Trail Conditions

All trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are snow-covered and icy. Expect frequent winter storms with snow, winds causing blowing snow, and cold temperatures. When coming to the park, be prepared for winter conditions.

Traction devices for the bottom of your boots and hiking poles are strongly recommended. At higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough that snowshoes are advised.

Beware of frozen lakes. Even though a lake may have several inches of ice, the inlets and outlets may have running water that makes for thinner ice. Also beware of edges of lakes where the sun may reflect off rocks or trees and soften the snow. The center of lakes is often the safest place to go but beware of thin ice anywhere at any time of the year. Just because someone else went on the lake does not mean it is safe for you.

Route-finding is important, as 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.

Roads are often 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.

Any Time of Year: Choose Your Destination Wisely. Always tell someone where you’re 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.

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

2/1/2023 Winter parking to Ouzel Falls
Snowshoes were needed the whole way. From the bridge by the campsite trail junction to Ouzel Falls, they needed to break trail through at least 10 inches of new snow. Trail breaking was hard due to the depth of the new snowfall and drifting winds.

1/29/23 Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake down Bierstadt Moraine to Glacier Creek Trail to Bear Lake
Snowshoes were needed the whole way. Bierstadt Moraine Trail was tricky due to blowing snow and drifting.
Note: there has been a LOT of wind and blowing snow every day since this snowshoe. As noted above, route-finding is important, as RMNP trails are not marked in winter. Not only is following other tracks not advised, but winds can obliterate other tracks.

1/2/2023 Endovalley Road
Road had a lot of icy spots, so having traction devices was good.NOTE: in winter, visitors may walk dogs on leashes up to 6 ft along Endovalley Road between the winter gate and Endovalley Picnic Area (past that, Old Fall River Road is closed to leashed dogs until April). Please pick up after your dogs.