream Lake has large snow piles on each side and there are slippery slopes down to the log bridge on each side of the Tyndall Creek crossing.
Dream Lake to Emerald Lake	June 3, 2025	From Dream Lake to Emerald Lake, the trail is covered with snow and ice. This section of trail can be very slippery. Traction devices and hiking poles are advised and this trail can be difficult without them.	NPS Volunteer
From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha	June 3, 2025	The trail from Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha, known as the "Haiyaha Traverse," is still mostly snow-covered and icy. The section in the trees near Dream Lake is steep, narrow, and very slippery starting right at the Dream/Haiyaha Junction. The section above the cliffs that is the main challenge during the winter has mostly melted out.	NPS Volunteer
From Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls	June 3, 2025	This section of trail is free of snow and ice. Places may be wet and muddy.	Park Visitor
Sprague Lake Loop Trail	June 1, 2025	The Sprague Lake Loop Trail is free of snow and ice. There could be wet and muddy patches.	Park Ranger
Lily Lake Loop and Lily Ridge Trail	June 1, 2025	The Lily Lake Loop Trail and Lily Ridge Trail are free of snow and ice. The trail was mostly dry.	Park Visitor
From Alberta Falls to The Loch/Mills Junction	May 27, 2025	There are some longer stretches of trail in this area that are covered with snow and slippery ice that cannot be avoided. Most of the trail is free of snow. Packing traction devices in a pack and using them on the slippery sections is recommended.	NPS Volunteer
From Mills Lake to Black Lake	May 27, 2025	Sections of the trail go back and forth between being snow free and covered with snow and ice. Hikers should be prepared to hike on sections of trail that are wet, muddy, snow-packed and icy. Traction devices are advised for the icy sections.	NPS Volunteer
Black Lake	May 27, 2025	Black Lake is still covered with snow and ice, however, ice is thin and melting. Do not try to walk on the ice.	NPS Volunteer

 

People hiking near the summit of Flattop Mountain in summer

NPS

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

 

Sprague Lake Trail, taken May 23, 2025

NPS

 

Lily Lake - June 1, 2025

NPS Photo

 

A section of the Cub Lake Trail near the trailhead is underwater - taken June 2, 2025

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Snow on trail below Black Lake, taken May 27, 2025

NPS Photo

 

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.