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It's Winter - Be Prepared for Snow on Roads and Winter Driving Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park
Update as of December 9, 2025
In the Rocky Mountains, conditions can change rapidly during the winter season. Be prepared for strong winds, blowing snow, and icy on roads at any time. A day can begin sunny and a storm can roll in within a few hours, changing conditions dramatically. Conditions can also greatly vary based on where you are in elevation. Use caution and pay attention to the weather forecast when driving and recreating in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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.
A road in RMNP is covered with a layer of fresh snow and ice in winter
NPS Photo
Winter Road Closures are In Effect for the 2025/2026 Season
During the winter season, a number of roads inside Rocky Mountain National Park are closed to vehicles. The closures listed below are currently in effect.
On the East Side of RMNP
Trail Ridge Road - the road is closed from Many Parks Curve to Colorado River Trailhead
Wild Basin Road - the road is closed at the Winter Access Gate
Endovalley Road - the road is closed just west of West Alluvial Fan Parking Area
Old Fall River Road
Upper Beaver Meadows Road - the road is closed at the junction with Trail Ridge Road/U.S. Highway 36
On the West Side of RMNP
Trail Ridge Road - the road is closed from Colorado River Trailhead to Many Parks Curve
Coyote Valley Parking
Bowen Baker Access Road
North Inlet Parking
Temporary road closures can go into effect on any road inside Rocky Mountain National Park and at any time based on weather and road conditions
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. Based on weather and road conditions, Colorado Vehicle Traction Control Law may go into effect at any time.
Enjoy a scenic drive on Bear Lake Road in summer
NPS Photo
Take a Scenic Drive on Bear Lake Road
Bear Lake Road is open year-round. In the winter and spring, be prepared for snow and ice on the road. Traction control may go into effect at any time.
This is a 9.2-mile paved road that winds and climbs in elevation from 8,200 feet above sea level (2,500 meters) at the junction with Trail Ridge Road near the park's Beaver Meadows Entrance to 9,475 feet (2888 meters) where the road ends at 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.
Trail Ridge Road is closed for the winter season at Many Parks Curve
NPS Photo
Additional Information on Trail Ridge Road
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."
Take a scenic drive on Old Fall River Road
NPS Photo
Learn About Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920 as the first road to the Alpine tundra. This scenic 9.4-mile route is one-way uphill only. The road ends and merges with Trail Ridge Road at top of Fall River Pass in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet above sea level.
Old Fall River Road is currently closed to all vehicles. This is a seasonal road open to vehicles each year from early July to early October.
What is a drive on Old Fall River Road like?
This is a winding, narrow, and unpaved road which starts next to Endovalley Picnic Area. This road follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.
Based on weather and conditions, temporary closures may go into effect at any time.
Because of the narrow width and sharp switch backs, vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers or tow vehicles are prohibited from traveling on Old Fall River Road.
During the summer season, shuttles are available to popular destinations along Bear Lake Road
NPS Photo
Interested in Learning About the Park's Shuttles or Bustang Buses?
Shuttles inside the park and Bustang buses to RMNP are not available during the winter season.
