Plan Your Winter & Springtime Visit to Rocky

Trail near Lake Haiyaha, taken November 11, 2024

NPS/D.Turk

When Does the Winter Season Begin?

With elevations ranging from 7,800 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level, winter conditions can greatly vary in the Rocky Mountains. The seasonal transition from fall to winter takes place in October/November with the first significant snow storm of the year typically happening in mid-October.

From October to early June, expect snow-packed trails and winter conditions in areas above 9,000 feet. Lower elevation areas of the park can be dry, wet, or muddy.

While in many places the months of March, April and May signal the arrival of spring with warm, sunny days, that does not hold true in Rocky Mountain National Park. Historically, March and April are among the snowiest months in the Rocky Mountains, especially in areas above 9,000 feet in elevation.

If you are planning for a trip to Rocky this May, pack your snowboots, traction devices, and warm clothes! You need to be ready for winter conditions.

 

Resources to Help You Plan for a Fun Winter Adventure:

 

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  All About Weather

  Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park. Be prepared!

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  Park Roads in Winter

  Learn about park roads

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  Trail Conditions

  What are the conditions like on park trails?

• 

  Safety & Recreate Responsibly

  Explore safety tips and advice on how to recreate responsibly in Rocky Mountain National Park

• 

  Be Avalanche Aware

  Learn about avalanches and how to be avalanche aware before your next wilderness adventure

• 

  Camping in Winter

  Learn about Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

 

NPS Photo

How Much Snow is in the Park?

The park has SNOWTEL monitors located near both Bear Lake and Wild Basin.

• Snow Depth - Bear Lake
• Snow Depth - Wild Basin
• Snow Depth - Kawuneeche Valley

 

NPS

What Do Different Areas of Rocky Currently Look Like? Check Out our Webcams!

Interested in seeing what conditions look like in the park? Rocky Mountain National Park has six live webcams showing views from different locations within the park.

 

Bobcat in winter

NPS Photo

Wildlife Viewing

The winter season creates some unique wildlife viewing opportunities. To learn more about how to safely view wildlife, please visit our Wildlife Viewing page.