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9/24 - Trail Ridge Road has reopened. Old Fall River Road remains closed.
9/22 - Due to the forecast for snow and freezing temperatures overnight, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be temporarily closing at 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, September 22. The closure points will be at Rainbow Curve on the east side and Milner Pass on the west side. Old Fall River Road will be closing at 5 p. m. Rangers will assess road conditions in the morning. Recorded status line for Trail Ridge Road is 970-586-1222. RMNP Trail Condition Reports
Updated August 1, 2025 https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_conditions.htm Summer is here and conditions on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are changing rapidly and frequently (daily & even hourly) as snow continues to melt out. 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. Bear Lake to Odessa Lake and to Fern Lake - The Bear Lake Loop Trail is clear and dry. Bear Lake to Mills Lake - The trail is clear and dry. Alberta Falls is running high and fast. Bear Lake to Flattop Mountain - The trail is mostly dry and in good condition until near the top of Flattop Mountain. As you get near the summit, there is a slushy snowfield to cross. The Loch to Sky Pond - Rocks along Timberline Falls were wet and slippery. Footwear with good traction is helpful. Deer Mountain Trail - The Deer Mountain Trail is now clear of snow and ice. Longs Peak 8/24 - The Keyhole has begun its transition to autumn conditions. Numerous reports of snow and ice accumulation along the route confirm that fall is here, and this summit route should not be taken lightly. Repeated storms continue to hammer the mountain, creating tremendous potential for ice formation as temperatures cool. Be prepared to turn around if conditions are unfavorable. Returning to treeline by noon is prudent to help mitigate exposure to lightning storms. Snow Depth
2/19/25 - Bear Lake-60", Wild Basin-50", Lake Irene-76" |
Alpine Visitor Ctr Web Cam, 11,796' - Sept 24
Elk walking in snow along Trail Ridge Road - taken the morning of September 23, 2025
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September Sounds and Solace in RMNP
In Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) September brings the first sounds of bull elk bugling their desires. The bugling is unmistakable as it drifts in the wind across meadows and over mountain peaks. The sound of the season adds a sense of mystery and solitude and wildness as we stand still to listen. All around us ground coverings, serviceberry, creekside willows, and the forest’s understory are changing from summer green to reds and golds. And the first hints of fall color in aspen trees surprise us with the bold new colors of the season. Nature begins its slow transition to calmness and hibernation knowing winter conditions along the high mountain peaks will be arriving soon enough. RMNP itself begins to slow down with the new fall season along with the Autumnal Equinox arriving September 22. This time of year should not be missed in the park. |
