Rocky Mountain National Park‘s Trail Ridge Road is officially closed for the 2024/25 winter season. The road, covering a total of 48 miles between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, features 11 miles above 11,500 feet, making it highly dangerous during winter conditions.
In the 11 miles section above 11,500 feet, few guardrails and no shoulders exist to keep drivers on the road, while drifting snow, high winds and below-freezing temperatures can be pretty common above 10,000 feet. Rainbow Curve on the east side of RMNP and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park mark the closure points for the road.
“Interested in taking a scenic drive? There are several popular scenic driving destinations open this time of year, including Bear Lake Road, Endovalley Road, Trail Ridge Road on the west side of RMNP from Grand Lake Entrance to the Colorado River Trailhead and Trail Ridge Road on the east side of RMNP to Rainbow Curve.” – Rocky Mountain National Park
Depending on weather, Trail Ridge Road tends to reopen in late May, often during the last week. Last spring, the road opened on May 31. Old Fall River Road in the park is also closed for the season, with its last day taking place on October 8. Until November 30, bicycles, hikers, and leashed pets will continue to be allowed on the closed section of Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. On December 1 and on, only pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers will be allowed on the roads.