Trail Conditions

 
White-tailed Ptarmigan on the Alpine Tundra with White Winter Plumage
White-tailed Ptarmigan on the Alpine Tundra with White Winter Plumage 10/25/2024

NPS Image by P. Baker

 
 

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.
 

RMNP Trail Conditions Report as of October 31, 2024

 
Destination Date Description of Conditions Found Hiked By
Alberta Falls 10/30/2024 2 inches of new snow. Trail was slippery. Hiking polies and traction devices advised. Visitors
Flattop Mountain 10/25/2024 Winds were significant. Above the tree line winds were estimated to be 10-15 miles per hour with gusts to 20 mph. Winds caused snow to drift into the hollows of the trail, especially in the switchbacks halfway between the tree line and the summit. These areas of packed snow/ice were easily navigated without traction devices. Of most importance was the use of proper clothing making good use of layering. Winds at the summit were estimated to be steady at 20 miles per hour with some gusts slightly higher resulting in significant windchill effects. This was typical for Flattop this time of year. Park Volunteer
Lake Haiyaha 10/25/2024 The rails on the bridge before Lake Haiyaha (20-25 feet) are gone. Park Volunteer
West Side Trails 10/22/2024 All trails are very muddy as the snow melts quickly. Trails should dry out as the week gets warmer and sunnier. When it’s muddy, walk through the mud rather than around it to protect and preserve trails from erosion and other damage. Ranger
Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, The Loch, Mills Lake, Alberta Falls 10/21/2024 Conditions are changing rapidly and are quite different from just a few days ago.- There were light dustings of snow on the Bear Lake Road starting around the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead.- There were light dustings of snow and icy/slushy/slippery spots many places around the loop, and especially-slippery locations at Lake Haiyaha.- Wore waterproof hiking boots. Traction devices were not needed or used, but the snow made some locations on the trail slippery, and it was very important to be extra careful. Park Volunteer
Timberline Falls 10/21/2021 It’s freezing up there overnight, so expect icy conditions forming on the waterfall. Traction devices advised. Ranger
Bierstadt Lake Trail 10/7/2024 Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2024, the Bierstadt Lake parking area, located on Bear Lake Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be closed for a vault toilet replacement project. Weather and conditions permitting, this parking area, including a shuttle stop, will be closed for approximately six weeks.Due to the equipment necessary to complete this project, the size of the parking area and entrance and exit areas, the Bierstadt Lake parking area will be closed for the duration of the project. There will be no vehicle access and shuttle service will not be available at this stop. Vehicles will not be permitted to stop in the lane of traffic on Bear Lake Road to load/unload passengers.There are numerous trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake, including from Bear Lake, Hollowell Park and Park and Ride. To board the park’s free shuttles and to access other destinations along Bear Lake Road, hikers will have to use alternate trailheads.

Timber Lake Trail Be advised a landslide occurred summer 2014 two miles beyond the Timber Lake trailhead and goes all the way to the top of Jackstraw Mountain. That landslide is still there, is active and unstable, and continues to worsen each year.

Any time of year, and affected by season, elevation, slope, and exposure, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) can have extreme weather, and conditions can change quickly. In RMNP, all four seasons can happen in one day! Plan ahead and be prepared.

Any Time of Year: Choose Your Destination Wisely. 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.


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. Do you have the right gear and equipment, and 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.
  • Layers of wicking clothing and extra socks.
  • Waterproof outer layers and extra layers for warmth; in summer, raingear.
  • 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
  • Wear closed-toed footwear with a treaded sole for hiking. Slick-soled shoes without good traction (ex. sneakers), sandals, flip flops, plastic clogs) can lead to cold toes, wet feet, 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.

Fire Impacts 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
 

SNOTEL SITES AS OF October 31, 2024

There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a website where monitoring results are available.

SNOTEL Website: https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum= and every SNOTEL site has a unique Site Number. For example, Bear Lake is https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=322

Bear Lake (Site #322)
elevation 9500’
3 inches snow
Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123)
elevation 9980’
no report
Stillwater Creek (Site #793)
elevation 8720’
no report
Copeland Lake (Site #412)
elevation 8600’
1 inch snow
Never Summer (Site #1031)
elevation 10,280’
13 inches snow
Wild Basin (Site #1042)
elevation 9560’
2 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565)
elevation 10,700’
no report
Phantom Valley (Site #688)
elevation 9030’
no snow
Willow Park (Site #870)
elevation 10,700’
4 inches snow
 

Submit Your Own Trip Report

Send us an email, call (970) 586-1206, 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.

Last updated: October 31, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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