Trail Conditions

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.

Update - January 13, 2025

Enjoy winter hiking and snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park! Be prepared for cool temperatures and wind. Currently, the amount of snow and ice on trails greatly varies based on elevation and the amount of sunlight an area receives. Expect some snow and ice all hiking trails.

At higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough for snowshoes.

Use Caution Around All Frozen Lakes
Based on recent conditions, use caution around all frozen lakes. Ice on bodies of water can be thin, especially near inlets and outlets where water is moving under the ice. Walking on frozen lakes or ice skating are not advised.

From now through early June, be prepared for winter hiking conditions; wear warm layers of clothes to help protect your skin from the cold. Waterproof boots, warm socks, traction devices for the bottom of your boots and hiking poles are all recommended for your safety and comfort when recreating in the winter season.

For your comfort and safety, take time to check the weather forecast before beginning your hike. 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

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:

 

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Conditions Report

 
Destination Date Description of Conditions Found Reported By
General Conditions for All Trails in RMNP December 29, 2025 Be prepared for some snow and ice on all trails in RMNP. There is less snow at lower elevations. It is helpful to carry traction devices to use in areas where trails and walking paths are icy. On higher elevation trails, the snow may be deep enough that snowshoes are advised. Park Ranger
Bear Lake Loop Trail January 12, 2026 The trail around Bear Lake is almost fully covered with hard-packed snow. There are approximately 1-3 inches of soft snow on top of hard-packed snow. In some locations along the trail, wind-blown snow drifts are around 3 feet deep. Traction devices and hiking poles are advised. NPS Volunteer
From Bear Lake to Nymph and Dream Lakes January 12, 2026 From the Bear Lake Trailhead, the trail is covered with hard-packed snow. Traction devices and hiking poles are advised. It can be difficult to see the trail around Nymph Lake. It is not recommended to walk on ice, as ice could be thin. It can be easy to wonder off trail when hiking from Nymph to Dream Lake. Pay attention when crossing the outlet stream to Dream Lake. It is easy to miss the footbridge under the snow and walk on ice. This ice is thin. GPS navigation devices to help you navigate along the trail are helpful. NPS Volunteer
From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha January 12, 2026 If following the normal summer trail, there is a section about 30-40 yards that has deep wind-drifted snow and a very steep drop off. This is an area where the trail is icy and it is easy to slip and fall. From Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha, this trail is not advised in the winter as it is very slippery and easy to fall even when using traction devices.

The Haiyaha Traverse, located about 1/3 mile from the Dream/Haiyaha Junction, is often narrow with a steep drop. If recreating in this area, all members of your party should be avalanche aware. Snowshoes are helpful.

It is easy to turn the wrong way on the trail to Lake Haiyaha. GPS navigation is helpful to avoid traveling in the wrong direction.		 NPS Volunteer
Colorado River Trailhead January 8, 2026 Great conditions for snowshoeing from the Red Mountain split heading towards Lulu City. Park Visitor
Cub Lake January 1, 2026 Lower elevation areas of the trail are mostly dry and clear of snow and ice. There are patches of snow in shaded areas. As you get closer to Cub Lake, there is more ice. If you continue past Cub Lake towards The Pool, there was snow and ice on the trail. There is a lot of down timber across the trail, but nothing difficult to navigate around. The trail was mostly clear of snow and ice from The Pool to Fern Lake Trailhead. We carried traction devices, but did not need to use them. It was very windy from Cub Lake over the saddle and down towards Fern Lake Junction. Park Visitor
Bierstadt Lake Trail December 29, 2025 From the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, the first mile of the trail has a mixture of bare ground and areas with snow and ice. The snow is packed down. From Bierstadt Lake to Bear Lake, the trail is also packed down. I did not need traction devices for this section of trail. Park Visitor
Hidden Valley Trail December 29, 2025 From the parking area and the warming hut to the base of the sledding hill, the path is icy and traction devices would be helpful. There is little snow on the sledding hill itself. The Hidden Valley Loop Trail is covered with snow most of the way. Park Visitor
Longs Peak & Chasm Lake December 16, 2025 Winter conditions have taken over on Longs Peak and will likely persist well into June of 2026. Any venture beyond the trailhead will require 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.

On the Keyhole Route, expect winter conditions with extremely cold temperatures, drifting snow, and widespread ice formation. Avalanche hazards will persist along the Keyhole Route for the remainder of the winter and spring.

Click here to view the Longs Peak Conditions Report for details and recent photos 		Park Ranger
 

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.
 

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 as of January 13, 2026

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

Bear Lake
(Site #322)
elevation 9500’
21 inches of snow		 Long Draw Reservoir
(Site #1123)
elevation 9980’
24 inches snow		 Stillwater Creek
(Site #793)
elevation 8720’
8 inch snow
Copeland Lake
(Site #412)
elevation 8600’
3 inch snow		 Never Summer
(Site #1031)
elevation 10,280’
25 inches snow		 Wild Basin
(Site #1042)
elevation 9560’
19 inches snow
Lake Irene
(Site #565)
elevation 10,700’
28 inches snow		 Phantom Valley
(Site #688)
elevation 9030’
13 inches snow		 Willow Park
(Site #870)
elevation 10,700’
25 inches snow

Taken from https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm