Rocky Mountain · December
Rocky Mountain in December
December is one of the best times to visit Rocky Mountain — about as busy as November, busier than January.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 23% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 39°F
- Avg low
- 16°F
- Precipitation
- 0.6"
- Sunrise
- 7:18 AM
- Sunset
- 4:37 PM
- Daylight
- 9.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Estes Park
What's open
Rocky Mountain in December: access
Open 24 hours; Trail Ridge Road closed mid-Oct to late May
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Trail Ridge Road closed for winter
Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., typically closes mid-October and reopens by Memorial Day.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
A Fire Ban (Stage 2 Fire Restrictions) Are In Effect
Due to very high fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect, this means that all campfires, including charcoal briquette fires are not permitted anywhere within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning today, June 29, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Trail Ridge Road closed for winter
Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., typically closes mid-October and reopens by Memorial Day.
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Update on Transponders
Due to some unexpected technical issues that are impacting recent transponder sales and renewals, Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily pausing the sale and renewal of transponder devices. Updates will be posted on the park webpage.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
A Fire Ban (Stage 2 Fire Restrictions) Are In Effect
Due to very high fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect, this means that all campfires, including charcoal briquette fires are not permitted anywhere within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning today, June 29, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Rocky Mountain crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Rocky Mountain in December
How busy is Rocky Mountain in December?
December rates 3/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Rocky Mountain National Park — about 23% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 157,726.
What is the weather like at Rocky Mountain in December?
In December, Rocky Mountain averages a high of 39°F and a low of 16°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.