Park Roads

Trail Ridge Road is covered in drifting snow

NPS

Learn About Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is Closed to Through Traffic for the 2022 Season

Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of RMNP and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park.

• Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season.
• For the most current information on Trail Ridge Road, call the Trail Ridge Road recorded phoneline at 970-586-1222.
• Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails and no shoulders. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet.
• Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting.

Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved roads in any national park in the United States, with Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) cresting at 12,183 feet above sea level. This is the highest continuously paved road in North America.

• Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. To learn about the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, click this link to visit the park's weather page.

Trail Ridge Road Recorded Phone Line: 970-586-1222

This recorded phone line has the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road. This information is available 24 hours a day.

• Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any time—be ready to adjust your travel plans if needed, and always check the weather before you start your drive.
• There are no shoulders and few guardrails.
• Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am.

Click here to learn more about driving on Trail Ridge Road

 

Snow packed road in Rocky Mountain National Park

NPS

Planning to Drive in Rocky During the Winter Season?

Road conditions can vary greatly during the winter season. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions.

Roads may be snowpacked and icy. 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. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require.

What Does it Mean When Traction Control is Active in the Park?

For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, the 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?

• Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. Conditions at 5,000 feet are dramatically different from conditions above 8,000 feet.
• Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions.
• 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.

Where Can I Get More Information on Park Roads?

• You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206.
• The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturdays - Sundays during the winter season.
• You can also call the Recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at [phone].

I'm Driving from Grand Lake to Estes Park, Can I Drive Over Trail Ridge Road?

Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails and no shoulders. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet.

Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park.

How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?

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

 

A vehicle is driving on Trail Ridge Road in the fog.

NPS/Marino

Where Can I Learn About the Current Status of Park Roads?

• Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. Conditions at 5,000 feet are dramatically different from conditions above 8,000 feet.
• Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions.
• 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.

Where Can I Get More Information on Park Roads?

• You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970 586-1206.
• The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Sundays during the summer. Weekend hours vary based on the season.
• You can also call the Recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at [phone].

How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?

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

 

Autumn Colors on Old Fall River Road

NPS Photo/Schonlau

Take a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road

Important Dates:

Old Fall River Road is closed to vehicles for the season.

Old Fall River Road is open to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30.

• Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails.
• On December 1, the road will revert to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on Old Fall River Road.

What is a drive on Old Fall River Road Like?

Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs.

Take in stunning views of Mount Chapin and Chasm Falls as you climb through the sub-alpine and into the alpine life zones. Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920.

Be Prepared

• While safe to drive for most passenger vehicles, Old Fall River Road has a dirt surface and is winding and narrow. AWD and 4WD vehicles are advised.
• Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. Use Trail Ridge Road to return.
• This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. Vehicles longer than 25 feet in length and vehicles with trailers are prohibited.
• Use a lower gear. The speed limit is 15 mph.
• Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline.

 

Hiker Shuttle picking up passengers at the Estes Park Visitor Center

NPS

Interested in Learning About Rocky's In-Park Shuttles, the Hiker Shuttle, and Other Public Transportation Options?

Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation