Trail Rating

Most trails are labeled “easy,” “moderate,” or “hard.” That doesn’t tell you much. A short, steep hike at altitude can feel way harder than a longer, flatter one. I started breaking trails down to show what actually matters — distance, elevation gain, steep sections, and altitude. Not to tell anyone what they can or can’t do — just so you have a clearer picture before you go.

Vehicle Traction Law is no longer in effect. There could be icy patches on roads. AWD and 4WD is recommended. Expect snow on all trails inside #RMNP

We are grateful for all the spring snow! Now a few critical safety messages brought to you by park staff: - Vehicle traction law remains in place. If coming to the park, you must have good tires and winter driving skills. - Don't Crowd the Plow. Keep your distance and don't try to pass a snowplow. - Avalanche conditions are high above treeline and considerable near treeline on the east side of the park. avalanche.state.co.us

Due to incoming winter weather, Twin Sisters Road and Wild Basin Road near Sandbeach Lake parking are temporarily closed. Roads will be assessed and reopened when conditions allow.

Another springtime winter storm is in the forecast for #RMNP and a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the park beginning Midnight tonight through Wednesday afternoon. Before traveling to Rocky, take time to check the weather often and be prepared for conditions to change. For weather specific to RMNP, visit weather.gov/bou/rmnp

❄️ 🧊 ⛓️ 🥾❄️ Date: 04/30/2026 Trail: Glacier Gorge to Sky Pond Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: Following recent snow, the trail could be covered with new snow or ice. Traction devices are strongly recommended, especially near Alberta Falls. By afternoon, snow on the trail is soft and sloppy. If traveling above The Loch, snowshoes are recommended. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 Date: 04/30/2026 Trail: Deer Mountain Reported by: NPS Volunteer Conditions: It has been snowing. From the trailhead to the top of Deer Mountain, the trail could be icy or covered with recent snow. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 ⛓️ ℹ️ Date: 04/30/2026 Trail: Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: From Bear Lake parking and trailhead, the trail to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes continues to be covered with snow and icy. Traction devices and hiking poles are recommended. Areas off the side of the trail may be soft and it is easy to posthole. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 💧 ⛓️ Date: 04/30/2026 Trail: Bear Lake Nature Trail Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: It has been snowing at Bear Lake. Traction devices are recommended to help prevent slips and falls on areas that are covered with new snow or ice. Waterproof boots are recommended for safety and comfort. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 🏔️⚠️ ⛓️ Date: 04/30/2026 Trail: General Conditions for All Trails in RMNP Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: Conditions vary on trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Expect snow and ice on all trails located in areas above 9,000 feet in elevation. Following recent warmer temperatures, snow and ice is beginning to soften and melt in high elevation areas of RMNP. Postholing is possible in soft snow. When hiking on any trail in RMNP, it is helpful to carry traction devices and be ready to use them in areas where trails and walking paths are hard packed and icy. All backcountry travelers are urged to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's avalanche forecast and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. As always, conditions can change frequently and rapidly, so visitors may find conditions that are the same as, better, or worse than what is described in this report. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for #RMNP now through Saturday morning. Be prepared for cold temperatures and winter driving conditions. For the latest weather information specific to Rocky Mountain National Park, visit weather.gov/bou/rmnp

Based on recent raptor monitoring, an additional closure has been implemented in the Lumpy Ridge area of #RMNP, to include Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Lightning Rock, and Checkerboard Rock. This closure is in addition to the previous formation closures which include: The Book, Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, Left Book, Twin Owls, Rock One, Thunder Buttress, The Needle, and The Parish. Visit go.nps.gov/romo/raptorclo… for updates. If visitors experience aggressive behavior from birds of prey or have questions about closures, email us at romo_information@nps.gov.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for areas on the east side of #RMNP beginning at 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. tonight. Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, where campfires are prohibited in the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and campgrounds. #RMNP #RMNPFireWeather #BeWeatherAware

❄️ 🧊 ⛓️ 🥾❄️ Date: 04/22/2026 Trail: Glacier Gorge to Sky Pond Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: In the morning, the trail was hard packed and icy. Traction devices are strongly recommended, especially near Alberta Falls. By afternoon, snow on the trail is soft and sloppy. If traveling above The Loch, snowshoes are recommended. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

🧊 Date: 04/22/2026 Trail: Deer Mountain Reported by: NPS Volunteer Conditions: From the trailhead to the top of Deer Mountain, the trail is mostly dry. There were some icy patches on the north-facing switchbacks and on the stairs leading to the summit of Deer Mountain from the last trail junction. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 ⛓️ ℹ️ Date: 04/22/2026 Trail: Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: From Bear Lake parking and trailhead, the trail to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes continues to be covered with snow and icy. Traction devices and hiking poles are recommended. Areas off the side of the trail may be soft and it is easy to posthole. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 💧 ⛓️ Date: 04/22/2026 Trail: Bear Lake Nature Trail Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: The trail around Bear Lake is covered with snow and ice. Traction devices are recommended to help prevent slips and falls. The snow is beginning to become soft, especially later in the day. Waterproof boots are recommended for safety and comfort. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 🏔️⚠️ ⛓️ Date: 04/22/2026 Trail: General Conditions for All Trails in RMNP Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: Conditions vary on trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. In areas below 9,000 feet, most trails are clear of snow and ice. Continue to expect snow and ice on all high elevation trails. Following recent warmer temperatures, snow and ice is beginning to soften and melt in high elevation areas of RMNP. Postholing is possible in soft snow. When hiking on any trail in RMNP, it is helpful to carry traction devices and be ready to use them in areas where trails and walking paths are hard packed and icy. All backcountry travelers are urged to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's avalanche forecast and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. As always, conditions can change frequently and rapidly, so visitors may find conditions that are the same as, better, or worse than what is described in this report. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 ⛓️ ℹ️ Date: 04/17/2026 Trail: Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: From Bear Lake parking and trailhead, the trail to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes continues to be covered with snow and icy. Traction devices and hiking poles are recommended. Areas off the side of the trail may be soft and it is easy to posthole. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 💧 ⛓️ Date: 04/17/2026 Trail: Bear Lake Nature Trail Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: The trail around Bear Lake is covered with snow and ice. Traction devices are recommended to help prevent slips and falls. The snow is beginning to become soft, especially later in the day. Waterproof boots are recommended for safety and comfort. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…

❄️ 🧊 🏔️⚠️ ⛓️ Date: 04/17/2026 Trail: General Conditions for All Trails in RMNP Reported by: Park Ranger Conditions: Conditions vary on trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. In areas below 9,000 feet, most trails are clear of snow and ice. Continue to expect snow and ice on all high elevation trails. Following recent warmer temperatures, snow and ice is beginning to soften and melt in high elevation areas of RMNP. Postholing is possible in soft snow. When hiking on any trail in RMNP, it is helpful to carry traction devices and be ready to use them in areas where trails and walking paths are hard packed and icy. All backcountry travelers are urged to check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's avalanche forecast and be prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. As always, conditions can change frequently and rapidly, so visitors may find conditions that are the same as, better, or worse than what is described in this report. Source: nps.gov/romo/planyourv…