Trail Ridge Road near Hidden Valley, taken November 24, 2024
NPS
What Are Roads Like During the Winter?
During the winter and spring seasons, be prepared for roads inside Rocky Mountain National Park to be wet, icy, or covered with snow at any time. Conditions can vary greatly based on elevation and weather.
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 Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and at the Colordo River Trailhead on the west side of the park. Closure points on the road may fluctuate, 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."
View of Trail Ridge Road in April 2024
NPS
During Winter & Spring, 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 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 Many Parks Curve.
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 vehicle 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.
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.
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?
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.
NPS
How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?
