Weather Conditions in the Rocky Mountains

Weather Conditions in the Rocky Mountains

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Random Tree

Because of varying altitudes and mountain formations, weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains can suddenly become extremely dangerous. Whether you are visiting in the spring, summer, fall or winter, it is always important to understand and prepare for all weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains.

Elevation

Temperatures typically are moderate at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet. However, higher elevations can have snowfall during summer months.

Fall

Early fall in the Rocky Mountains is typically dry with clear skies. However, early snowstorms can occur during this season.

Summer

During the summer, afternoon thunderstorms and wind are common. According to the National Park Service, temperatures can rapidly drop 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spring

Trails are often still covered with snow in spring. Depending on the altitude, snowfall may occur during the springtime in the Rocky Mountains. In addition, weather often switches between warm, cold, wet and dry conditions.

Winter

At higher altitudes, sudden blizzards, high winds and arctic conditions are common. If you are planning on staying overnight in the high country, the National Park Service recommends visitors to prepare for nights that can be colder than minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, winter activities are popular at lower elevations during the winter.

Article Written By Stephanie D

Stephanie D has been writing and exploring the outdoors for as long as she can remember. She has spent time climbing across the United States and backpacking out west. Stephanie D earned her Bachelor of Science in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword