Rocky Mountainfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 74% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:46 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Rocky Mountain National Park
Last spring frost usually in ~8 months
Sep 17Average first fall frost
May 30Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Estes Park 3 SSE station (2 mi away, 7,812 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Rocky Mountain National Park through the year
- Busy seasonNowMay–Oct
- Tundra wildflowersMay–Aug
- Old Fall River Road openNowJul–Oct
- Snow on the Bear Lake TrailOct–Jun
- Trail Ridge Road closedOct–May
Best spots around Rocky Mountain National Park
- Bear Lake Road9.2 miles, climbing from 8,200 to 9,475 ft; aspens at Moraine Park, Hollowell Park and Glacier Gorge
- Bierstadt LakeA popular fall hike with mountain views and aspens
- Trail Ridge Road48 miles, up to 12,183 ft: the highest continuous paved road in the US
- Kawuneeche ValleyWest-side color from Harbison Meadows up to the tundra
Around Colorado this week
- Guanella Pass55 mi · Colorado timing: Sep 1–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (28°F)Thufrost (29°F)Fridry and calmSatfrost (32°F)Sunfrost (31°F)
- Maroon Bells116 mi · usually Sep 21–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedfrost (32°F)Thudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Black Canyon171 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Rocky Mountain alpine tundra ecosystem (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Learn about fall colors (Rocky Mountain) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Rocky Mountain timed entry 2026 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Exploring the Bear Lake Road corridor (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, View fall colors on Bear Lake Road (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Rocky Mountain road status (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, View fall colors on the west side of Rocky (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Rocky Mountain hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2026?
The National Park Service says fall color shows in September and October: Sep 1–Oct 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Do I need a reservation?
In 2026, yes, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. through October 12, and for Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. through October 18. You can enter the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without one.Source: National Park Service, Rocky Mountain timed entry 2026 ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When does Bear Lake parking fill up?
Early, all year: the Park Service says the lot is often full by 9 a.m.Source: National Park Service, Exploring the Bear Lake Road corridor ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Bear Lake Road: 9.2 miles, climbing from 8,200 to 9,475 ft; aspens at Moraine Park, Hollowell Park and Glacier Gorge; Bierstadt Lake: a popular fall hike with mountain views and aspens; Trail Ridge Road: 48 miles, up to 12,183 ft: the highest continuous paved road in the US; Kawuneeche Valley: west-side color from Harbison Meadows up to the tundra.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Trail Ridge Road closed (Oct–May).
What is Rocky Mountain National Park like through the year?
Busy season (May–Oct), Old Fall River Road open (Jul–Oct), Trail Ridge Road closed (Oct–May), Snow on the Bear Lake Trail (Oct–Jun) and Tundra wildflowers (May–Aug).