18 replies to this topic

[Laney]

Hello,
I'm new here and am hoping you can help me plan my trip to RMNP. I'm thinking about visiting over Memorial Day weekend (4-5 days), but am concerned about the weather since Trail Ride Road is a must for me.

I understand Trail Ridge Road generally opens the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, but is that a fairly firm date? And, once it opens, is it still a snow-covered, slippery ride, or is it well cleared of snow?

Given that TRR is a must for me, is a May trip a wise move, or would I be better off postponing it?

I also plan to do some hiking -- is it safe to assume the snow will be gone from the trails?

[Bill 007]

Hello,
I'm new here and am hoping you can help me plan my trip to RMNP. I'm thinking about visiting over Memorial Day weekend (4-5 days), but am concerned about the weather since Trail Ride Road is a must for me.

I understand Trail Ridge Road generally opens the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, but is that a fairly firm date? And, once it opens, is it still a snow-covered, slippery ride, or is it well cleared of snow?

Given that TRR is a must for me, is a May trip a wise move, or would I be better off postponing it?

I also plan to do some hiking -- is it safe to assume the snow will be gone from the trails?

I wish there was a definitive yes to give you but.........maybe. I think that historically TRR should be open and they do make every effort to get it open by that date but..... As far as the trails go it just depends on where you hike. Most of the trails should be clear enough that you can get around easy enough.

I sure hope that helps.

Bill

[ladybug]

Hi Laney,
Welcome to the forums! We have been to RMNP several times in May, it's one of our favorite times to be in the park. There is usually still some snow on the trails when we have hiked in May. I can recall climbing Lily Mountain in May...snow covered trail, but it wasn't so snowy that we needed snowshoes. I still managed with just hiking boots. Where are you planning on hiking?

[Larry]

Welcome aboard.

I just talked to the backcountry ranger office 2 days about. i will be backpacking in Rocky beginning June 4. In trying to plan my trip I asked about TRR and was told that barring a late snow the road is panned to be clear for the big weekend. It should be mostly snow free but there may "be patches that will need care in driving." Crossing the park should be no trouble. Remember all this is subject to Mother Nature.

As for the trails according to the ranger those on the EAST side below 9500 feet should be pretty much snow free. Anything above 10000 will be iffy at best and probably filled with snow. It will just depend on the shade and late weather and at this point it will be hard to guess. He suggested I check the backcountry campsite map and note the melt out dates. That will give a pretty good idea of which trails are clear. From where we sit here in February--it is a real guess job and Bill's "maybe" is absolutely a definite!

Now, did i make that as clear as mud???

Larry

[DeeCeeM]

One thing to keep in mind - and this goes for any time spring through fall - is that even after TRR is "opened" for the year, it is subject to temporary closure due to weather conditions. The point is not that Memorial Day is a bad weekend to go; the point is that plenty of people have planned later trip to make sure TRR is open - only to get there and find it closed anyway!

I'd say if Memorial Day weekend is what works for you, go for it!

[Lsmith]

If you are hiking where there still is snow. I would just recommend "yak tracks" for your shoes for traction because the trails could be hard packed snow or ice.
Lori

[John]

Welcome to the forums!

[Gizzo]

Welcome! If I remember correctly, last May a group of motorcycle bikers went up Trail Ridge after it opened, but got stuck in a blizzard and had to be rescued. Conditions can change very quickly up there. I suggest keeping an eye on the weather and talking to the rangers before you go.

[mjp]

Need some help here. What's a "yak track"?

[ladybug]

Need some help here. What's a "yak track"?

These are strap on thingies for your feet that have metal grips on the soles. Our mail carrier at work wears them because the sidewalks in downtown Des Moines are really icy during the winter...apparently the city doesn't have any salt or de-icer this year.

[GLENNinPA]

Opening Day of TRR in late may 2003. It was pretty awesome. I know there are other folks that have more pictures of other opening days.
Welcome to the forums!

[John]

Need some help here. What's a "yak track"?

Here they are! http://yaktrax.com/


Glenn, those are GREAT pictures!

[Tracy]

Laney,

Welcome to the forums!!!

Tracy

[goatboy]

welcome to our little group !
i can remember going up trr when i was small and seeing the big snows, we have not done it in all my grown up trips but would love to. its always dicey on whether or not its open that early all the time, so go anyways and hope for the best. make sure and post pics for us no-goers this year so we can keep up.
goatboy