Some park trails and areas remain closed due to fire impacts. Park staff will continue to assess these areas for safety and downed trees, being mindful of high winds that occur this time of year causing more trees to fall. Learn more here.
RMNP Trail Conditions Report as of November 20, 2024
Destination
Date
Description of Conditions Found
Hiked By
West Side Trails
11/20/2024
All trails are snowpacked on the west side of the park (no trails are just bare ground). There is a base of 4”-7” on the Colorado River Trail, so snowshoes are okay. Other trails including Green Mountain and East Inlet trails have less snow. Traction devices recommended on lower trails because of ice.
Park Ranger
Lawn Lake
11/18/2024
Starting about one mile up where the trail begins to parallel the Roaring River, the trail has sections of packed snow, ice, and bare spots. After another mile it all turns to packed snow. About 3.5 miles in, the trail turns narrower, and the snow becomes crusted. The trail is much less traveled at 4.0 miles, and by 5.3 miles the snow becomes deeper, fluffy, and not well packed. At this point snow depth was 10” - 12”. Did not continue on to the lake. Traction devices, poles, and gaiters recommended.
Park Volunteer
Twin Sisters Peaks
11/18/2024
Traction devices needed all the way up. Trail is clear to follow.
Park Volunteer
Sky Pond and Mills Lake
11/17/2024
Trails were like “freeways” - very hard packed. Used traction devices and poles. From Glass Lake to Sky Pond encountered hard packed wind slab. Walked in other hiker’s post holing footsteps. Very cold windchill above treeline. Encountered some hiker walking across the Loch and Glass Lake.
Park Volunteer
Glacier Gorge to Black Lake
11/17/2024
Traction devices all the way to Black Lake. Carried snowshoes and didn't need them. Mills and Jewel lakes are frozen solid. Some. drifting on the last couple hills, but trail mostly easy to follow.
Visitor
Lumpy Ridge Loop
11/17/2024
Started from Lumpy Ridge parking lot with just boots and poles but carried traction devices. Put traction devices on after Paul Bunyon's Boot due to the icy conditions encountered before Gem Lake. Part way down toward the Cow Creek Trail, you could take off the traction devices if you wanted. Traction devices were needed again from about 1/2 mile past Peregrine campsite up to the Dark Mountain junction with Black Canyon trail where the trail was fine without traction devices. Note: the last set of rock steps right before the parking lot were also very icy.
Visitor
Alberta Falls
11/16/2024
Alberta Falls is completely frozen over now, so no water can be seen.
Park Volunteer
Lake Helene
11/14/2024
The trail conditions are a mixed bag. The first ¾ mile is hard and icy. After that the trail is packed down but much softer until you hit the “banana bowl” area where the snow is considerably drifted. While not post holing, the footprints they followed were 12 – 20 inches deep. Approaching Lake Helene, it evened out. There is a tree across the trail not far past the Flattop junction.
Park Volunteer
Bierstadt Lake
11/14/24
Trails were like “freeways” - very hardpacked and icy almost everywhere. Traction devices very useful. Beautiful views of the Continental Divide from the northeast edge of Bierstadt Lake.
Park Volunteer
Deer Mountain
11/14/2024
It is a mixed bag of ice and clear ground in the first mile. It is pretty snowpacked the rest of the way and traction devices are definitely helpful. The trail is easy to follow.
Park Volunteer
Bierstadt Lake Trail
10/7/2024
Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2024, the Bierstadt Lake parking area, located on Bear Lake Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be closed for a vault toilet replacement project. Weather and conditions permitting, this parking area, including a shuttle stop, will be closed for approximately six weeks.
Due to the equipment necessary to complete this project, the size of the parking area and entrance and exit areas, the Bierstadt Lake parking area will be closed for the duration of the project. There will be no vehicle access and shuttle service will not be available at this stop. Vehicles will not be permitted to stop in the lane of traffic on Bear Lake Road to load/unload passengers.There are numerous trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake, including from Bear Lake, Hollowell Park and Park & Ride. RMNP shuttle buses are done for the season and no longer running until the end of May.
Timber Lake Trail Be advised a landslide occurred summer 2014 two miles beyond the Timber Lake trailhead and goes all the way to the top of Jackstraw Mountain. That landslide is still there, is active and unstable, and continues to worsen each year.
Any time of year, and affected by season, elevation, slope, and exposure, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) can have extreme weather, and conditions can change quickly.In RMNP, all four seasons can happen in one day! Plan ahead and be prepared.
Any Time of Year: Choose Your Destination Wisely. Always tell someone where you are 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.
Lakes Always proceed with caution around icy lakes, especially around inlets, outlets, and rocks, where the ice can be thin.
Route-finding is important. 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. When trails are covered in snow, signs may not be visible. Carry a map and compass or GPS and know how to use them.
Be Prepared for Conditions with Essentials. It is important to bring and use the right gear, especially suitable gear for the season.Plan that trails can be snowy much of the year. Depending on conditions and elevation, some trails can be icy and snowy September through midsummer. Do you have the right gear and equipment, and know how to use it?
Traction devices for the bottom of your boots and hiking poles are strongly recommended, as trails may be icy. Or depending on conditions after snowstorms or at higher elevations, the snow may be deep enough that snowshoes are advised. Hiking poles are helpful for stability.
Food and water are essential no matter how long your hike.
Layers of wicking clothing and extra socks.
Waterproof outer layers and extra layers for warmth; in summer, raingear.
A hat and gloves, sunglasses or goggles, and sunscreen any time of year. Sunlight can damage your eyes and skin, even on cloudy days. Protect your eyes from the sun and blowing snow
Wear closed-toed footwear with a treaded sole for hiking. Slick-soled shoes without good traction (ex. sneakers), sandals, flip flops, plastic clogs) can lead to cold toes, wet feet, slips, trips and falls.
Roads can be 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.
Fire Impacts 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
SNOTEL SITES AS OF November 20, 2024
There are several SNOTEL sites in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a website where monitoring results are available.
Lake Irene (Site #565)
elevation 10,700’
14 inches snow
Phantom Valley (Site #688)
elevation 9030’
4 inches snow
Willow Park (Site #870)
elevation 10,700’
12 inches snow
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.
Last updated: November 20, 2024
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park,
CO
80517
Phone:
970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter.
Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.
