Trail Ridge Road Closed For Season

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, Trail Ridge Road officially closed  for the season to through travel.   Since Saturday, October 22, Trail  Ridge Road has been closed due to consistent winter conditions of  drifting snow, high winds and below freezing temperatures above 10,000  feet.

Trail Ridge Road, one of the most impressive alpine highways in the  United States, is the highest continuous paved road in America and  reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet.  The road connects the park’s  gateway communities of Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the  west.  The road is currently closed at Colorado River Trailhead on the  west side and Many Parks Curve on the east side.

According to  park superintendent Vaughn Baker, “After yesterday’s significant  snowfall and with the forecast for periodic storms at high elevations  accompanied by wind and ice, we have officially closed Trail Ridge Road  for the season.  The snow will continue to blow and drift at higher  elevations, making snow clearing operations and driving conditions  extremely hazardous.  During the winter season, weather permitting, we  will keep Trail Ridge Road open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of  the park and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the  park.”

The average winter closure dates for Trail Ridge Road  have been October 23.  Although often times the road closes earlier and  does not reopen, the previous ten year’s official closure dates are:  October 29, 2010, October 21, 2009, November 6, 2008, October 22, 2007,  October 23, 2006, November 4, 2005, October 25, 2004, November 6, 2003,  November 1, 2002 and October 18, 2001.   The central portion of Trail  Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting.   This year Trail Ridge Road opened on June 6.  Due to the most snow seen  in late spring in over thirty years, this was the latest the road had  opened in almost forty years.

Old Fall River Road officially  closed for the season on October 14, 2011.  Old Fall River Road is an  unpaved road that travels from Endovalley picnic area to above treeline  at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin.  Due to  the road’s narrow nature, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail  Ridge Road is one way only.

Both roads have reverted to trail  status; therefore bicycles and dogs are not permitted.  For current road  conditions and other park information, please call (970) 586-1206.