Rocky Mountain National Park hit by snow

Rocky Mountain National Park was still dealing with snow-covered roads, icy trails and delayed spring access on Thursday, May 21, after a late-season storm swept across northern Colorado. The National Park Service said a spring snowstorm brought more than a foot of fresh snow to some high elevations inside the park earlier in the week. The storm hit just days before Memorial Day, when visitation typically starts to build and timed-entry reservations are set to resume. AccuWeather published images on May 21 showing trails and overlooks in the park buried in snow. ### How much snow fell inside the park? The National Park Service said that on Tuesday, May 19, there was “over a foot of new snow” on the ground at Rainbow Curve, a high-elevation area along Trail Ridge Road. Park staff said snow was still falling that morning and warned that more snow was in the extended forecast over the following several days. The National Weather Service had placed Rocky Mountain National Park under a winter storm warning for areas above 9,000 feet through the evening of Monday, May 18. (nps.gov) The warning covered parts of Larimer, Grand and Boulder counties, including Rocky Mountain National Park, before expiring at 9 p.m. that night as snowfall tapered. ### Why were roads still a problem days later? (nps.gov) Trail Ridge Road, the park’s seasonal cross-park route, remained closed to through traffic on May 21. The National Park Service said the road was closed on the east side at Rainbow Curve and on the west side at Colorado River Trailhead, and said it was unknown when it would reopen because of current conditions and incoming weather and wind in the high country. (forecast.weather.gov) Rocky Mountain National Park says Trail Ridge Road normally stays closed from mid-October to late May. That seasonal closure means spring plowing operations were already underway, but the latest storm added fresh snow and left crews dealing with changing conditions at elevations above 11,500 feet. ### What did conditions look like for hikers? The park’s trail conditions page said fresh snow and ice remained widespread on trails, especially above 9,000 feet. (nps.gov) The National Park Service said hikers in higher elevations would likely need snowshoes or skis, while visitors at lower elevations should carry traction devices and waterproof boots. A temporary closure above Nymph Lake also remained in effect through Thursday, May 21, for a bridge replacement project. (nps.gov) During that closure, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake and Lake Haiyaha were accessible only from the Lake Haiyaha Trail, which the park said was covered with snow and ice on a steep section. ### Why is this unusual for late May but not unheard of? (nps.gov) Rocky Mountain National Park said spring conditions can change rapidly and that snow, strong winds and icy roads can occur at any time during winter and spring in the high country. The park’s visitor guidance for winter and spring travel tells visitors through May to pack warm layers, traction devices and snowshoes because conditions can shift quickly with elevation. (nps.gov) The timing stands out because the storm arrived just before Memorial Day weekend, when many visitors expect summerlike access. The park says late May through October is among its busiest periods, and timed-entry reservations for many areas begin on May 23. ### What should visitors watch next? The National Park Service said visitors should monitor the park’s roads page and official social media accounts for updates on Trail Ridge Road and other changing conditions. (nps.gov) Rocky Mountain National Park also maintains a recorded road-status line at (970) 586-1222, and timed-entry requirements are scheduled to begin May 23 for parts of the park. (nps.gov)