by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Visitor GuidesWinter/Spring 2020/2021 |
Visitor Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park (NP) in Colorado. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
featured in
National Parks Pocket Maps | ||
Colorado Pocket Maps |
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
This visitor guide,
combined with your park
map, has the essential
info you need for a fun,
safe, and successful visit
to Rocky Mountain
National Park.
Rocky is modifying
access and visitor services to help prevent
the spread of infectious
diseases. Some facilities and events will be
closed or canceled.
Page 2: Things to Do
Page 3: Pocket Ranger
Page 5: Activity Guide
Page 8: Winter Guide
Page 11: Spring Guide
Back: Safety
Check locally and on
the park website for
current information,
and continue to follow
CDC guidelines. Thank
you for your patience
and cooperation.
Dress for Success
With the right clothing and
gear, the mountains are an
incredible place for winter
adventures. Without them,
winter in the mountains is
extremely dangerous.
Hypothermia is a serious risk.
Watch for sleepiness, impaired
judgment, lots of shivering, and
slurred speech.
Get a grip! Traction devices are
always recommended when walking on ice and packed snow.
Come prepared. Visitor
services are limited. A reduced number of visitors
will be allowed in facilities
at a given time.
Face masks are required
inside all visitor facilities,
and when in areas where
social distancing cannot
be maintained. This includes narrow or busy
trails, parking lots, pulloffs, and overlooks.
Cold
Maintain social
distancing of six feet
whenever possible,
especially in busy areas.
Follow current local,
state, and national
health guidance:
• If you’re sick, don’t visit
the park.
• Wash your hands with soap
and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Sneeze or cough into a
tissue or the inside of your
elbow.
Extreme Cold
warm hat
2–3 layers
gloves
outer layer
to keep out
wind, wet
snow
warm hat
face mask
3+ layers
1 insulating
outer layer
boots
1–2 layers
waterproof
to keep out
wind
gloves
boots
2+ layers
waterproof
Weather and Altitude
Keep a safe distance from wildlife—it’s the law.
Winters at Rocky are
extreme, with very cold
temperatures, howling
winds, feet of snow,
and conditions that can
change suddenly.
100 yards
Never feed wildlife,
including birds and
chipmunks. It’s illegal.
It makes the animals
unhealthy. You could be
bitten, scratched, kicked,
thrown, or trampled.
If you see a bear or
mountain lion, stop, stay
calm, and back away. Never turn your back or run
away. Stand tall and raise
your arms to look large.
Pick up small children.
Avalanches can be
easily triggered when
traveling in the wilderness. The park doesn’t do
any avalanche control. For
current conditions, check
locally or visit
colorado.gov/avalanche
Food, Water, Restrooms, and Roads
There are no food
services in the park at
this time of year. Food
is available in the park’s
gateway communities.
Safe-to-drink water is
available at some
facilities. Don’t assume
water will be available at
your destination. Water
from lakes and streams
isn’t safe to drink unless
you treat or filter it first.
Limited trailhead and
facility restrooms that
meet public health
guidance will be open.
If you have to go but
aren’t near a restroom,
you must step well away
from the trail and water
sources, bury your waste
at least six inches deep or
pack it out in a bag, and
carry out your toilet paper.
Smaller park roads,
Old Fall River Road,
and most of Trail Ridge
Road are closed. Winter
driving conditions are
possible at any time—
be prepared. Bear Lake
Road and other major
paved roads remain open
(weather permitting).
Driving between Estes
Park and Grand Lake
requires a significant
detour.
Altitude sickness
affects many visitors
every year. Symptoms
include headache, nausea,
fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and even unconsciousness. Altitude can also
aggravate preexisting
conditions like heart and
lung disease. Take your
time, drink water, eat,
and rest. The only cure for
altitude sickness is to go
down to a lower altitude.
CONTACT
Hidden Valley
Snowplay Status
970 586-1333
Park Information
970 586-1206
Emergencies
Call or text 911
Website
nps.gov/romo
Social Media
@RockyNPS
Winter 2020 / Spring 2021
Never Approach Wildlife
75 yards
Rocky Mountain National Park
WELCOME
Things to Do
Visitor Centers
Park rangers may be
available at the following visitor
centers:
Rocky Mountain Conservancy nature stores
are open at the following visitor centers:
• Beaver Meadows
• Kawuneeche
• Beaver Meadows
• Fall River
• Kawuneeche
A reduced number of
visitors will be allowed in
facilities at a given time.
Call the Information Office
for the latest info: 970586-1206
Rocky-themed
merchandise can also be
purchased online:
rmconservancy.org.
Great Horned Owlets
Rocky Pocket Ranger
Become a Junior Ranger
No ranger-led programs
are being offered this
winter.
Junior Rangers at Rocky
have fun discovering the
natural world and
learning why we need to
protect our national parks.
We need the help of all
our rangers to keep Rocky
protected for many years
to come!
As an alternative,
we’ve created a Rocky
Pocket Ranger, a
collection of fun
activities for all ages to
help you learn about
and explore the park.
Go to the next page to
begin your adventure.
Spruce tree cones
There are activity books
for kids ages 5 and under,
6–8, and 9+. Learn more at
go.nps.gov/RockyJr.
Watch Wildlife
Elk
All animals at Rocky are wild
and unpredictable. They are not
pets. Never feed or approach
wildlife: you could be hurt or
issued a fine (learn more on
front page).
If stopping a vehicle to view
wildlife, pull all the way off the
road, with all four wheels past
the white line. Do not park on
vegetation.
Bighorn Sheep
Black Bear
Mule Deer
Coyote
Visit go.nps.gov/RockyWildlife for
more info.
And More...
Bicycling
Camping
Fishing
Bicycles are allowed on all roads open to
Overnight stays must be in a campground or
A Colorado state fishing license is required.
motor vehicles unless otherwise posted. You
designated wilderness site. A portion of Mo-
Trout in the park include brown, brook,
must ride single file. They aren’t allowed on
raine Campground is open first-come, first-
rainbow, and cutthroat. Not all park lakes
trails except the East Shore Trail near Grand
served in winter. Learn more about summer
have reproducing populations. Learn more:
Lake. Learn more: go.nps.gov/RockyBicycling.
2021 camping: go.nps.gov/RockyCamping.
go.nps.gov/RockyFishing.
Holzwarth Historic Site
Horseback Riding
Wilderness Camping
Once a lodge, this historic site on the
Horses have been part of Rocky’s tradition
Overnight wilderness stays in winter are
park’s west side is now preserved for your
since its designation in 1915. Horses, mules,
a serious endeavor, requiring significant
enjoyment. Explore the grounds and read
ponies, llamas, and burros are allowed on
skill and planning. To learn more, visit the
educational signage on a short walk. Learn
park trails. No goats are allowed on park
Beaver Meadows Wilderness Office or visit
more: go.nps.gov/Holzwarth.
trails. Learn more: go.nps.gov/RockyHorses.
go.nps.gov/RockyWildernessCamping.
2
When you head outdoors, you leave behind
established food, water, and restroom facilities;
shelter from sun, wind, and weather; and easy
access to emergency services.
Navigating in winter can be hard. Use these tips
for a safe trip:
Before heading to the park:
Be prepared. Bring the right gear: layers of clothing,
warm outer layers, sunglasses and sunscreen, and
lots of water and snacks.
Don’t rely on cell phones. Many areas have no
service.
Carry a map and compass (or GPS) and know how
to use them.
Leave pets at home. Pets are prohibited on all park
trails.
Discuss your plans with family, friends, and park
staff at visitor centers.
Snowshoes and traction devices are recommended
during winter and spring.
Park trails are not marked or maintained for winter
use. Route-finding skills are important. Don’t rely
on other’s tracks which can lead you astray.
Snow-covered landscapes look very different than
in summer. Snow can be deep once you are offtrail.
Streams and lakes can have thin ice and be very
dangerous.
Be avalanche aware. Visit colorado.gov/avalanche
for the latest forecast.
Weather and trail conditions can change quickly
as snow falls and melts. Always be willing to turn
around.
Recommended Routes
D I S TA N C E
TRAILHEAD
D E S T I N AT I O N
( O N E W AY )
D I F F I C U LT Y
F E AT U R E S
Bear Lake
Bierstadt Lake
1.6 mi
Moderate
Dense spruce-fir forest; ends at a lake surrounded by spruce and fir trees.
Emerald Lake
1.8 mi
Strenuous
Landscape views of the iconic Longs Peak; Two
named lakes along the way - Nymph and Dream.
Deer Mountain
Deer Mountain
3.0 mi
Strenuous
Switchbacks through trees with a great view of
the park.
Wild Basin
Copeland Falls
1.5 mi
Easy
Follow a winding river though pine and aspen
forests to a waterfall.
Calypso Cascade
3 mi
Moderate
Follow a winding river though pine and aspen
forests to a waterfall. Copeland Falls is on the
way.
Ouzel Falls
3.9 mi
Moderate
Follow a winding river though pine and aspen
forests to a waterfall. Copeland Falls and Calypso
Cascade are along the way.
Fall River Road
Picnic Area
~1 mi
Easy / Flat
Snowshoe along a road through thick aspen
trees and a densely wooded forest to a picnic
area.
East Inlet
Meadow Overlook
0.5 mi
Easy
Snowshoe past the frozen and snow covered
Adams Falls to a meadow with views of Mount
Craig and surrounding peaks.
Green Mountain
Big Meadows
1.8 mi
Moderate
Snowshoe through the lodgepole pine forest to
scenic Big Meadows.
Coyote Valley
Kawuneeche Valley
0.5 mi
Easy
Snowshoe through the forest and across the Colorado River to explore the Kawuneeche Valley
with views of the Never Summer Mountains.
Holzwarth Historic
Site
Historic Homestead
0.5 mi
Easy
Snowshoe across the Kawuneeche Valley to explore the historic homestead and 1920’s era dude
ranch.
Colorado River
Lulu City Site
3.7 mi
Moderate
Snowshoe along the Colorado River, through forests and meadows, to the site of Lulu City. Route
traverses avalanche terrain.
Distances are from winter
recreation parking
The Keyhole Route to the summit of Longs Peak is NOT a hike.
It’s a climb that crosses huge vertical rock faces and requires scrambling
where an unroped fall would likely be fatal. Do not take this climb
lightly—especially in winter.
The terrain requires a high level of fitness and route-finding skills. Visitors have been injured and even died on this route. Injuries requiring
rescue are very dangerous and take hours, if not days, to evacuate.
Detailed info is available at go.nps.gov/LongsPeak.
Longs Peak
5
Activity Guide
ACTIVITY TIPS
Mtn
Lake
To Dream
0
0
0.5mi
0.8km
0.1
0.1
0.2
49
6
-10
165
130
184
419
370
229
69
6
302
75
160
20
-34
540
425
605
1,375
1,215
750
225
20
990
245
1.3
0.8
3.7
3.7
1.3
2.4
6.1
4.7
2.9
0.8
0.8
3.4
4.0
0.8
0.5
2.3
2.3
0.8
1.5
3.8
2.9
1.8
0.5
0.5
2.1
2.5
0.7mi
1.1km
Restrooms
Parking
Campground
Picnic area
Information
Trailhead
High avalanche risk
Trail distances
MARKERS NOT MAINTAINED
Marked crosscountry ski trail
Trail
Closed road
Unpaved road
12331ft
3758m
Knobtop
Mountain
12129ft
3697m
13153ft
4009m
Taylor Peak
Andrews
Glacier
12486ft
3806m
12713ft
3875m
C
o
ha
a
s C
ny
on
Emerald
Lake
3.5mi
5.6km
dall Gorge
Hallett Peak
Ty n
Otis Peak
12324ft
3756m
Fern
Lake
Two Rivers
Lake
Flattop Mtn
Lake
Helene
Odessa
Lake
Loomis
Lake
Notchtop
Mountain
11939ft
3639m
Gabletop
Mountain
Spruce
Lake
2.2mi
3.5km
Andrews
Tarn
2.0mi
3.2km
10761ft
3280m
Lake
Haiyaha
0.7mi
1.1km
1.0mi
1.6km
Sky Pond
Lake of
Glass
Timberline
Falls
LE
0.2mi
0.3km
0.7mi
1.1km
0.5mi
0.8km
Solitude
Lake
0.5mi
0.8km
To Black Lake
Shelf
Lake
Jewel
Lake
Mills
Lake
Thatchtop
12668ft
3861m
The Loch
0.6mi
1.0km
0.9mi
1.4km
0.9mi
1.4km
0.3mi
0.5km
0.4mi
0.6km
9538ft
2907m
Hollowell
Park
Sprague
Lake
To Longs Peak
Ranger Station
Bierstadt
Lake
1.5mi
2.4km
1.7mi
2.7km
North
To Longs Peak
Ranger Station
1.4mi
2.3km
0
0
1.9mi
3.1km
0.5
Closed to camping
Glacier Basin
Campground
36
Tuxedo Park
Closed in winter
0.5
1 Mile
1 Kilometer
East
Portal
To
Estes Park
Beaver Meadows
Visitor Center
Beaver Meadows
Entrance Station
66
Moraine Park
Discovery Center
0.4mi
0.6km
0.4mi
0.6km
e Road
Lak
ar
e
B
2.0mi
3.2km
MORAINE PARK
Park & Ride
0.3mi
0.5km
Cub Lake
Steep Mountain
Bierstadt
Lake
Half Mtn
11482ft
3500m
0.8mi
1.3km
Moraine Park
Campground
No
vehicles
beyond
gate
Trail Ridge Road
to Hidden Valley
Snowplay Area
Route Guide
Upper Beaver Meadows
No vehicles
beyond gate
1.5mi
2.4km
1.9mi
3.1km
1.3mi
2.1km
1.1mi
1.8km
0.5mi
0.8km
il
Tra
Alberta
0.9mi
Falls
1.4km
See detail upper left
0.5mi
0.8km
2.0mi
3.2km
1.5mi
2.4km
Cub Lake
BEAR LAKE AREA
Mount Wuh
Dream
Lake
Fern
Falls
The
Pool
1.7mi
2.7km
CIER
High risk avalanche areas are marked, but avalanches
can happen almost anywhere in this area.
Shuttle buses do not operate in winter.
All Glacier Gorge trails can be accessed from
Bear Lake. Add 0.1 miles to trail distance.
Alberta Falls
Bear Lake Loop
Bear
Bierstadt Lake from
Lake Trailhead
Cub Lake
Dream Lake
Emerald Lake
Fern Lake
Lake Helene
Mills Lake
Nymph Lake
Sprague Lake Loop
The Loch
The Pool
Falls
Lake
1.9mi
3.1km
To Sprague
Glacier Gorge
Trailhead
To Moraine Park
and Trail Ridge Rd
Bear Lake
Area Trails
0.5mi \ 0.8km
0.3mi
0.5km
To Alberta
ELEVATION GAIN
ft
m
0.3 Miles
0.4mi
0.6km
Bear Lake
Trailhead
0.3mi
0.5km
Lake
2.0mi \ 3.2km
To Bierstadt
DISTANCE
mi
km
0.2
0.3 Kilometers
0.5mi
0.8km
9475ft
2888m
Bear Lake
Bear Lake Loop
0.5mi
0.8km
DESTINATION
one way from nearest TH
North
0.3mi \ 0.5km
3.5mi
5.6km
To Flattop
Nymph
Lake
Helene
2.0mi \ 3.2km
To Lake
to the trailhead.
r
CH
VA
Bear Lake Corridor Trails
Congestion on roads, in parking areas, and along popular trails is
Rocky can be busy on winter weekends.
a
g
e
LO
Winter
6
h e
c
n
l a
a
A v
D
n
GLA
GORGE
Route Guide
Alpine Visitor Center
Fall River
Pass
Chapin Creek
Trailhead
1.5mi
2.4km
Mount Chapin
12454ft
3796m
Old Fall River
13514ft
4119m
Mount
Chiquita
13069ft
3983m
Ypsilon Mountain
0.7mi
1.1km
Campground
Information
Trail distances
13502ft
4115m
Fairchild
Mountain
Ypsilon
Lake
1.4mi
2.3km
Crystal
Lake
3.1mi
5.0km
1.4mi
2.3km
Lawn
Lake
Ro
Mount
Tileston
11254ft
3430m
Bighorn Mountain
Sheep Lakes
Park
Deer Ridge
Junction
Trailhead
0.4mi
0.6km
4.5mi
7.2km
Fall River
Entrance
Station
Bla
ck
34
Dark Mountain
10859ft
3310m
MacGregor
Mountain
10486ft
3196m
Fall River Visitor Center
36
Beaver Meadows
Visitor Center
Beaver Meadows
Entrance Station
7.3mi
11.7km
Aspenglen
Campground
3.0mi
4.8km
9937ft
3029m
Deer Mtn
Winter
Gate
Bear Lake Road
to Moraine Park
Park & Ride and
Bear Lake
Upper Beaver
Meadows
0.9mi
1.4km
0.6mi
1.0km
shoe
Wildlife viewing
11463ft
3494m
34
Hor
se
0.6mi
1.0km
4.3mi
6.9km
1.4mi
2.3km
4.7mi
7.6km
loop
Beaver
Mountain
Loop
Winter Gate
Beaver
Mountain
10491ft
3198m
Many
Parks
Curve
Beaver
Ponds
Winter Gate
Alluvial
Fan
Start of Old
Fall River Road
e Ro
ad
Rainbow Curve
Endovalley Rive
r
T
Sledding (winter only)
Restrooms
Food service
Picnic area
Shuttle stop
r a i l R id g
t er
C l o se d in wi n
Hidden Valley
l
Spectacle
Lakes
Chiquita
Lake
Trail (hiker only)
Trail (horse/hiker)
Unpaved road
Ro
O
a
d
9.0m
Na ne-wa
i / 14
rro
w d y up o
.5 km
nly. R
irt r
oad
oa
d
o
p
e
w
n
i
e
t
a
h
r
l
y
n
o
J
u
guardr
ly–Sep
ails, tig
t.
ht swi
tchb
a
c
k
s Chasm
Falls Fal
18
354
553
195
740
908
330
330
253
685
664
876
ELEVATION GAIN
ft
m
60
1160
1814
640
2429
2980
1083
1083
830
2249
2180
2874
r
ve
Ri
E
G
N
A
R
Fall River Area Trails
To
Grand Lake
Old Fall River Road
•
•
•
DISTANCE
mi
km
•
DESTINATION
0.3 0.5
4.7 7.6
1.5 2.4
2.2 3.5
2.4 3.9
7.7 12.4
3.0 4.8
10.3 16.6
1.7 2.7
6.3 10.1
4.5 7.2
3.5 5.6
Closed in winter
Open to bicyclists and dogs on leash from
April 1 to November 15, except during
road maintenance operations and
emergency closures as posted.
Bicycles can go downhill only when road
is closed to vehicles. When open to
vehicles, bicycles must go uphill.
Vehicles over 25 feet long and trailers are
prohibited.
Alluvial Fan
Beaver Mountain Loop
Mount Chapin
Chasm Falls (from winter gate)
Mount Chiquita (no trail)
Crystal Lake
Deer Mountain
Deer Mountain Loop
Gem Lake
Lawn Lake
Ypsilon Lake
Ypsilon Mountain (no trail)
All distances are one way from nearest trailhead.
g
in
ar
Y
M
M
U
M
0
0
The Needles
2 Kilometers
Cow
4.2mi
6.8km
2 Miles
1.0mi
1.6km
Balanced
Rock
RIDGE
Cre
ek
1.1mi
1.8km
To
Glen
Haven
ad
To
Loveland
Ro
Gem
Lake
1.2mi
1.9km
0.5mi
0.8km
l ch
34
07
To
Lyons and
Boulder
stes
Lake E
36
To
Lily Lake
Longs Peak
and Wild Basin
PARK
ESTES
Estes Park
Visitor Center
u
Devils G
Lumpy Ridge
Trailhead
0.6mi
1.0km
0.6mi
1.0km
The Twin Owls
ue
MacGregor
Avenue
LU
MP
Y
3.2mi
5.1km
El
k
ho
Marys Lake
Road
rn
Av
en
Castle Mountain
8834ft
2693m
n
10068ft
3069m
nyo
North
Ca
66
7
Winter Activities
View Wildlife
Hike
Seeing wildlife in winter is a thrill. Bring your field
guides, binoculars, and cameras.
Elk and mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk
and are usually seen in meadows like Horseshoe Park,
Moraine Park and Harbison Meadow.
Moose are best found along the Colorado River on
the park’s west side.
Bighorn sheep may be seen along the Highway 34/
Fall River corridor on the park’s east side.
Coyotes may be seen any time of day.
Black-billed magpies, Steller’s jays, and Clark’s
nutcrackers are some of our year-round birds.
Believe it or not, it’s still possible to hike in
winter. Lower-elevation trails on the park’s east side
are often free of deep snow.
Sled
Snowshoe
Want to sled? Go to the only place in the park
it’s allowed: Hidden Valley! No tows are provided
up this fairly gentle hill, so you’ll get a workout as you
walk your sled, saucer, or tube up the slope and then
enjoy a breather on the fun ride down.
Ever thought: I’d like to hike in the winter and
see the park’s beautiful backcountry, but there’s
all that snow? Consider snowshoeing!
Restrooms are available by the parking lot. Stay
alert: skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers may pass
through. Park rangers and volunteers aren’t always
on duty; sled at your own risk. For status call 970-5861333.
While skis or snowshoes aren’t required, packed snow
and ice can be extremely slippery. Stabilizer devices
and poles are highly recommended to prevent
dangerous falls and make your hike safe and
enjoyable. Stay away from dangerous slopes and
snowfields. When in doubt, turn around.
Snowshoes, waterproof boots, and layers of clothing are essential. While optional, poles help maintain
balance, and waterproof pants or gaiters help keep
you warm and dry. Park trails are not marked or maintained in winter. Route finding skills are important.
Don’t rely on other’s tracks which can lead you astray.
Cross-country Ski
Backcountry Ski/Ride
Picture yourself gliding through a silent forest
full of fresh, white snow. Cross-country skiing is
a rejuvenating sport that pairs exercise with the
beauty of nature.
For the experienced and well-prepared, Rocky’s
steep terrain provides many opportunities for
backcountry skiers and snowboarders. (Skiing and
snowboarding are not allowed in the Hidden Valley
snowplay area. You may pass through, but slow down
and yield the right of way to sledders.)
In general, cross-country skiing is easier on the west
side of the park (gentler terrain and deeper snow).
However, you’re welcome to strap on your skis
throughout the park. Skis and poles with large baskets
are required. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep
you warm and dry. Skiers must be in control at all times
and give notice when approaching others on the trail.
Be prepared for variable snow conditions and harsh
weather. Much of the park is in avalanche terrain.
Check the avalanche forecast at avalanche.state.co.us.
At a minimum, carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and
shovel, and know how to use them. Be self-reliant.
Your safety is your responsibility.
Notes and Tips
Dress for Success
See the front page for clothing recommendations. Even
though it might be cold, the sun is still intense at elevation, especially when reflecting off snow. Don’t forget
sunglasses and sunscreen when you venture out.
Know Where You Are
Navigating in winter can be extremely difficult. Park
trails are not marked for winter use, and you can’t depend on others’ tracks. Have and know how to use a
topographic map and compass. When used correctly,
GPS units can be very helpful. Don’t rely on cell phones;
service is unreliable.
What If I Don’t Have My Own Equipment?
You can rent or purchase equipment in Estes Park and
Grand Lake, including snowshoes, cross-country skis,
poles, boots, sleds, tubes, saucers, gaiters, and stabilizers.
Snowshoeing is always an adventure!
Avalanches can be easily triggered by backcountry travelers. Educate yourself and stay alert.
8
When you think of spring what
comes to mind? Feet of snow, ice,
howling winds, and winter storm
warnings? No? Then spring in Rocky
might surprise you!
As elevation increases, average
annual temperature decreases. With
even the lowest parts of the park
sitting above 7,000 feet (2,130 m),
this means that sub-freezing
temperatures often extend into
June (and in the high mountains,
year-round).
Spring
“Spring” in Rocky May Surprise You
This also means that, even though
there may be little or no snow and
somewhat warm temps near park
entrances, conditions will quickly
change as you drive farther into the
park.
Still, while spring here might be
different than what you’re used
to, it still shows its beautiful signs.
And with the proper planning, it’s
a great season to visit. Read onto
learn more about how to have a
safe, memorable visit.
The Right Stuff
Spring is a time of change. Weather shifts rapidly. Trails are different
from mile to mile and day to day.
When hiking in spring, bring the
right gear so that you’ll be safe and
comfortable in whatever conditions
greet you during your visit. Bring:
Multiple warm layers. Adjust
to ever-changing conditions by
shedding and donning layers as
needed.
A warm hat and gloves. You’ll be
glad you have them!
Warm waterproof shoes. Snow,
slush, and mud are common in
spring—often all on the same
trail.
Wind- and waterproof outer
layers. Strong, bitterly-cold wind
is common in Rocky. Heavy, wet
snow—whether falling from the
sky or melting off of trees—and
rain are always a possibility.
A thick coat. When the weather
shifts and the going gets tough,
being able to throw on a big,
warm coat during rest stops can
be a lifesaver.
Traction devices (see photo at
right). Packed snow and ice are
common throughout the park
and can cause dangerous slips
and falls. Traction devices give
you piece of mind and can help
you reach your hiking objectives.
Sprague Lake in April
An example traction device.
Signs of the Season
Spring runoff under snow.
Mountain bluebirds, one of the first migratory birds to return.
Pasqueflowers, the first flowers to bloom in spring.
Fresh May snow dusts ponderosa pine needles.
11
Safety and Regulations
It is your responsibility to be
safe and to know and obey park
rules. You can find park safety
information, rules, and regulations at visitor centers, entrance
stations, trailhead bulletin
boards, and the park website at
nps.gov/romo.
Firearm possession in the park
is permitted for those legally authorized to possess firearms under federal, Colorado, or local laws. However, hunting, recreational shooting,
and target practice are illegal. Federal law prohibits firearms in park
buildings and facilities. Those legally allowed to carry firearms must
comply with all applicable state and
federal firearm laws.
Emotional support (“therapy animals”) and service-animals-in-training are not service animals under
the Americans with Disabilities Act
and may not access trails or other
non-motorized areas.
Rivers and streams can be
deadly. Park waters are frigid.
Powerful currents can knock you
Campfires are permitted only
over and pull you downstream or
in campgrounds and picnic
underwater, where you may beareas with fire grates. During high
Marijuana possession and use come trapped. Streamside rocks are
fire danger, campfires may be prooften slippery, and nearby water
is illegal in Rocky Mountain
hibited. Collecting vegetation, dead
National Park and all federal lands, may be deep. Always closely superor alive, is prohibited. Extinguish
vise children around all water but
even though small amounts of
and dispose of charcoal and ash.
especially near rivers and streams.
recreational marijuana are legal in
Cell service is unavailable
Colorado.
Take only pictures. It is illegal
in much of the park. Don’t
to take any natural features
Pets are prohibited on ALL
depend on a cell phone for
including pinecones, rocks, antlers,
park trails, tundra, and meademergency help.
and artifacts or to disturb soil, rocks,
ow areas. Leashed pets are only
Drones are not allowed
allowed in picnic areas, parking lots, or vegetation (including flowers).
anywhere in Rocky Mountain campgrounds, and along roadsides. Metal detector use is prohibited.
National Park. This includes
Never leave pets in vehicles if it puts
Wilderness travel should be
launching, landing, and operating
them in danger or they become
done in a group, not alone.
drones.
a public nuisance. When outside
vehicles, pets must be on leashes no Leave a detailed trip itinerary with a
Falling trees are an
friend—this helps park authorities if
longer than six feet. Pets may not
ever-present hazard and
be left tied to vehicles, trees, or oth- you fail to return. Mountain weathcan fall without warning. Be extra
er objects. Service animals that have er changes quickly. If conditions are
careful around dead trees when it’s been individually trained to permore difficult than anticipated, turn
windy or following a snowstorm.
form specific tasks for the benefit of around. Camping is only allowed in
persons with disabilities are allowed designated sites with a permit.
in the park.
An on-snow hike to Dream and Emerald lakes using poles and traction devices.