Park Roads

 

Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Highway 34 inside Rocky Mountain National Park) is Open For the Season - Timed Entry Reservations Required For Trail Ridge Road 9 am to 2 pm

Due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. Because weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans at any time and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at [phone].  Park staff will update the recorded line when/if the road status changes.

Rocky Mountain National Park has a Timed Entry Reservation System in Place During Certain Times of Day

There are two types of reservations available. One option is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor and rest of the park. This reservation period is from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Another timed-entry option is for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor, and includes Trail Ridge Road. This reservation period is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.

To learn more visit the park's Timed Entry webpage.

 

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 [phone]. 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."

 

Old Fall River Road is closed to all uses for spring opening

NPS

Spring opening operations for Old Fall River Road Continue

• On Tuesday, July 1, Old Fall River Road will be closed to all uses (including pedestrians, people walking dogs on leash, and cyclists) between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2 through Thursday, July 3, the road will be closed to all uses for dust abatement.

Old Fall River Road will open for the season to vehicles on Friday morning, July 4. This historic road normally opens to vehicles in early July.

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?

Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. This scenic the scenic 9.4-mile route is one-way uphill only.

Old Fall River Road is a winding, narrow, and unpaved road which starts next to Endovalley Picnic Area and ends at the top of Fall River Pass and merges with Trail Ridge Road at Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. This road follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.

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 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. To learn more and to make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov.

 

Wild Basin Road - Ruts and Potholes are in the road

NPS

Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses For Road Maintenance Tuesday, July 15 through Friday, July 18

Beginning Tuesday, July 15, through Friday, July 18, the Wild Basin Road 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 15 through July 18, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

Shuttles are in service on Bear Lake Road through mid-October. For route schedules and additional information on transportation, Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation.

 

NPS

How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?

Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions outside the 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.