![]() ![]() Spring storms often impact plowing activities. The visitor center is the highest in the National Park Service, sitting at 11,796 feet above sea level. Crews from the west side of the park and crews from the east side of the park move along the road and eventually meet at the Alpine Visitor Center. National Park Service plow operators normally begin clearing the snow in the middle of April. Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season last year on October 27. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. ![]() The earliest the road has opened was on the latest June 26, 1943. Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend last year the road opened on May 31, due to a late May snowstorm. Park staff will update the recorded line during and after regular office hours, when the road status changes. Because weather conditions may change rapidly, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222. At this time, night time closures will not be implemented. Due to melting snow on the road visitors should be prepared for icy conditions. Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Store are anticipated to open on Friday. Drivers with fears of heights and/or drop offs may be advised to avoid this road.Photo credit: Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is open for the season.Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline.Vehicles longer than 25 feet in length and vehicles with trailers are prohibited. A some points, the grade is as steep as 16%. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns.Keep an eye out for wildlife - elk, mule deer, yellow-bellied marmots and pikas could all be in the area. Drivers have an opportunity to take a short hike to Chasm Falls from a pullout.Old Fall River Road connects with Trail Ridge Road at the Alpine Visitor Center. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way uphill road only.While safe to drive for most passenger vehicles, Old Fall River Road has a dirt surface and is winding and narrow.Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920. Take in stunning views of Mount Chapin and Chasm Falls as you climb through the sub-alpine and into the alpine life zones. Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. Old Fall River Road is a narrow, dirt road. On December 1, the road will revert to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on the road. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. On Saturday, October 15, the road will reopen to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30. Starting Tuesday, October 11, Old Fall River Road will close again to all uses for continued road maintenance through Friday, October 14. Old Fall River Road will reopen temporarily to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers from Saturday October 8, through Monday, October 10. The road will be closed to all uses through Friday, October 7, for park staff to conduct road maintenance. Old Fall River Road is a seasonal road. Old Fall River Road is closed for the 2022-2023 season to vehicles. ![]()
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