Is trail ridge road open9/12/2023 ![]() ![]() A late May snowstorm created five-foot deep snow drifts over some portions of the road, leaving park officials uncertain if workers would be able to clear the road in time for Memorial Day weekend. Watch the video below by CBS Denver on the history of the road, the recent finish of road construction in 2011, and the ancient road that came before the pavement.Rocky Mountain National Park announced Friday that Trail Ridge Road is open for the season. Unicycler showing determination in conquering Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road (Photo: Getty Images) The History of Trail Ridge Road Then it’s all-out pandemonium as you plunge back down the 5,000-feet you just climbed. Upon reaching Alpine Visitor Center grab a much deserved snickers bar and soak in the views. The views are spectacular and it’s a perfect place to catch your breath and take a bathroom break.Īs you continue to ascend keep an eye out for building afternoon storms, which can be life threatening above tree line. Since the ride crests at 12,000-feet, make sure you’ve got an extra jacket or arm and leg warmers due to the fact the temperature is usually quite a bit cooler up high.Īs you ride don’t forget to check out Many Parks Curve and Rainbow Curve. Early in the morning it’s not uncommon to see mule deer, moose, elk, and other wildlife grazing in open meadows as you warm up the legs spinning through Beaver Meadows. Our route typically is an out-and-back with a stop at Alpine Visitor Center. Take it from us and start early: We usually hit the road around 8 a.m. The ride is one of the most spectacular in Colorado, and since the grade never exceeds 7 percent the ascent is relatively gradual. While most visitors decide to experience Trail Ridge Road by car, a small majority decide to hop on their bikes and ascend at a much slower pace. ![]() Climb the short Alpine Ridge Trail near the Alpine Visitors Center to see an amazing sunset NPS/Jacob W Frank Biking Trail Ridge The Alpine Visitor Center sits close to the halfway mark, and is a perfect place to grab a cup of hot chocolate and soak in the views.ĭrive Time: 1.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops at overlooks. ![]() Some of the most popular turnouts along the way includes: Many Parks Curve, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Medicine Bow Curve. The road quickly ascends 4,000-feet breaking tree line and emerging into open tundra resembling a baron moonscape of rock and jagged peaks. To access Trail Ridge Road, start from either Estes Park on the eastern side of the Park, or Grand Lake to the west. and an early start can mean enjoying the scenery at your own pace, while also photographing stunning sunrises and grazing wildlife. ![]() Tour buses, RV’s, and other drivers usually pack the road around 10 or 11 a.m. If you plan on driving, heed our advice and start early. The drive is fairly relaxing since the two-lane highway never reaches grades above 7% and has only a few hairpin turns. Most Park visitors choose to drive Trail Ridge Road, pulling over periodically to take advantage of countless turnouts and sweeping views along the way. Driving Trail Ridge Road Car lights illuminate Trail Ridge Road at night Grant Ordelheide Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Known appropriately as the “Highway to the Sky,” it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. To drive Trail Ridge Road, you must have a park reservation, or you can enter the park before or after the reservation time period (before 9 am or after 2 pm). Note: In 2023, Rocky Mountain National Park has a seasonal timed-entry reservation system during busy daylight hours. Some September and October snows close the road temporarily. Some early June nights can have temperatures below freezing, so be prepared for night road closings. This high alpine road is only open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October when roads are clear of ice and snow, so even though the video above was taken on June 1, 2014, you can still see a lot of snow. The time lapse video below goes 43 miles from the northeast entrance of the park to the west entrance. The road winds past countless 12,000-foot peaks, high-alpine tundra and some of the park’s best views. Completed in 1933, Trail Ridge Road spans Rocky Mountain National Park from east to west, and links the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Colo. ![]()
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