#Trail ridge road open how to#

Due to melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. Many Parks Curve is located at an elevation of 9,691 feet.įor park road conditions, call 97 or follow the park's Twitter updates. What is the current status of Trail Ridge Road Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is open to vehicles for the 2023 summer season. More than eight miles of Trail Ridge Road is located at more than 11,000 feet, topping out at 12,183 feet. Fall River Road is usually closed for winter the first week of October. It generally closes for winter the third week of October but can remain open longer depending on conditions. Trail Ridge Road was never meant to be an all-season road. This year, Trail Ridge Road opened on May 27. Trail Ridge Road was temporarily closed Aug. T rail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. Rocky Mountain National Park: Fall planner Winds were expected to gust 20 mph to 30 mph. The gravel Old Fall River Road also closed Tuesday night.ĭavid Barjenbruch, National Weather Service meteorologist in Boulder, said Tuesday that several inches of snow was expected to accumulate. The road was closed Tuesday night in anticipation of forecast snow starting overnight and lasting into Thursday. Rocky Mountain National Park posted on its Twitter page that road conditions will be reassessed Thursday. The high-elevation Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, closed due to wintry weather that rolled in Tuesday evening, might reopen Thursday. Park officials said visitors should be aware that road conditions may change and to check the road status line at 97 for a recorded message. Thursday: Rocky Mountain National Park announced Trail Ridge Road reopened around 12:30 p.m. Let someone know your plans.Watch Video: Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry catches visitors off guard

Descend to ride another day.Ĭell service is non-existent in many locations in this rugged park. If you begin to experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness like headaches, rapid pulse, nausea, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and general malaise, do not go any higher. Consider planning a less ambitious ride than you would at home. If you are not acclimatized, exercise might be more difficult. Trail Ridge Store is the only place to buy food, bottled water, and sports drinks and is only open in summer.Īt high altitude, each breath contains less oxygen. Water may be available at park visitor centers. Carry and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help prevent altitude sickness. It's easy to get dehydrated in Rocky's dry climate and high elevations. Wear a helmet, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring extra layers and waterproof outerwear. See and be seen: wear high-visibility clothing. Lightning is extremely dangerous, especially above treeline. Cold temperatures, gusty winds, frequent thunderstorms, and hail are likely, and even snow is possible. Alpine weather conditions can change quickly and dramatically. Park roads traverse altitudes up to 12,000 feet (3,650 m).

#Trail ridge road open how to#

Pay extra attention, watch for extended side-view mirrors, and don't assume that drivers know how to share the road. Drivers might be watching the scenery and wildlife rather than the road. Many drivers aren't used to driving in the mountains and may be driving rented oversized vehicles or pulling trailers.

There are few guardrails and many steep drop-offs. Road shoulders are narrow and not designed to accommodate cyclists. Park roads are consistently narrow, steep, and winding. After noon, dangerous thunderstorms and lightning are common. After 10 am, roads become congested, and the chance of accidents increases.