NPS 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. The information shared below is based on recent trail conditions reports. Trail conditions could change by the time you start your hike. Weather can change rapidly inside the park year-round. 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! Helpful Resources:
Deer Mountain Trailhead, taken April 19, 2025 How Much Snow is in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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| Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 42 inches snow |
Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 39 inches snow |
Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 1 inch snow |
| Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 1 inch snow |
Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 62 inches snow |
Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 37 inches snow |
| Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 58 inches snow |
Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 17 inches snow |
Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 46 inches snow |
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.
Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report - Updated April 22, 2025
| Destination | Date | Description of Conditions Found | Reported By |
| Bear Lake Trailhead and Corridor | 4/22/2025 | All trails that begin from the Bear Lake Trailhead are covered with snow. The loop trail around Bear Lake is mostly hard-packed and icy. Traction devices are advised. At higher elevations, snowshoes might be needed due to deeper snow to prevent postholing. | Park Ranger |
| West Side Trails | 4/22/2025 | Trails are snow covered and hard-packed for at least a 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Traction devices and hiking poles are advised, as trails may be icy. | Park Ranger |
| From Bear Lake Trailhead to Mills Lake and Jewel Lake | 4/21/2025 | The trail was covered with almost all hard-packed snow. Expect the trail to be very icy and slippery. Traction devices and hiking poles were used and are strongly advised to help give you traction. A rough estimate is that there is still 18-24 inches of snow on the trail in many places. Some more exposed sections of trail are now free from snow and ice. From Mills-Loch Junction to Mills Lake, there are a couple of sections of trail with large puddles that are mostly covered in ice and are difficult to avoid. Around Mills and Jewel Lakes, the outlet of Mills Lake has open water flowing. At the inlet of Mills Lake, this area is still covered with snow and ice. There is a clear trail around Mills Lake that follows close to the summer trail. There is a similar trail around Jewel Lake. Ice is melting on Mills and Jewel Lakes. While it may look solid, do not trust it. Avoid walking on the ice. |
NPS Volunteer |
| Alluvial Fan Trail | 4/22/2025 | The Alluvial Fan Trail, from both west and east parking areas has melted out and is mostly free of snow and icy. There may be icy patches on the trail. Traction devices are currently not needed. | Park Ranger |
Any time of year: Plan ahead and be prepared for varying weather and conditions. Trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park can experience extreme weather and conditions may 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. 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.
Pets: Pets are prohibited on all trails, tundra, and meadows areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. For details, see RMNP's Pets Webpage.
Last updated: April 22, 2025