WEATHER AND ROADS

Weather

The high country of Rocky Mountain National Park is noted for extreme weather patterns. Shaped by elevation, slope, and exposure, these patterns can change rapidly. See the section on Weather and Climate for detailed information and statistics.

Go to The National Weather Service for an up to date weather forcast.

Roads

Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved roads in any US National Park. Trail Ridge Road crests at 12,183 - higher than any mountain in Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks! Because of the high altitudes and exposure of park roads, they are subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes.

Bear Lake Road and the lower portions of Trail Ridge Road are open year-round. The central part of Trail Ridge Road is generally open from late May through mid-October. As of 11:15 am Wednesday May 24 Trail Ridge Road is open. Due to weather conditions the road may close periodically. For current road conditions, please call (970) 586-1206.

Old Fall River Road is a steep, one-way, unpaved road. It is typically open from July 4th weekend through late September. It is not suitable for RV's or low-clearance vehicles, but provides spectacular views for suitable passenger cars, trucks, or SUV's.

Trail Ridge Road rises above where trees can grow; the central eleven miles of this high route traverse open, windswept alpine tundra. This route provides some of the greatest mountain views available from roadside in this nation.

See menu choices at your right for more detailed Weather and Road Information.

Drawing by Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), Summer 2000
click here to see the full set of drawings on the park's road system (3.5M PDF file)