Area Conditions
Note: Unfortunately, this section can't be updated as much as I'd like, simply because I can't visit the park as often as I'd like. I only go in the park four or five days a week. The remaining two or three days I have to rest from the other days. If you have visited the park since the last conditions update, please send in a report of the latest conditions! Thanks!
Conditions as of May 27th, 1999:
It is Spring in Rocky Mountain National Park and conditions for the pursuit of Le Grande Alpinism are at their finest!
The Aspen trees have the new green growth of Spring and some wildflowers are blooming at elevations between 7000 - 10,000 feet. At higher elevations we have a snowpack of 2 - 10 foot deep that makes for excellent skii mountaineering.
By driving your car to the higher elevations via Trail Ridge Road you can start skiing just a few feet from where you park your car. The classic skii mountaineering descents in RMNP like the Sundance Snowfield are in excellent condition. Avalanche danger seems low to moderate, but that is only my opinion. After twenty years of mountaineering, everything seems moderate to me.
Most days it has been Sunny with temperatures in the mid 50s using the Farenheit scale of temperature. Sun block and lots of water or fruit juice during the outing will make you more comfortable in the high solar energy levels that you will encounter.
Trail Ridge Road opened today, but we could see it close temporarily due to unexpected snow and sleet storms. Plan for this road to be unexpectedly closed due to adverse conditions. If you absolutely have to be somewhere on time, choose another route to your destination.
Fall River Road is dry for the first seven miles and offers an opportunity to hike or bicycle this beautiful road without automobile traffic as there is a gate closed at the start of the road until July. This is one of the few opportunities to walk your dog on a leash through the park. Dogs like the park as much or more than humans and we are happy that the National Park Service is encouraging outings with your dog in at least some areas of the park.
The number of visitors is increasing and we are happy to have interesting people from all over the world as guests in our Community. There are lots of opportunities to make new Friends!
Some routes to Happiness are easier than others.... Carefully follow the route that seems like the most Fun!
Arthur Vyn Boennighausen
For more or completely up-to-date information, call Rocky Mountain National Park at (970) 586-1206.
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thoughts to the Webmaster: Arthur Vyn Boennighausen