Trail Conditions

 

Snow on trail to The Pool and Cub Lake

NPS Photo/P.Allison

Update - February 27, 2026

Enjoy winter hiking and snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park! Be prepared for cool temperatures and wind. Currently, the amount of snow and ice on trails greatly varies based on elevation and the amount of sunlight an area receives. Expect some snow and ice all hiking trails.

At higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough for snowshoes.

*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	February 27, 2026	Following recent storms, expect snow and ice on all trails in RMNP located above 8,000 feet in elevation. There is less snow on lower elevation trails. 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 icy. On higher elevation trails, including the Bear Lake Nature Trail, there is a layer of fresh snow on top of older, hard-packed snow. If recreating in higher elevation areas, it is recommended to carry and be prepared to use both traction devices and snowshoes. Avalanche danger this week has ranged from moderate to high, depending on the location and date. All backcountry travelers are urged to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's avalanche forecast frequently and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions evolve. 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	February 27, 2026	The trail around Bear Lake is covered with hard packed snow. There are places where new snow has drifted. Use caution near inlets and outlets, as the ice is thin in these areas. Traction devices are recommended. Snowshoes were not needed. Waterproof boots are recommended for safety and comfort.	Park Ranger
From Wild Basin Trailhead to Ouzel Falls	February 26, 2026	Starting from the winter parking area, there was a thin layer of ice on the road to the summer parking lot. By afternoon, the ice layer had melted, except in shady areas. We used traction devices on the road and up the trail to the campground cutoff. We also carried snowshoes. When the snow became deeper, we switched traction devices for snowshoes. We had to break trail the whole way to Ouzel Falls, working through anywhere from 8-18 inches of untracked powder. The trail could be confusing to visitors who are not familiar with this route. There were 4 downed trees on this part of the trail but they were fairly easy to navigate over. The trail continued to be untracked past Ouzel Falls. Approximately 1/4 mile down trail, there was a large tree across the trail with no easy way around. We continued on untracked trail until we reached our footsteps from the morning. The trail had melted by afternoon, with some bare areas. As we reached the bridge and the road back to the car, we did not need traction devices. We were careful to avoid any lingering icy spots in the shade.	Park Visitor
From Fern Lake Trailhead to The Pool and Cub Lake	February 23, 2026	From the Fern Lake Winter Parking to the Fern Lake Trailhead, the road had a mix of hard packed snow and dirt. Section of the road and trail are icy or wet and muddy. Near The Pool, the trail was covered with hard packed snow that had a layer of new snow on top. Traction devices are recommended, especially near The Pool and Cub Lake. There are some fallen trees to navigate around.	NPS Volunteer
Glacier Creek Trail from Sprague Lake	February 19, 2026	We went skiing on the Glacier Creek Trail. There was a layer of thin snow around Sprague Lake and on the trail towards Glacier Basin Campground. There were several trees that had fallen on the trail.	Park Visitor
Bear Lake Trailhead to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes	February 19, 2026	From the trailhead to Nymph Lake, the trail is covered with hard-packed snow and ice, with a layer of fresh snow on top. Traction devices are very helpful. Snowshoes can be used, but are not needed. Expect deeper snow from Dream Lake to Emerald Lake.	NPS Volunteer
Nymph Lake to Lake Haiyaha	February 16, 2026	The trail is hard packed from Nymph Lake to the Dream/Haiyaha Junction. The Lake Haiyaha Traverse was well packed down and steep, as always this time of the year. Use care and caution if traveling on this route.	NPS Volunteer
Bierstadt Trailhead to Bierstadt Lake	February 16, 2026	From the Bierstadt parking area and trailhead, the parking lot was icy in patches. The beginning of the trail was fairly dry. As you climb up the trail, there are icy sections of 20 feet or more. Traction devices are helpful for these areas. As you hike closer to the lake, the trail is covered with hard-packed snow and ice. Traction devices and hiking poles were helpful.	NPS Volunteer
Sprague Lake Loop	February 16, 2026	About half of the trail was free of snow and ice, in areas with good sun exposure. Shady areas were covered with hard packed snow and ice. These sections can be difficult to walk on without traction devices. Use caution near inlets and outlets, as ice is thin in these sections of the lake.	NPS Volunteer
Wild Basin to Hidden Falls	February 13, 2026	Beginning at the Wild Basin Winter Parking, the road was mostly free of snow, with some icy patches. Once on the trail to Hidden Falls, there were dry spots and areas with patchy snow. There is more snow as you hike up the trail, traction devices and hiking poles were helpful. Heavier crampons were needed to climb on the trail to the base of the waterfall for ice climbing. There are less frozen waterfalls than compared to previous winters. Watch for chunks of ice falling from the frozen waterfalls. There were a few down trees along the trail that were easy to climb over.	Park Visitor
Cub Lake Trail from Cub Lake Trailhead	February 5, 2026	From the Cub Lake Trailhead, the trail is dry and clear of snow or ice. When the trail veers to the left and begins to climb towards the lake, there are sections of trail that are very icy. The ice is thick and slippery. Traction devices are needed to safely navigate this section of the trail, it is very easy to slip otherwise. Especially take care on the way back down.	Park Visitor
Colorado River Trail	February 1, 2026	From the Colorado River Trailhead, the trail is covered with hard-packed snow and ice. The trail is packed down to the Red Mountain Trail Split. Traction devices are helpful. If hiking beyond this split junction, switch out to snowshoes. Many people are enjoying cross-country skiing along this trail.	Park Visitor
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake	December 16, 2025	Winter conditions have taken over on Longs Peak and will likely persist well into June of 2026. 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. On the Keyhole Route, expect winter conditions with extremely cold temperatures, drifting snow, and widespread ice formation. Avalanche hazards will persist along the Keyhole Route for the remainder of the winter and spring. Click here to view the Longs Peak Conditions Report for details and recent photos	Park Ranger

 

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 February 27, 2026

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

Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 43 inches of snow	Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 40 inches snow	Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 11 inch snow
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ <1 inch snow	Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 42 inches snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 35 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 51 inches snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 25 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 42 inches snow

 

Photos Showing Trail Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

Trail to Bear Lake, covered with Snow

NPS Photo

 

Bear Lake, taken on January 12, 2026

NPS Photo

 

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

 

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

NPS Photo

 

Dream Lake, taken January 29, 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.