Due to freezing temperatures, ice, and snow, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Highway 34) remains temporarily closed. Rocky Mountain National Park reports that it is snowing in the Kawuneeche Valley, and a hazardous weather outlook is in place.
The road is closed at Rainbow Curve on the park’s east side and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west. For the most up-to-date information on Trail Ridge Road, visit www.nps.gov/romo or call 970-586-1222. Visitors should be prepared for winter driving conditions in the mountains and adjust travel plans as needed.
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO 359 AM MDT Tue Oct 22 2024 COZ030>051-231000- Jackson County Below 9000 Feet- West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet- Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet- South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/ Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet- South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/ Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above 9000 Feet-Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet- Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet- Central and Southeast Park County- Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County- Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield County- North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County- Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet- Northeast Weld County-Central and South Weld County-Morgan County- Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties- North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln County- Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County- Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County-Phillips County- 359 AM MDT Tue Oct 22 2024 This hazardous weather outlook is for northeast and north central Colorado. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight It will be dry and warmer today. Breezy conditions will occur over the higher terrain and across the plains near the Wyoming- Nebraska area. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday Dry weather will prevail this week with above normal temperatures. A cold front should bring slightly cooler temperatures for Thursday and Friday. It may be breezy to windy on Thursday with elevated fire weather conditions. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed today or tonight. $$
Trail Ridge Road is not designed as an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails, and no shoulders. Winter conditions include drifting snow, high winds, and below-freezing temperatures above 10,000 feet.
Last year, the road closed for the winter on October 18.
Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may also become active at any time. When vehicle traction law is in effect, all vehicles (including 4-wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow, or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16” tread. If your vehicle has poorly rated tires, you must use an approved traction control device. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires.
Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend. The earliest the road opened was May 7th, 2002; the latest was June 26th, 1943. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbing to 12,183 feet, and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
