Park Roads

 

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

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.

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

 

A section of Bear Lake Road in September

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Take a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road

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.

See the latest weather forecast for Trail Ridge Road.

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."

 

Enjoy a scenic drive on Bear Lake Road in summer

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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.

 

Take a scenic drive on Old Fall River Road

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Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road

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. The road ends and merges with Trail Ridge Road at top of Fall River Pass in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet above sea level.

This is a seasonal road open to vehicles each year from early July to early October. Weather permitting, Old Fall River Road will close for the season on October 6, 2025.

What is a drive on Old Fall River Road like?

This is a winding, narrow, and unpaved road which starts next to Endovalley Picnic Area. This road follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.

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.

Timed Entry Reservations:

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.

 

Trail Ridge Road above Rainbow Curve - May 29, 2025

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What are Roads Inside RMNP Like In the Fall?

As summer transitions to fall and early winter, be prepared for roads inside Rocky Mountain National Park to be dry, wet, icy, or be impacted by snow.

• Conditions can vary greatly based on elevation and weather.
• Rain at lower elevations, can mean snow is falling in areas above 10,000 feet in elevation.

Temporary road closures can go into effect at any time based on weather and road conditions.

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. Based on weather and road conditions, Colorado Vehicle Traction Control Law may go into effect at any time.

 

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.

 

Use the park's free shuttle bus to reach popular destinations like Moraine Park, Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake

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Interested in Learning About the Park's Shuttles or Bustang Buses?

Use the park's free shuttle bus to reach popular destinations like Moraine Park, Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake. 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.

 

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How Can I Find Information on Roads Outside the Park?

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