Winter conditions in higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter conditions have arrived in Rocky Mountain National Park, with snow and ice already reported in the higher elevations of the park. In fact, the park just announced on Twitter that Trail Ridge Road has temporarily closed tonight on the east side at Rainbow Curve and on the west side at Milner Pass. The park also announced dangerous conditions on Longs Peak (and likely other high elevation areas of the park) in a Facebook posting today:

Fall has arrived on Longs Peak and the environment is transitioning to winter conditions. Recent storms have blanketed the Keyhole route with a dangerous layer of snow and ice. Slick patches of ice can often be difficult to identify at first glance, as they may be very thin and/or obscured by shadows.

Any storms moving over the mountain will now consist of hail, sleet, and snow. The combination of wet and cold can quickly induce hypothermia, a life-threatening condition that can progress rapidly.

Freeze/thaw cycles are in full effect and will create a number of hazards including ice formation and rockfall. In addition, afternoon thunderstorms remain a real threat and a return to treeline by noon is recommended to help mitigate exposure to lightning storms.

Traction devices or crampons and an ice axe may be prudent for travel on the upper mountain depending on the route chosen. Extra warm clothes, waterproof layers, extra food and water, a headlamp, personal first aid kit, and a cell phone are all strongly recommended.

If you are traveling alone, please tell a friend or family member your plans and take extra care with decision making. Even a minor accident while traveling alone on the mountain can quickly turn into a serious situation. As always, please be prepared to turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

Remember, your safety is in your hands.

The Keyhole Route is not a hike. This is a challenging climb that crosses vertical rock faces and requires scrambling. Advanced planning and preparation are critical.

🧭 Know your route
🌦 Know the weather forecast
🥾 Know your limits and the limits of everyone in your group
📱 Share your plans with a friend or family member - tell them when you plan to start your trip, what route you are taking, and when you plan to return.

For more details and photos of current conditions on Longs Peak, visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/longspeakconditions

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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com