Park Roads

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Driving in the Mountains is Always an Adventure

Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved roads in any national park in the United States, with Trail Ridge Road cresting at 12,183 feet. Be prepared for strong winds and rapid weather changes.

• Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions outside the park.
• Call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line at 970 586-1222 for the most up-to-date status of Trail Ridge Road.

 

Construction Projects Affecting Roads

 

US Highway 36

This May through September, major road construction will occur on US 36 inside of Rocky Mountain National Park. The work will take place on a 3-mile section of US 36, just west of Bear Lake Road junction to east of Deer Ridge Junction. Beginning in May, this section of road will be closed nightly from 7 pm to 7 am, Sunday nights through Friday mornings. There will be no nightly closures on Friday and Saturday nights.

When the road reopens each morning at 7 am to traffic, motorists should expect delays and a rough surface. Bicyclists and motorcyclists should avoid this section of road this summer and enter the park through the Fall River Entrance.

The entire depth of asphalt will be removed and a new surface will be installed. Many curves will be reconstructed to bring them into compliance with federal highway standards. Visitor pull offs will be formalized and curbing will be added where necessary to protect vegetation.

Upper Beaver Meadows Road will also be inaccessible during nightly closures.

 

Trail Ridge Road

Open to motorized vehicles.

• Reservations are required to drive a private vehicle on Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park between 6 am and 5 pm. Learn more.
• Night closures are possible depending on weather. Be prepared to adjust travel plans.
• Be prepared for icy conditions due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures.

Open to pedestrians (including those with leashed pets) and bicyclists through Saturday, November 30.

A section of Trail Ridge Road from just west of Bear Lake Road junction to east of Deer Ridge Junction is closed nightly from 7 pm to 7 am, Sunday nights through Friday mornings. Learn more.

Trail Ridge Road Status Line: 970 586-1222
This recorded message has the most up-to-date information on whether Trail Ridge Road is open or closed and is available 24 hours per 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.

Learn more about this scenic drive.

 

Old Fall River Road

Open to motorized vehicles through Sunday, October 4.

Open to pedestrians (including those with leashed pets) and bicyclists through Saturday, November 30, except during road operations (see above).

• Reservations are required to drive a private vehicle on Old Fall River Road between 6 am and 5 pm. Learn more.
• While safe to drive for most passenger vehicles, Old Fall River Road has a dirt surface and is winding and narrow.
• The road is one-way only from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass.
• Vehicles over 25 feet or pulling trailers are prohibited.

 

Wild Basin Road

Open to motorized vehicles. Timed entry permit required for entry between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.