Trail Conditions

 

The Loch, taken March 21, 2026

NPS Photo/J.Marino

Update - March 25, 2026

Spring is here and snow and ice are beginning to melt in high elevation areas of the park. There is still a lot of snow on most trails above 9,000 feet, but snow is becomming soft and beware of postholeing when hiking.

Expect thin ice and open water on all alpine lakes. Do not try to walk on any icy lakes. The ice is likely thinner than it looks, especially near inlets and outlets.

*Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility*

This 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 below.

 

Example of traction devices on the bottom of a boot

NPS Photo

Additional Safety Information

Be Weather Aware When Hiking in RMNP

For your comfort and safety, take time to check the weather before coming to the park. Know that the weather can change rapidly. Be prepared to turn back if needed. From now through early June, expect winter hiking conditions.

• Wear warm layers of clothing that will help protect your skin from the cold.
• Waterproof boots and warm wicking socks can help keep your feet dry

When Hiking on Icy Trails, Use Traction Devices

There are many different styles available to choose from. Traction devices usually slip on and attach to the bottom of your boots and help provide traction when walking on trails with hard-packed snow and ice.

Traction devices are available for rent or purchase at outdoor recreation stores located in communities near RMNP.

 

Use Caution Around All Frozen Lakes

Use caution around all frozen lakes. Ice on bodies of water can be thin, especially near inlets and outlets where water is moving under the ice.

Pay Attention to Trees and Tree Branches

When hiking in forest areas, pay attention to the trees near you. Know that falling trees and tree branches are an ever-present hazard year-round in RMNP. When hiking, take time to look up and be aware of your surroundings.

• Trees and branches can fall without warning.

 

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report

 

Destination	Date	Description of Conditions Found	Reported By
General Conditions for All Trails in RMNP	March 25, 2026	Following recent warmer temperatures, snow and ice is beginning to soften and melt in high elevation areas of RMNP. Postholing is possible in soft snow. When hiking on any trail in RMNP, it is helpful to carry traction devices and be ready to use them in areas where trails and walking paths are hard packed and icy. All backcountry travelers are urged to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's avalanche forecast frequently and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. As always, conditions can change frequently and rapidly, so visitors may find conditions that are the same as, better, or worse than what is described in this report.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake Nature Trail	March 25, 2026	The trail around Bear Lake is covered with snow and ice. The snow is beginning to become soft, especially later in the day. Waterproof boots are recommended for safety and comfort.	Park Ranger
Glacier Gorge to Mills Lake	March 24, 2026	From Glacier Gorge Trailhead to the Bear Lake Junction, the trail was a mix of open dirt and hard packed snow. From the junction to Alberta Falls, the trail was covered with hard packed snow and icy. Traction devices are recommended. As you continue up the trail past Alberta Falls, the trail is covered with hard packed snow. It is easy to posthole in this section. From the Mills/Loch Junction to Mills Lake, the trail is covered with hard packed snow and there were some large puddles in the trail near Mills Lake. Part of the Mills Lake outlet is covered with snow and part of the outlet has open, flowing water visible. Mills Lake has some open water and is still covered with some ice.	NPS Volunteer
Glacier Gorge to Sky Pond	March 22, 2026	In the morning, the trail was hard packed and icy. Traction devices are strongly recommended, especially near Alberta Falls. By afternoon, snow on the trail became soft and sloppy. It was easy to posthole to your knee and as deep as your waist. If traveling above The Loch, snowshoes are recommended.	Park Ranger
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake	March 21, 2026	Conditions are changing rapidly and frequently (daily & even hourly!) during this "shoulder season" time of the year, so conditions may be the same as, better, or worse than what is described below. Remember - Your safety is your responsibility. Any venture beyond the trailhead will require proper winter equipment, routefinding skills, and knowledge of winter travel. Travelers should expect to encounter snow and ice, extremely cold temperatures, avalanche hazards, and high winds. Heading up the Longs Peak Trail from the trailhead early in the morning, the trail was snow covered and icy from the trailhead to the Boulderfield. Traction devices were used both on the ascent and descent, and were essential, especially in the morning. On the descent, there were many places below treeline where the snow had melted down to dirt during the day. Between the Boulderfield and the summit of Longs Peak, snow was hard packed, with numerous boulders showing between the Boulderfield and the Keyhole. The snow held all day long so no postholing was experienced. Above the Keyhole, snow could be avoided to the highpoint on the Ledges, but from there to the top of the Trough, crampons and ice axe were used and welcome. Crampons were not used from the top of the Trough to the summit, as any snow that existed (there was very little) could easily be avoided. It is not recommended to attempt the Keyhole Route without full crampons and an ice axe, and the knowledge, skills, and experience to use them safely. Click here to view the Longs Peak Conditions Report for details and recent photos	NPS Volunteer

 

Cross-Country Skiing along the Colorado River Trail

NPS Photo

Submit Your Own Trail Conditions Report

Have you recently been out recreating on any trail inside Rocky Mountain National Park? Would you like to share with others what conditions on 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.

 

How Much Snow is in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Most areas and trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park below 10,000 feet are currently snow free. Expect snow and ice on trails located above 10,000 feet in elevation.

How do we know how much snow is in the park? There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. These are monitored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and there is a website available where anyone can see current and past snow depth information specific to each location.

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

Update as of March 25, 2026

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

Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 33 inches of snow	Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 24 inches snow	Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 0 inches snow
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 0 inches snow	Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 37 inches snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 26 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 47 inches snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 25 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 38 inches snow

 

Photos Showing Trail Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

Trail to Bear Lake, covered with Snow

NPS Photo

 

Bear Lake, on March 12, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allision

 

Trail from Fern Lake Trailhead towards The Pool, taken February 23, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Trail to Dream Lake Before Nymph Overlook, taken March 12, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Dream Lake, taken March 12, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Snow on the trail between Nymph and Dream Lakes, taken February 19, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Snow cracking on steep slope enroute to Lake Helene, taken January 27, 2026

NPS Photo/D.Turk

 

Haiyaha Traverse, taken January 12, 2026

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! Weather and conditions can change quickly. In RMNP, you can experience all four seasons 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.

Carry the 10 Essentials: Know the ten essentials and carry them with you when hiking.

Route-finding is important. During the winter, it can be easy to lose a trail. Trails in RMNP are not marked in winter and following tracks left by others is not advised, as you don’t know where they lead. Wind and blowing snow can cover up tracks. Always carry a map and compass and a 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?

• 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 winter 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.