Park Roads

 
 
A section of Trail Ridge Road seen near Rock Cut, the road is clear of snow with patches of snow on tundra near the road.
A section of Trail Ridge Road near Rock Cut - May 30, 2025

NPS

What are Roads Inside Rocky Like In Spring?

As winter transitions to spring and early summer (from April to June), be prepared for roads inside Rocky Mountain National Park to be dry, wet, icy, or have patches of snow at any time. Conditions can vary greatly based on elevation and weather. Rain at lower elevations, even in the middle of summer, can mean snow above 10,000 feet. Temporary road closures can go into effect at any time of the year based on weather and road conditions.


Trail Ridge Road is Open for the Season!

Due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. Weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations and park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly at any time.

For updates, call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at (970) 586-1222. Park staff will update the recorded line when/if the road status changes.

Additional Trail Ridge Road Information

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It is 48-miles one-way across Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs to an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level. During the summer season, Trail Ridge Road connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.

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."

 
Two orange signs are posted at the entrance to Old Fall River Road, a road with a dirt surface, showing the road is closed to all uses. Trees and vegetation line both sides of the narrow one-lane road on a sunny day with clear blue sky
Old Fall River Road is closed to all uses for spring opening

NPS

Spring Snowplowing Operations and Road Maintenance is Underway on Old Fall River Road

Old Fall River Road is closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) Tuesdays through Fridays between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • This closure is expected to remain in place through the month of June. The road normally opens to vehicles in late June/early July.


While spring opening operations are underway, Old Fall River Road is open to pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash and cyclists on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

  • The road is also open to these users Tuesdays through Fridays after 4:30 p.m.


All users must adhere to posted road closure signs. Violators will be cited. Parking in front of the access gate to Old Fall River Road is prohibited. Park vehicles will be entering and exiting Old Fall River Road throughout the day. Any vehicles that block road access will be towed and cited.

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.

 
Trail Ridge Road above Rainbow Curve in early summer, with snow along the side of the road
Trail Ridge Road above Rainbow Curve - May 29, 2025

NPS

Enjoy a scenic drive during the spring and summer seasons!

Interested in taking a scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park? Several popular scenic driving destinations are open:

  • Bear Lake Road
  • Endovalley Road
  • Trail Ridge Road


Expect conditions to vary at different elevations

Road conditions and weather can vary greatly throughout the year. 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. 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.
 
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?

During the winter season, shuttles are not in operation. Shuttle operations on Bear Lake Road will resume on Friday, May 23, 2025.

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

 
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.

 

Last updated: June 6, 2025

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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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