Winter Driving in RMNP

A park road is icy and snowpacked

NPS Photo

Planning to Drive in Rocky Mountain National Park 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 and on the park App.

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 Closed to Through Traffic for the 2022-2023 Winter 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, 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.

 

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.

Details

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

Yes

A park entrance fee or valid park pass is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park 24 hours per day/7 days per week. 

Reservations

No

Season

Winter

Accessibility Information

Roads in Rocky Mountain National Park are open to all personal vehicles.