Rocky Mountain National Park announced today, May 22, that Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, will not be opening for Memorial Day Weekend as previously planned. The highest continuous paved road in the United States typically opens on Memorial Day Weekend, but this year, the forecasted and ongoing winter weather conditions prevent a timely opening. Park snowplow operators have been plowing Trail Ridge Road since mid-April, but May storms with significant winds at higher elevations have hampered operations.
Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails, and no shoulders. Last year, the road closed for the winter on October 22, 2022, and opened for the summer season on May 26, 2023. The earliest the road opened was May 7, 2002, while the latest was June 26, 1943. Trail Ridge Road connects the towns of Estes Park in the east and Grand Lake in the west, reaching 12,183 feet at its highest point. The road is also known as Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway. The road will be closed from Many Parks Curve on the east and Colorado River Trailhead on the west.
Plow operators encountered additional snow accumulation this week after significant winds created deep snow drifts and freezing cold temperatures brought ice to the road. Rocky Mountain National Parks warns, “Pedestrians and bicyclists should prepare for high wind gusts, snow accumulation, deep drifted snow and ice above tree line.”
Please note that cars parked in traffic lanes or blocking access gates will be cited and towed. In addition, visitors traveling past pedestrian and bicycle closures will also be cited.
