Find out What's New in Rocky Mountain National Park
Here you'll find the latest news from Rocky Mountain National Park as well as other information that will be helpful for your visit.
Roads Close on East Side of RMNP Due to Inclement Weather
See updates at the bottom of this page.
March 13 2024
Due to a forecasted significant winter storm resulting in difficult to nearly impossible travel, park staff will be preemptively closing inbound vehicle access on the park's east side roads...
New Transponder Devices Available for Transponder Lane at RMNP
Voluntary automated gate transponders are available for purchase at Rocky Mountain National Park for annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP, America the Beautiful, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access and Fourth grade passes...
Temporary Closures in Lumpy Ridge and Loch Vale Areas to Protect Nesting Raptors
Each year, to protect breeding and nesting sites of raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. Raptors that are protected include multiple species of hawks, owls, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons...
Explore Park Science at Rocky Mountain National Park’s Biennial Research Conference
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) invites you to explore research, monitoring, and management during the Biennial Research Conference “Challenges and Collaborations for Changing Landscapes” on March 6-7 at the Ridgeline Hotel in Estes Park...
RMNP Offers Ranger-Led Ski Tours on the West Side of the Park this February
For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded. With a blanket of snow on the ground, visitors can enjoy the natural quiet. Cross-country skiing is a fun and challenging wintertime activity that offers new ways to explore the majestic scenery of Rocky...
Suspect arrested following pursuit in the Estes Valley
On the evening of Jan. 25, 2024, at approximately 6:05 p.m., dispatch received multiple REDDI reports of a vehicle driving erratically in the area of U.S. 36 heading toward Estes Park.
The vehicle was identified as a GMC Yukon swerving and passing in no passing zones without its lights on...
RMNP Announces Return of the Park’s Artist-In-Residence Program
Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2024 program.
Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are pleased to announce the return of the park’s Artist-In-Residence program in summer 2024...
Rocky Mountain Conservancy Announces Upcoming Speaker Series at Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy are partnering to offer exciting learning opportunities focused on the park this winter and spring.
The public is invited to an ongoing speaker series with topics covering wildlife, history, culture, ecosystems, and a broad variety of ongoing research in Rocky...
Joining a Ranger-Guided Snowshoe Walk is a Great Way to Explore RMNP this Winter
For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded, yet alive with activity. Weekends are much busier than weekdays. For those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the wonders of the park...
RMNP Announces a Pilot Reservation System Using Timed Entry in 2024
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) will implement a pilot reservation system using timed entry in 2024, beginning May 24.
The pilot is similar to that used in 2023 with two types of reservations available...
RMNP Announces Winter Pile Burning Operations on Both Sides of Park
Fire managers from Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of any upcoming wet or winter weather conditions to burn piles of slash generated from several fuels reduction projects and hazard tree removals...
RMNP Seeks Public Input on an Environmental Assessment for Long-Range Day Use Visitor Access
Rocky Mountain National Park is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the park’s long-range day use visitor access plan. This plan is needed to provide day use visitor access in a way that protects resources while creating opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences...
Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Conservation Corps Marks Successful 2023 Season
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy Conservation Corps recently marked its 20th anniversary by fielding the largest crew and accomplishing its most ambitious work program in its history.
Working with National Park Service and National Forest Service counterparts, the 54-member corps improved some of the most popular recreational resources in Colorado...
Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project is Complete
The Sprague Lake Boardwalk Replacement Project is now complete inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Located along Bear Lake Road, the Sprague Lake Loop is a 0.7-mile trail around the lake. Sprague Lake is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake and the Continental Divide as well as activities like fishing and wildlife viewing...
The Rocky Report - October 2023
The October 2023 edition of The Rocky Report includes information about upcoming weather, Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road closures, the Timed Entry Reservation system ending for 2023, Visitor Centers moving to winter hours, construction updates at the Fall River Entrance and Moraine Park Campground and construction updates in Estes Park...
Trail Ridge Road is Closed to Through Travel for the 2023 Season
Today, Wednesday, October 18, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) officially closed for the season to through travel. Many popular driving destinations for this time of year include Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, and Horseshoe Park on the east side of the park as well as the section of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park, are all open...
Trail Ridge Road Status, October 11 2023
Trail Ridge Road is in the process of being closed due to incoming weather and drifting snow on the road at higher elevations. The closures are currently at Milner Pass on the west side of the park and Rainbow Curve on the east side of the park...
Search Efforts Ongoing For Missing Man in RMNP
Yesterday, September 29, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers continued search efforts for Chad Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado. He was reported overdue on September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park...
RMNP Announces that Hazardous Fuels Reduction Projects Planned for the Fall 2023-Winter 2024 Season
Rocky Mountain National Park announces that hazardous fuels reduction projects are planned to take place in strategic locations this fall and winter season within Rocky Mountain National Park on and near Deer Mountain, as well as within the park boundary west of the Allenspark Trailhead...
Old Fall River Road to Close for the Season to Vehicles October 3, 2023
Old Fall River Road will be closing for the season to vehicles beginning Tuesday, October 3. The road will be closed to all uses through Friday, October 6, for park staff to conduct road maintenance...
RMNP to Host a Weekend of Native Songs and Dances from Fri. Sep. 8 through Sun. Sep. 10
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 2023 Indigenous Connections programming continues this Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10, 2023 with Native songs and dances performed by the award-winning singer-songwriter, Shelley Morningsong, and professional Native dancer and storyteller, Fabian Fantenelle...
New Rocky Mountain National Park YouTube Channel
A new YouTube channel on Rocky Mountain National Park has recently launched. It is designed to provide vital visitor information and education enabling park visitors to have an even better experience...
Gorgeous New Hardcover Book on Rocky Mountain National Park
On September 1, 2023, Rocky Trail Press released the second edition of its award-winning book Wild Light, by author and photographer Erik Stensland that showcases the beauty and wonder of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Annual Meadow Closures in RMNP in Effect Beginning September 1 for Elk Rut Season
Beginning on September 1, annual meadow closures go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season, also known as the elk rut...
Release Of Prospectus For Firewood Sales At Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park staff has announced the Prospectus Release for a business opportunity to provide seasonal firewood sales to eastside campgrounds within the park. The prospectus outlines this business opportunity for selling firewood in the campgrounds, describes the Contract, and provides details on how to submit a responsive proposal...
Recovery Efforts Completed for the Body of a 21-Year-Old Female
On the morning of Monday, August 14, recovery efforts were completed in the Flying Dutchman couloir for the body of a 21-year-old female from Severance, Colorado. Park rangers requested assistance from a Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control helicopter and helitack crew...
Two Separate Incidents Occurred in RMNP this weekend
One Fatality Above Chasm Lake and Two Others Seriously Injured
On Saturday afternoon, August 12, a 21-year-old female from Severance, Colorado died after an approximate 300-foot fall. A 25-year-old male from San Angelo, Texas also fell approximately 300 feet and suffered critical injuries...
RMC Offers Unique Outdoor Recreation and Education Opportunities for Women in RMNP
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy invites women and those who identify as female to explore a new series of Field Institute courses at Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) called “Bettie Courses.” These educational opportunities are designed to encourage women to experience the outdoors while learning about the natural environment, conservation efforts, and building confidence in outdoor skills...
Fatality on Mount Ida Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
On the afternoon of Monday, July 17, a 51-year-old male from Carencro, Louisiana was found unresponsive a little over one mile from the Mount Ida Trailhead by park visitors hiking in the area. They notified park rangers via a personal locator beacon and began CPR on the individual...
Two Climbers Rescued on the Diamond of Longs Peak
On the evening of Tuesday, July 11, 2023, park rangers received a report of two climbers stranded and unable to complete their climb on Longs Peak. Neither party was injured. Rangers remained in contact with both climbers overnight and Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members set out at first light on Wednesday, July 12...
Fatality on Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park
On Sunday, July 9, 2023, a 26-year-old female from Boulder, Colorado died after an approximate 500-foot-fall while free-solo climbing on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park...
Fatality at West Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, a 25-year-old male from Providence, Rhode Island died after falling and being pulled underwater at West Creek Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. His body was recovered last evening...
Old Fall River Road Will Open To Vehicles Saturday, July 1
Old Fall River Road will open to vehicles on Saturday, July 1. It is currently closed to all uses, including bicycles and pedestrians, until Friday morning, June 30, for dust abatement. This historic road normally opens by the fourth of July weekend...
RMC Conservation Corps Brings in Largest Crew to Celebrate 20-Year Anniversary
Twenty years ago, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association (now the Rocky Mountain Conservancy) leadership and Colorado philanthropist Bruce Dines had a simple idea: why not launch a Conservation Corps for Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) modeled after the post-Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps? With Dines’ initial financial support, the Conservation Corps was established to expose young people to rigorous service work, provide education and experience in natural resource conservation, and develop the next generation of environmental stewards...
NPS Selects New Superintendent of RMNP
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Gary Ingram as superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ingram will begin his new assignment in August. As superintendent, Ingram will oversee 150 permanent staff and approximately 250 seasonal staff and will work to continue to address complex challenges such as climate change and wildland fire; ecosystem restoration; and managing day use visitation that sustains the park's resources and offers varied quality visitor experiences...
Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses For Road Maintenance July 18-July 21
Beginning Tuesday, July 18, through Friday, July 21, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance...