Due to ongoing and forecasted winter weather conditions at higher elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road will not be opening this holiday weekend. Park snowplow operators have been plowing Trail Ridge Road since mid-April. May storms with significant winds at higher elevations have hampered snow plowing operations. Plow operators this week have encountered additional snow accumulation, significant wind resulting in deep snow drifts, freezing cold temperatures and ice.
Current vehicle closure points on Trail Ridge Road are at Many Parks Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side. Pedestrians and bicyclists should prepare for high wind gusts, snow accumulation, deep drifted snow and ice above tree line. Access points for these users will vary based on weather and road conditions. Visitors parked in traffic lanes or blocking access gates will be cited and towed. Visitors traveling past pedestrian and bicycle closures will be cited.
It's springtime in the Rockies!
(Dates of the varied plowing operations are included in the photo caption)
- Kyle
Kyle Patterson
Management Specialist/Public Affairs Officer
Rocky Mountain National Park
(970) 586-1363
www.facebook.com/RockyNPS
*1st photo is from May 21, 2nd and 3rd photos are from May 15
