Temporary Trail Closure Impacting Access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake For Outlet Bridge Replacement. Beginning Monday, September 29 through Thursday, October 2, and then again Monday, October 6 through Thursday, October 9, trail access to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will be closed to all uses for an outlet bridge replacement project.
Dream Lake and Emerald Lake will not be accessible during these days. This popular trail section will reopen Friday through Sunday (October 3 through October 5) and close again on Monday, October 6. All other trails in the Bear Lake area will remain open including the trail to Lake Haiyaha from Nymph Lake.
Updated September 19, 2025
In all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, summer is transitioning to fall. September and October are great times of the year to enjoy hikes with views of fall colors. At high elevations, this is also the time of the year when early snow is possible.
When planning hikes during the fall season, take time to check the weather forecast before beginning your hike. Dress in layers, be prepared for weather and conditions that can change rapidly, and be ready to turn back if needed.
This report is best used as 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.
Remember - Your Safety is Your Responsibility
Most trails in lower elevation areas of Rocky Mountain National Park are dry. Due to recent rain, some areas could be wet and muddy. If hiking in areas above 10,000 feet in elevation, there could still be some snow and ice on trails. Use caution around all snowfields. Hiking boots with good traction, trekking poles and traction devices can be helpful.
- When hiking on wet and muddy trails, practice Leave No Trace by hiking through the mud.
- Stepping off trail to avoid puddles expands the footprint of a trail and causes erosion.
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. Now through August is the time of year when thunderstorms in the afternoon happen almost daily. Be prepared for thunder and lightning.
When hiking in forest areas, pay attention to the trees near you. Know that falling trees and branches are an ever-present hazard throughout the park. When hiking, take time to look up and be aware of your surroundings. Trees and branches can fall without warning!
Other safety tips to be aware of, ticks are out. It is recommended to do frequent tick checks when hiking.
Helpful Resources:
- Check out the National Park Service Trip Planning Guide
- Looking for Information on Longs Peak: View the Longs Peak Conditions Report
- For Area Closures: View Fire Information Area Closures
- Thunderstorms and lighting are common during the summer and early fall seasons. Check out information on Lightning Safety
| Destination | Date | Description of Conditions Found | Reported By |
| Sprague Lake Loop Trail | September 24, 2025 | Sprague Lake Loop was clear and dry. The trail was wet in a few places. | Park Ranger |
| Chasm Lake | September 24, 2025 | If hiking to Chasm Lake, be prepared for snow and ice on the trail and winter conditions in high elevation areas. The snow line was at about 10,600 feet near the lightning bridge. There was consistent snow on the ground at around 11,000 feet in elevation. Just past Chasm Junction, there was approximatley 8-10 inches of snow. With recent warmer days, the snow has been melting. Traction devices are strongly advised. | Park Ranger |
| Bear Lake Loop Trail | September 19, 2025 | The Bear Lake Loop Trail is clear and dry. | Park Ranger |
| Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls | September 19, 2025 | The trail from Glacier Gorge to Alberta Falls is clear and dry. Enjoy views of aspen turning colors along this hike. | Park Ranger |
| Green Mountain Trail | September 18, 2025 | The Green Mountain Trail is clear and dry. A small section of this trail has been re-routed. This trail passes through an area that was burned during the East Troublesome Fire of 2020. Enjoy views of the Never Summer Mountains and new vegetation that is growing along the trail. Watch for potential hazards like falling trees and branches, loose rocks, and flash flooding is possible during rainstorms. | Park Ranger |
| Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake and down the Bierstadt Lake Trail to Bierstadt Parking Area | September 17, 2025 | This trail is clear and dry. Enjoy views of aspen turning colors along this scenic hike. | Park Visitor |
| Longs Peak & Chasm Lake | September 16, 2025 | Click here to view the Longs Peak Conditions Report for details and recent photos | Park Ranger |
| Tundra Communities Trail | September 16, 2025 | The Tundra Communities Trail is clear of snow and ice on the paved path. Enjoy views of tundra plants in the early fall. Snow and ice are possible on this trail during the month of September. | Park Ranger |
| Alpine Ridge Trail | September 16, 2025 | The Alpine Ridge Trail starts at 11,796 feet in elevation and climbs up 200 vertical feet to a summit of 12,005 feet above sea level. Enjoy stunning scenic views from one of the highest elevation areas that is easy to access in Rocky Mountain National Park. In September, there could be snow or ice on this paved path at any time. Weather can change quickly. Be prepared for afternoon storms. | Park Ranger |
| Deer Mountain Trail | September 16, 2025 | The Deer Mountain Trail is now clear of snow and ice. | Park Visitor |
| Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Lake | September 15, 2025 | From Fern Lake Trailhead to Fern Lake, the trail is dry. With recent rain, there could be some wet and muddy sections of the trail. | Park Visitor |