News Release

Old Fall River Road Will Remain Open To Vehicles Until Further Notice

Date: October 4, 2020
Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, 970-586-1363
Contact: Park Information, 970-586-1206

Due to access for fire personnel, Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will remain open to vehicles until further notice. The road reopened on September 30, after being closed to vehicles since September 5, due to the Cameron Peak Fire.    

Beginning in 2016, Old Fall River Road has been closed the first Monday in October for the season to vehicles. After winterization road maintenance occurs, the road reopens to bicyclists and pedestrians until December 1, when it reverts to winter trail status.    

Fire vehicles will continue to use Old Fall River Road. For safety reasons, park managers will delay the exclusive use by cyclists and pedestrians and will keep the road open to vehicles until further notice.     

In an abundance of caution, the trailhead at Chapin Pass has closed again due to forecast weather conditions on the Cameron Peak Fire.     

Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road.          

For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at [phone].