For a recorded status line on Trail Ridge Road please call (970) 586-1222. This year, crews ran into average snowpack.įor more information about Rocky Mountain National Park visit or call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206. 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 began clearing the snow in the middle of April. Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season last year on October 24. 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 27. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The second permit is for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor, and includes Trail Ridge Road. One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. In 2023, there are two types of reservations available. The park has piloted various visitor use management strategies since 2016, including first-come, first-served as well as different parkwide Timed Entry Permit Reservation system pilots since 2020. Visitor crowding and congestion have led to increased negative impacts to visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experience and operational capacity. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks in the country, with over 4.3 million visitors in 2022. The timed entry system for Rocky Mountain National Park will begin on Friday.Īdditional Information from Rocky Mountain National Park: However, RMNP officials said that because of melting snow on the road and the potential for freezing temperatures, travelers should be prepared for icy conditions.īecause weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations, visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and call the Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at (970) 586-1222 which is updated by park staff. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will open on Friday, May 26 at 6 a.m. Let someone know your plans.Crews busy plowing Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park 02:40 Descend to ride another day.Ĭell service is non-existent in many locations in this rugged park. If you begin to experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness like headaches, rapid pulse, nausea, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and general malaise, do not go any higher. Consider planning a less ambitious ride than you would at home. If you are not acclimatized, exercise might be more difficult. Trail Ridge Store is the only place to buy food, bottled water, and sports drinks and is only open in summer.Īt high altitude, each breath contains less oxygen. Water may be available at park visitor centers. Carry and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help prevent altitude sickness. It's easy to get dehydrated in Rocky's dry climate and high elevations. Wear a helmet, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring extra layers and waterproof outerwear. See and be seen: wear high-visibility clothing. Lightning is extremely dangerous, especially above treeline. Cold temperatures, gusty winds, frequent thunderstorms, and hail are likely, and even snow is possible. Alpine weather conditions can change quickly and dramatically. Park roads traverse altitudes up to 12,000 feet (3,650 m). Pay extra attention, watch for extended side-view mirrors, and don't assume that drivers know how to share the road. Drivers might be watching the scenery and wildlife rather than the road. Many drivers aren't used to driving in the mountains and may be driving rented oversized vehicles or pulling trailers. There are few guardrails and many steep drop-offs. Road shoulders are narrow and not designed to accommodate cyclists. Park roads are consistently narrow, steep, and winding. The overlook is highly elevated and offers a mesmerizing view of the rocky mountains. One of the most popular viewpoints over the national park, Forest Canyon represents the perfect spot for a well-deserved break. After noon, dangerous thunderstorms and lightning are common. 7 Scenic Stops You Have to See Along the Trail Ridge Road. After 10 am, roads become congested, and the chance of accidents increases.
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