Current Status at Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: September 23, 2013
Contact: Lindsey Prell, [phone]

Staff continues to examine the condition of facilities and trails to determine which areas can be reopened. Debris is being removed and facilities cleaned where needed. A Facilities Management team is assessing the scope and scale of the flood damage and risk to park facilities, roads, and infrastructure as an initial step in determining long-term repair and rehabilitation needs.

For those hoping to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, here is a breakdown of how to get here and what is open:

Those wishing to access the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park should leave Interstate 70 at exit 243, follow State Highway 119 north from the Blackhawk area to Nederland. Then follow State Highway 72 to Highway 7. Follow Highway 7 north to Estes Park. A GPS may not show this route, so consider using a paper map.

If you are visiting the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, take Highway 34 north from Granby to Grand Lake where you will enter the park at the Grand Lake Entrance Station. 

All trails on the WEST side of the park up to the Colorado River Trailhead are open for day use only. Timber Creek Campground is open, and, for now, no camping fee will be charged. Trail Ridge Road, which is Highway 34 in the park, is temporarily closed at Rainbow Curve on the east side, and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side, due to weather. It will open when conditions permit.

For the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road, visitors are encouraged to call the park's Trail Ridge Road recorded status line at 970-586-1222.

Horseshoe Park is open, and available for elk viewing.

All trails on the EAST side of the park are currently closed, including the Bear Lake Road and the trails leading from Bear Lake Road. Crews are currently assessing infrastructure and trails in these areas.

The communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park are open and welcoming visitors.

For Rocky Mountain National Park information, call the Information Office at 970-586-1206.