We recommend using Alltrails.com for the latest updates on trail conditions. https://www.alltrails.com/ RMNP intermittently updates their site while Alltrails is updated almost daily.
Trail Conditions
Update as of May 28, 2025
There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has a website where snow depth monitoring results are available.
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=322For snow depth at all SNOTEL Sites inside RMNP, see the chart below:
|
Bear Lake (Site #322) elevation 9500’ 1 inch of snow |
Long Draw Reservoir (Site #1123) elevation 9980’ 4 inches snow |
Stillwater Creek (Site #793) elevation 8720’ 0 inch snow |
|
Copeland Lake (Site #412) elevation 8600’ 0 inch snow |
Never Summer (Site #1031) elevation 10,280’ 40 inches snow |
Wild Basin (Site #1042) elevation 9560’ 15 inches snow |
|
Lake Irene (Site #565) elevation 10,700’ 32 inches snow |
Phantom Valley (Site #688) elevation 9030’ 0 inches snow |
Willow Park (Site #870) elevation 10,700’ 28 inches snow |
| Destination | Date | Description of Conditions Found | Reported By |
| Bear Lake to Alberta Falls | 5/27/2025 | The trail from Bear Lake to Alberta Falls is mostly free of snow. There are a few patches that someone can easily avoid. The trail may be wet or muddy. | NPS Volunteer |
| From Alberta Falls to The Loch/Mills Junction | 5/27/2025 | There are some longer stretches of trail in this area that are covered with snow and slippery ice that cannot be avoided. Most of the trail is free of snow. Packing traction devices in a pack and using them on the slippery sections is recommended. | NPS Volunteer |
| From Mills Lake to Black Lake | 5/27/2025 | Sections of the trail go back and forth between being snow free and covered with snow and ice. Hikers should be prepared to hike on sections of trail that are wet, muddy, snow-packed and icy. Traction devices are advised for the icy sections. | NPS Volunteer |
| Black Lake | 5/27/2025 | Black Lake is still covered with snow and ice, however, ice is thin and melting. Do not try to walk on the ice. | NPS Volunteer |
| From Bear Lake to Nymph and Dream Lakes | 5/27/2025 | The trail from Bear Lake to Nymph is mostly free of snow, except right near the lake itself. As you go from Nymph to Dream Lake, there is significant snow on the trail and traction devices would be helpful. The section near Nymph Overlook is very steep, icy and has hard-packed snow on the trail. Past Nymph Overlook, sections of the trail are clear of snow. | NPS Volunteer |
| From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha | 5/27/2025 | The "Haiyaha Traverse" from Dream Lake is melting out rapidly, however sections of this are very challenging as there are significant snow piles on a steep section of trail right next to sections that have melted out. Most of the trail to Lake Haiyaha is difficult and covered with deep and hard-packed, icy snow. This section of trail is not recommended under the current conditions. Lake Haiyaha is covered with ice and snow. | NPS Volunteer |
| Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Falls | 5/27/2025 | This trail is mostly free of snow and ice. There is a patch of snow off the trail, near Fern Falls. Keep your distance and give any wildlife plenty of space when hiking along the trail. Wildlife, including new mothers with young, have been seen in the area. | NPS Volunteer |
| Fern Falls to Fern Lake | 5/27/2025 | This section of trail is impacted by snow. Hiking poles and traction devices would be helpful. One patch of snow is particularily slippery and located at a difficult angle to cross. Sections of this trail is covered with water and/or muddy. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and hike through the mud. | NPS Volunteer |
| Fern Lake to Odessa Lake | 5/27/2025 | This section of trail is still covered with hard-packed snow and ice. The trail is very slippery. Good winter navigation skills are needed along with winter mountaineering gear, including crampons/microspikes and an ice axe. Sections of this trail are very slippery and have a steep slope. Unless you have the right gear for these conditions and knowledge to use that gear, this section of trail is not currently recommended. | NPS Volunteer |
| Bear Lake Trailhead and Corridor | 5/28/2025 | Snow is rapidly melting on all trails in the Bear Lake area. Expect trails to be wet and muddy. Use caution near the inlet and outlet of Bear Lake, there is open water. | Park Ranger |
| Cub Lake Loop from Cub Lake Trailhead | 5/22/2025 | The Cub Lake Loop trail is now free of snow and ice. Early summer has arrived with wild flowers beginning to bloom. | NPS Volunteer |
| Gem Lake | 5/20/2025 | The trail to Gem Lake is now free of snow and ice. There are a few small patches of snow and ice right near Gem Lake itself. | NPS Volunteer |
| Lily Lake Loop and Lily Ridge Trail | 5/20/2025 | The Lily Lake Loop Trail and Lily Ridge Trail are now free of snow and ice. | NPS Volunteer |
| Sprague Lake | 5/19/2025 | The Sprague Lake Loop Trail is free of snow and ice. There could be wet and muddy sections on the trail. | NPS Volunteer |
| Wild Basin to Ouzel Lake | 5/19/2025 | The lower elevation section of the trail to Ouzel Lake is mostly free of snow. Expect patches of snow on the trail near the Ouzel/Bluebird Junction. The trail is covered with snow from that junction to Ouzel Lake. It can be difficult to follow the trail. Winter navigation skills, a map and GPS are helpful. Carry traction devices - they are helpful in the snow-packed sections. |
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.