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It's Summer - Be Prepared Changing and Variable Road Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park
In the Rocky Mountains, conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for sun, strong winds, blowing snow, and icy on roads at any time. Temporary road closures can go into effect at any time, based on weather and conditions.
Thank you to the RMNP Roads Crew for all their hard work to get the park road ready for summer!
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 at Rock Cut
NPS Photo
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."
Wild Basin Road
Beginning Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance.
This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance Station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead.
The park’s roads crew will be spreading gravel and grading this narrow road to address ruts, potholes and help with drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses from July 21 through July 23, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park during this time.
The trailhead parking area for the Sandbeach Lake Trail will not be impacted by this closure.
Old Fall River Road in early July
NPS Photo
Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road will open for the season to vehicles on Saturday morning, July 4. This historic road normally opens to vehicles in early July.
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. It is an unpaved road which starts next to Endovalley Picnic Area and ends, merging with Trail Ridge Road, at the top of Fall River Pass in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet above sea level. This road follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.
Old Fall River Road is a seasonal road open to vehicles each year from early July to early October.
During certain hours of the day, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will need a timed entry reservation. There are two reservation options available: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road. Timed Entry Reservations are required to enter the park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These reservations provide access to areas of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road corridor, including access to Old Fall River Road.
This is a winding, narrow, and unpaved road. 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?
Winter Driving - 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 vehicle 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.
NPS
How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?
