🚨 Current Status (August 15, 2025)

Road Status: OPEN - Full route Estes Park to Grand Lake

Weather Alert: Afternoon thunderstorms possible above treeline

Emergency Phone: (970) 586-1222

Last Updated: Daily 6 AM MT

Emergency Numbers (Save to Your Phone)

• Park Emergency: 911 or (970) 586-1399
• Road Conditions: (970) 586-1222
• Weather Service: (303) 494-4221
• Towing Services: (970) 586-1717

Important: Cell service is limited above treeline. Download offline maps before starting.

🎥 Official Rocky Mountain National Park Webcams

• Alpine Visitor Center: Live view at 11,796 feet elevation - Highest visitor center in the National Park System, shows alpine tundra and Old Fall River Road views
• Longs Peak Webcam: 14,259-foot summit view - Monitors weather conditions on Colorado's most prominent peak
• Continental Divide Webcam: Glacier Basin Campground area - Views of Thatchtop, Taylor Peak, Otis Peak, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain
• Kawuneeche Valley Webcam: Western approach conditions - Real-time view from Grand Lake side entrance
• Beaver Meadows Entrance: Eastern entrance traffic flow - Monitor entry conditions from Estes Park
• Grand Lake Entrance: Western entrance traffic - US Highway 34/Trail Ridge Road entrance view

📊 National Weather Service Monitoring Points

• Trail Ridge Road (12,183 ft): Current conditions at summit - Temperature, wind, precipitation
• Alpine Visitor Center (11,796 ft): High alpine weather data - Real-time alpine tundra conditions
• Estes Park (7,522 ft): Eastern gateway conditions - Valley weather and approach forecasts
• Grand Lake (8,369 ft): Western gateway weather - Approach conditions from west side
• Granby Airport (KGNB): Official aviation weather - Professional weather reporting station

⚡ NOAA Weather Alerts & Warnings

• National Weather Service Denver: Local forecasts and warnings - Official weather service for Colorado Front Range
• Mountain Weather Forecasts: Colorado 14ers conditions - Specialized high elevation forecasts
• NOAA Graphical Forecasts: Colorado state weather maps - Visual weather tracking
• Road Conditions Hotline: (970) 586-1222 - 24/7 recorded Trail Ridge Road status

❄️ SNOTEL Snow Depth Monitoring

• Bear Lake SNOTEL: Snow depth data - Eastern park snow conditions
• Wild Basin SNOTEL: Snow monitoring station - Southern park area snow data
• Kawuneeche Valley SNOTEL: Western snow conditions - Grand Lake area snow depth

⚡ Lightning Risk - HIGH

Risk Level: Extreme above treeline 11 AM - 5 PM

Action Required: Descend below treeline or seek hard shelter immediately when thunder is heard

Safe Zones: Visitor centers, enclosed vehicles (not convertibles)

🌪️ High Winds - MODERATE

Current Gusts: 25-40 mph above 11,000 feet

Vehicle Impact: RVs, trailers, and high-profile vehicles use extreme caution

Recommendation: Consider postponing if driving large recreational vehicles

❄️ Temperature Drops - LOW

Current Risk: Low for August, but possible early morning frost

Preparation: Bring layers - temperature can drop 40°F from valley to summit

✅ Essential Vehicle Checks

• Engine: V6 minimum recommended for 6% grades
• Brakes: Must be in excellent condition for steep descents
• Coolant: Check levels and hoses - overheating is common
• Fuel: FULL tank required - no services on 48-mile route
• Tires: Good tread essential for mountain conditions
• Emergency Kit: Water, food, warm clothes, first aid

🎒 Essential Emergency Kit

Navigation & Communication:

• Paper maps (cell service unreliable)
• Fully charged phone with offline maps
• Emergency whistle
• Flashlight with extra batteries

Weather Protection:

• Rain jacket and pants
• Warm layers (fleece, wool)
• Hat and gloves
• Emergency blanket

Food & Water:

• Extra water (1 gallon per person minimum)
• High-energy snacks
• Emergency food for 24 hours

Vehicle Supplies:

• Extra coolant and oil
• Basic tools
• Tire repair kit
• Tow strap

✅ Weather & Conditions Check

• ☐ Check weather forecast at Trail Ridge Road specific forecast
• ☐ Call road conditions hotline: (970) 586-1222
• ☐ Review current alerts at nps.gov/romo conditions
• ☐ Check timed entry reservations if traveling 9 AM - 2 PM
• ☐ Download offline maps to phone

🔧 Vehicle Preparation Checklist

• ☐ Full fuel tank (mandatory - no services for 48 miles)
• ☐ Check engine coolant level and condition
• ☐ Inspect brake fluid and brake pads
• ☐ Test air conditioning and heating systems
• ☐ Check tire pressure and tread depth
• ☐ Verify spare tire is in good condition
• ☐ Test all lights (headlights, brake lights, signals)
• ☐ Check windshield wipers and washer fluid
• ☐ Ensure emergency kit is complete (see below)

🥤 Food & Water (Minimum 24-Hour Supply)

• ☐ 1 gallon water per person
• ☐ High-energy snacks (nuts, granola bars, dried fruit)
• ☐ Emergency food rations
• ☐ Can opener (if bringing canned food)
• ☐ Disposable utensils and cups

🧥 Clothing & Protection

• ☐ Warm layers for all passengers (fleece, wool)
• ☐ Waterproof rain jacket and pants
• ☐ Warm hats and gloves
• ☐ Extra socks and underwear
• ☐ Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
• ☐ Emergency blankets (space blankets)
• ☐ Sunglasses and sunscreen (high altitude UV)

🚨 Safety & Communication Equipment

• ☐ Fully charged cell phone with car charger
• ☐ Paper maps (cell service unreliable above treeline)
• ☐ Flashlight with extra batteries
• ☐ Emergency whistle
• ☐ First aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, medications
• ☐ Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• ☐ Emergency flares or reflective triangles
• ☐ Duct tape and zip ties

🔧 Vehicle Emergency Supplies

• ☐ Extra engine coolant (at least 1 quart)
• ☐ Extra motor oil
• ☐ Jumper cables or portable jump starter
• ☐ Tire pressure gauge and 12V air compressor
• ☐ Tire repair kit (plugs, patches)
• ☐ Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)
• ☐ Tow strap or recovery rope
• ☐ Emergency tire chains (seasonal)

🌅 Departure Checklist (Morning Of)

• ☐ Check weather one final time
• ☐ Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return
• ☐ Start early (6-8 AM recommended for best conditions)
• ☐ Dress in layers - you can remove but can't add what you don't have
• ☐ Eat a substantial breakfast
• ☐ Use restroom before departing (limited facilities on route)
• ☐ Top off fuel tank even if mostly full
• ☐ Test all vehicle systems one final time

🚨 Continuous Monitoring Protocol

• ☐ Monitor engine temperature gauge constantly
• ☐ Watch for weather changes (clouds building over peaks)
• ☐ Pull over immediately if you hear thunder
• ☐ Stop if anyone experiences altitude sickness symptoms
• ☐ Use lower gears on steep descents to save brakes
• ☐ Allow slower vehicles to pass at designated pullouts
• ☐ Turn around if conditions deteriorate
• ☐ Stop for photos only at designated safe areas

✅ Post-Visit Vehicle Check

• ☐ Allow brakes to cool completely before descending
• ☐ Check coolant level after engine cools
• ☐ Inspect tires for damage from rough roads
• ☐ Clean windshield for clear visibility
• ☐ Check headlights and taillights for damage
• ☐ Plan fuel stop before hitting lower elevation highways

🆘 If You Experience Problems

Vehicle Breakdown:

1. Move to safest possible location off roadway
2. Turn on hazard lights immediately
3. Call 911 or (970) 586-1399 if available
4. Stay with vehicle unless immediate danger
5. Use emergency flares or reflective triangles
6. Conserve phone battery for emergencies

Medical Emergency:

1. Call 911 immediately (if cell service available)
2. Administer basic first aid if trained
3. Keep patient warm and comfortable
4. Flag down other vehicles for help
5. Be prepared to drive to lower elevation

Severe Weather:

1. Seek immediate hard shelter (visitor centers, restrooms)
2. If in vehicle, stay inside (acts as Faraday cage)
3. Avoid contact with metal surfaces
4. Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before moving
5. Turn around if conditions worsen