Trail Conditions

 

Hiker on the trail to Lake Helene

NPS Photo

Trail Conditions Report, Updated May 22, 2026

Spring is here! Be prepared for warmer day and cool evenings. Some winter weather is still possible, so take time to check the weather before heading to the park. There is still a lot of snow and ice on trails above 9,000 feet in elevation.

This report is 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.

Avalanche Danger

Even with recent warm temperatures, avalanche danger is still possible. Continue to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast frequently at https://avalanche.state.co.us/ and be prepared to change your plans if needed.

Before Your Next Hike, Be Prepared For the Unexpected:

• Download the NPS Trip Planning Guide and
• Create an Outdoor Emergency Plan!

*Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility*

 

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 your next trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Know that the weather can change rapidly. Be prepared to turn back if needed.

From now through early June, expect winter hiking conditions.

• Weather can change based on elevation and throughout the day.
• 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.

 

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	May 22, 2026	Conditions vary on trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow and ice has mostly melted on most trails below 9,500 feet. Trails could be wet or muddy. Expect ice and snow on all trails located in areas above 9,000 feet in elevation. With warm daytime temperatures and freezing cold night, expect daily freeze/thaw cycles, which contribute to icy trails. 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 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	May 21, 2026	With recent freeze/thaw cycles, snow on the Bear Lake Loop has been freezing at night and thawing to slush during the day. Expect icy, slushy, wet and muddy areas on the Bear Lake Nature Trail.	NPS Volunteer
Bear Lake to Nymph Lake	May 21, 2026	Near Bear Lake Trailhead, the conditions are similar to Bear Lake Nature Trail. When hiking up the trail, a large portion of the trail is now free of snow and ice between Bear Lake and Nymph Lake. The trail around Nymph Lake is still covered with snow and ice.	NPS Volunteer
From Nymph Lake to Dream and Emerald Lakes	May 21, 2026	Be prepared for some snow and ice near the stairs to Nymph Overlook. Near the first bridge to Dream Lake (the new bridge), there is much more snow on the trail, especially near the Dream/Lake Haiyaha Junction. Traction devices and waterproof boots are recommended. There is a lot of snow and ice around Dream Lake. From Dream to Emerald Lake, several sections of the trail exposed to sun have melted out. Several sections of the trail are still snow packed and very icy. It is recommended to have waterproof boots and traction devices that you can put on and take off as needed.	NPS Volunteer
From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha	May 21, 2026	The trail from the Dream-Haiyaha Junction to Lake Haiyaha is still covered with icy, hard-packed snow. The steep section about 1/3 mile from the junction is very icy with a steep drop. This section is currently very difficult, even with traction devices and hiking poles. From Lake Haiyaha, the trail near the Loch/Mills Junction is covered with a deep layer of snow and ice.	NPS Volunteer
Bear Lake to Flattop Mountain	May 14, 2026	From Bear Lake and continuing up the Flattop Mountain Trail, the beginning of the trail is wet and muddy. Most of the snow has melted. As you get closer to the Flattop/Odessa Lake Trail Junction, there is snow covering the trail. Traction devices and hiking poles are recommended to the top of Flattop Mountain.	Park Ranger
Bear Lake to Lake Helene	May 14, 2026	From Bear Lake and continuing up the Flattop Mountain Trail, the beginning of the trail is wet and muddy. Most of the snow has melted. As you get closer to the Flattop/Odessa Lake Trail Junction and continue towards Lake Helene and Odessa Lake, there is a significant amount of snow covering the trail. Traction devices and hiking poles are recommended.	Park Ranger
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake	May 22, 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. There is snow and ice on the Longs Peak Trail to the Boulderfield. Any venture beyond the trailhead requires 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. 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	Park Ranger

 

Bear Lake Plaza and Trailhead

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 on May 7, 2026

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

Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 19 inches of snow	Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 15 inches snow	Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 1 inch of snow
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 16 inches snow	Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 41 inches snow	Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 27 inches snow
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 32 inches snow	Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 2 inches snow	Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 20 inches snow

 

Photos Showing Trail Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

Section of the Bear Lake Nature Trail Loop, taken May 21, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

Dream-Haiyaha Junction, taken May 21, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

A steep section between Dream and Emerald Lakes is covered with snow and ice, taken May 21, 2026

NPS Photo/P.Allison

 

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.