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.
Expect light crowds (3/10), highs near 39°F, about 9.3 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 4% of Rocky Mountain’s yearly visitors.
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:
- Park Closure
Trail Ridge Road is Closed at Many Parks Curve & Milner Pass
Due to recent winter storms, Trail Ridge Road is temporarily closed on the east side of the park at Many Parks Curve and at Milner Pass on the west side of the park. Call the Trail Ridge Road recorded line at 970-586-1222 for the most up-to-date conditions.
Details on nps.gov → - 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 →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
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.
How much does it cost to visit Rocky Mountain?
Entrance to Rocky Mountain costs $30 ($30 per private vehicle, valid 1 day; timed-entry reservations in peak season).
When is Rocky Mountain least crowded?
Rocky Mountain is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Rocky Mountain get in December?
In mid-December, Rocky Mountain gets about 9.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:18 AM and sunset around 4:37 PM.