Park Roads

 
 
 
A Road Closed gate is closed on Trail Ridge Road a Rainbow Curve
Trail Ridge Road near Rainbow Curve, October 25, 2024

NPS

What is the Current Status of Trail Ridge Road?

Trail Ridge Road is Closed to Through Travel for the Season

Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Rainbow Curve on the east side of the park and at Colordo River Trailhead on the west side of the park. Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season.

With 11 miles of road located at elevations above 11,500 feet, few guard rails, and no shoulders, Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below-freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting.

RMNP staff will update the Trail Ridge Road recorded phone line 970-586-1222 when the road status changes.

During the Fall/Winter Seasons, Can I Recreate on Trail Ridge Road?

Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road will remain open to bicycles, hikers, and people walking leashed pets through November 30.

  • Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the roads, not on side trails.

On December 1, both roads will transition to "winter trail status." On Sunday, December 1, 2024, bicycles and leashed pets will no longer permitted to travel beyond the closed gates. Pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers will be welcome to recreate during the winter season on both roads.

Additional Trail Ridge Road Information

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, cresting at an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level.

In 1931, Horace Albright, second director of the National Park Service, said "it is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make... you will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions."

 

During the Fall/Winter/Spring Seasons Where Can I Take a Scenic Drive?

Interested in taking a scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park? There are several popular scenic driving destinations open during the fall, winter and spring seasons, including:

  • Bear Lake Road
  • Endovalley Road
  • Trail Ridge Road on the west side of RMNP from Grand Lake Entrance to the Colorado River Trailhead
  • Trail Ridge Road on the east side of RMNP from the Beaver Meadows or Fall River Entrances to Rainbow Curve.
 
View of Bear Lake Road's paved surface with Aspen along the road. The trees have leaves of gold, orange and red
Bear Lake Road, taken in September

NPS

Interested in Exploring the Bear Lake Road Corridor?

Bear Lake Road is a paved road that is 9.2-miles long. It winds and climbs in elevation from 8,200 feet above sea level (2,500 meters) at the junction with Trail Ridge Road to 9,475 feet (2888 meters) where the road ends at the Bear Lake Parking Area and Trailhead.

To see a map of the Bear Lake Road Corridor and to learn more about hiking and scenic destinations located along Bear Lake Road, visit the park's Bear Lake Road webpage.

 
Two park shuttle buses are dropping passengers off at Bear Lake Shuttle Stop
The park's shuttles are picking up and dropping off passengers at Bear Lake Shuttle Stop

NPS

Interested in Learning About the Park's Shuttles or Bustang Buses?

To see the shuttle route map, hours, and other information related to Rocky's Shuttles or Bustang Buses, Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation.

 
Old Fall River Road's dirt surface seen lined with aspen trees with yellow leaves
Old Fall River Road, seen in September

NPS

Old Fall River Road is Closed to Vehicles

Old Fall River Road is closed for the season to vehicles

  • Old Fall River Road is currently open to bicycles, leashed pets and hikers through November 30, 2024.
  • Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails.
On December 1, the road will transition to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on the road.

What is a Drive on Old Fall River Road Like?

Built between 1913 and 1920, a drive up Old Fall River Road is an incredible 9.4-mile scenic drive. This unpaved road begins next to Endovalley Picnic Area and follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin's south face. The road ends at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet.

 
Box with Question Mark

NPS

How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?

Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions outside the park.

 
Trail Ridge Road with snow on the tops of near by pine trees and lining the road.
View of Trail Ridge Road in April 2024

NPS

Be Prepared for Varying Conditions at Different Elevations

Road conditions and weather can vary greatly throughout the year. All visitors driving in and around the Rocky Mountain National Park area from mid-October to early June should be prepared for snow, ice and winter driving conditions. Remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time.

Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented, based on conditions.

What Does it Mean When Traction Control is Active?

For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time based on weather and road conditions. While Rocky Mountain National Park has federal exclusive jurisdiction, the park is authorized under 36 CFR 4.2(b) to enforce applicable local and state traffic regulations. When the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is active in RMNP, this means that all vehicles (including 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-Wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16" tread. If you have improperly rated tires on your vehicle, then you must use an approved traction control device. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. When the traction law is in place in RMNP, if a ve hicle is involved in a motor vehicle crash, to include sliding off the road due to icy conditions, motorists will be cited if their vehicle does not meet Colorado Traction Control Law requirements.

Where Can I Learn About the Current Status of Park Roads?

  • For the latest information on park road status, keep an eye out for variable message boards in the park and follow us on Twitter @RockyNPS.
  • Since conditions change quickly, road status updates are not posted on the park's website.
 
 

Last updated: October 25, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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